This is just awesome …

I was going to start this post with “a long time ago,” but it wasn’t a long time ago – it was last March, as in still 2014. It just seems like a long time because of everything that’s happened since.

Anyway, in March 2014, I had the good fortune of partnering with the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association to run a March Break story writing contest.

This contest was what introduced me to a very talented writer and rider, Alyssa Schiller, and her extremely supportive mother Bonnie.

I haven’t yet been lucky enough to meet either Alyssa, or Bonnie, in person, but I can tell you, one hundred per cent, Bonnie is the kind of person you want on your side. In addition to being Alyssa’s number one fan, Bonnie has also become my number one fan. Bonnie’s always there with a supportive comment, or ready to buy a book (or two, or three).

And Alyssa – well, I had a chance to read another story she wrote, when I hosted the I Love Horses Writing Contest, and it confirmed to me that her first entry was no fluke. Alyssa has a way with words.

You can read Alyssa’s winning story here, and you can read all the winning stories here.

Bonnie recently let me know of some more good news about Alyssa’s story in this message she sent me:

I just wanted to say “thank you” again for your part in getting Alyssa’s story “The Return of Charlie Brown” printed in the THJA writing contest. It apparently has gained more attention than we could have imagined! Jump Canada has recently reprinted it in their September newsletter and it seems to have gained an immense response. John Taylor, the Chair of Jump Canada has contacted me and said that the response to her story in the newsletter has been amazing! Alyssa is so excited and completely floored by this and I would have to say that we owe you a huge debt of gratitude. You have greatly inspired and encouraged her and, for that, I will be forever grateful!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH and have a wonderful day.

I’m so happy for Alyssa. It just goes to show how good writing touches people.

I talk quite a bit about goals when I’m discussing writing with people. What is your goal as a writer? What do you want to achieve? Are you in it for the money? I usually tell them I hope they’re not! Do you want to win awards? Or do you want to connect with readers?

I very much want to connect with readers, and would rather have heartfelt comments from a few readers who actually sought out, and bought my books, than some sort of more formal recognition from a panel.

That’s why, by sending me this message above, Bonnie has helped to make my dream come true.

I hope to meet many more great readers as I continue to write, and I will never forget the Schillers!