I woke up at 5 this morning with my inbox overflowing with congratulatory messages. I didn't understand what they meant. I didn't understand what I had missed. A suspicion dawned on me, so I checked those forums... and almost dropped my phone.
For years, I've been pouring everything I have into every story I write, stretching myself, pushing myself to get better, to improve, to reach for the stars... I can't even put my joy over this award in words. Thank you so much, everyone who read, rated and commented on my story. Thank you, Laura, for modding and for the RR. And thank you, Chris, for forwarding it to the panel. I'm deeply honored.
There are two people who deserve my deepest gratitude. When I wrote this story, despite my love for the piece, I had little faith in it. It just didn't feel right. I sent the first version to AC and LL for honest feedback and the feedback they gave me was both honest and devastating. "Dude, you can't be serious. You can do better." Without their help and their unadorned honesty, I wouldn't have given the story the careful overhaul it so desperately needed. Thank you so much for your honesty and for reminding me how to 'rite gud'.
Footage of me this morning (mild exaggeration):