As most of you know already, the last few weeks I’ve been facing an interesting dilemma: namely, the possibility that I would have to choose between the Odyssey Writing Workshop (who already has my money) and the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards finalist trip. A small possibility, for certain – perhaps 6% statistically – but a real one. Neither party was willing to budge on their requirements, and it would be nearly impossible to do both.

This week, I found out through the resounding silence that Amazon has probably not picked me for their small group of finalists this year. They had promised to contact finalists “on or about May 16th” by phone or email, and as of this morning I have still heard absolutely nothing. It’s a little like finding out someone has broken up with you because they don’t call – it’s unsettling. But, the announcement of the finalists will be next week, so, like receiving an engagement announcement 2 weeks after the breakup, I’ll get to know for certain that it wasn’t me.

But, after a couple days of carrying my phone with my everywhere, I’m actually not as sad as I expected. Top fifty out of five thousand is still amazing. I’ve still gotten a chance to prove I can write, and to see my name next to “author” on Amazon. That’s a dream in and of itself. Plus, with the agent’s full manuscript request of last week, I’ve made it one more step in the publishing process. So, all in all, it’s a win.

So now, it’s time to settle down and prepare for Odyssey with a singleminded focus. It’s going to be a ride.