A Contest with Cash Prizes

It's getting all cold and Covid up in here

It’s strange to think most of you are getting set to enjoy summer.

Meanwhile, down here in New Zealand, I spent the afternoon stacking wood and preparing our house for winter.

Yes, stacking wood.

One of those “old fashioned” things that’s just normal here in New Zealand.

Stacking wood, hanging out washing, washing dishes by hand. Actually, most people have dishwashers here…just, sadly, not me.

I’m still waiting on kitchen renovations because of COVID delays, etc, etc. You know the deal.

Ah, COVID.

It’s finally hit my house this week.

My teenager tested positive on Wednesday and that means we’re all stuck inside for 7 days. It’s like a forced holiday as long as the rest of us don’t get sick.

Which is why I spent the day doing winter prep (instead of running my kids around like an over-worked taxi driver to their many dance, theatre, music, social activities.)

Another “old fashioned” thing I might do today is write with a pen.

Did you know writing with a pen accesses different parts of your brain?

Stories often come out more creatively than when you’re typing. Handwriting lights up similar parts of your brain to painting or drawing.

So when I really want to dig into a personal essay or piece of creative work, I’ll write by hand.

Talking about personal essays, start getting yours ready because…

My coeditor and I, at our little publication “Inspired Writer”, are running a personal essay contest in June—with cash prizes!

I love running contests. The thought of snuggling up to read all your stories makes me happy, even with the cold weather.

I’ll pass on more details soon, so watch this space.

In the meantime, get some inspiration from the last contest winners here.

Enjoy your day! I hope it’s warmer than mine.

Kelly xx