On competing

So I'm seeing these awesome announcements from gifted writers who not only managed to put out a book, but had the courage to enter them into contests.

I have some of these contests in my bookmarks, but when push comes to shove, I chicken out. I don't know, maybe I just feel lucky to be published and don't want to push it.

I have some vague philosophical notions of finding art and competition a poor mix, but in my heart of hearts I know that mostly I lack the intestinal fortitude to put myself out there like that. So how do you? Is it confidence in your work, or just a 'what they heck, why not?' or a combination?

Or is it from a fiercely competitive spirit?

I admit, I lack the competitive spirit. I remember the day I lost it, too. I used to play basketball and really enjoyed it. It was exciting, there was a lot of movement and strategy. But then, one day, I was running up and down the court. Back and forth. Back and forth. And then I just planted on one side of the court and thought, "they'll be back. I'll just hang out here."

And that was the end of it. Once you decide that chasing the ball isn't actually fun and that when everyone returns from running up and down the court, they'll be more tired than you are, the game is over. Because after that, you think, "What is it, a ball? I don't care about that ball. It's not even a particularly attractive ball, and you don't get to keep it."

Now, replace that ball with the Marc Jacobs handbag I've been eying and you'll see some competitive spirit. You know, until the bag goes on sale and I can afford it. Plus, bags are hard to dribble.

I'm off on a tangent. And I kind of want to go shopping.

Anyway, there is a competition I'm wanting to enter and I'm trying to screw up the courage to do it. Any words of advice would be appreciated.

Or a handbag. I'd like a handbag.