This is It

[enter stage right to thunderous applause…]

Thank you… thank you.

Oh! No need to stand.

A standing ovation is it? You all are too kind. Too kind, I say. Please, sit. Sit! We’ll be here all night long if you keep clapping… Heh… um…

That’s how I imagine I’d start my acceptance speech. I’d be all humble. All teary-eyed and grateful. Then I’d go on and on and on about all the wonderful things I’ve done. I’d wax forever about the first story I wrote in grade school that my English teacher said was great and made me read it out loud to everyone in the classroom. I’d casually insult all the editors who’ve rejected my work. Especially the one who literally told me to stop writing. I might remember to mention some friends along the way. Maybe a shout out to those who’ve helped. And I’d wrap it up by thanking my mom.

For what, you might ask?

I don’t know.

Maybe the award for being amazing? There’s one of those for each of us, right? (Ha! I can dream.)

Or maybe…

Someone’s giving out awards for hobby writers who just finished self-publishing their magnus opus, dope, I mean, their first trilogy?

That’ll be me!

I can see you rolling your eyes. Oh, please! Get over yourself, Nila. Yes, you’ve completed a thing, but lots of people do. You are no different.

Yeah, yeah, I know. But it is something–for me. I can finally share my story with the world. I couldn’t’ be prouder!

Join me in this moment as we bask in the glory of a finished thing.

It may not be a great thing. Probably doesn’t even reach ‘good’ level, but it is a finished thing.

[cue celestial music]

The journey has been long and hard, my friends, but thanks a thousand times over to everyone who encouraged and helped along the way. I am blessed to have you all in my life.

Until next time, go read my books! They are all currently free to read in Kindle Unlimited.