Actually, the title’s a little ridiculous. I’ve got a wonderful husband, family and friends, so I have the privilege of feeling loved every day. But this week is particularly special, against that context.
THE COMMENTATOR AWARD
First, Stacey Plowright nominated me for The Commentator Award. Like the Versatile Blogger Award, this is a peer award for bloggers to recognise each other’s contributions to the blogosphere. This time, to thank those who have left kind, helpful or -for whatever reason- good comments on the awarder’s blog. It recognises that one of the key aspects of blogging is the interaction we get from comments, but for me, it’s also a chance to say a big Thank You to all the commenters who take the time to critique my writing. I’m a better writer thanks to you all, and to these few in particular. (If you’ve been nominated before, or just don’t want to carry this on, feel free not to.)
My first two nominees, I chose for their helpful critique comments on my Friday Fiction, but also on my other posts the rest of the week. It’s great to know that I’m provoking interest and comments even outside the Fictioneers main event! Thanks, Rich and Brian
Doug is one of my most consistent and generous commentators on Fridays. I have sometimes teased him for never saying anything constructive, but he was one of the first Fictioneers to welcome me to the group, and I look forward to his generous praise anyway. If he ever comes up with critique, I will certainly know he means it!
Sandra gets the prize for Most Helpful Suggestion ever! Commenting on a piece I wrote about a small rodent’s view of the world, she came up with the perfect title, Ragondin.
Finally, a real-life commentator, whose critiques of my work are detailed and invaluable. Sam is a member of one of my writing groups, and I always enjoy his work as well as his comments on mine. As well as writing, he’s a fantastic artist – both skills are on display online.
** If you want to carry on the award, pick up to 10 people, nominate them in a blog post and let them know you’ve done it, and please mention me for giving you the award.
CANADA’S READERS DIGEST
The second reason I’m feeling loved comes from a less personal source – this esteemed publication in Canada. A few weeks ago, I submitted a handful of shorts from my “Friday Fiction” collection to this magazine and I am ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED to share the news that two of them (including Ragondin mentioned above) have been accepted. More news on publication dates and details in the future, but for now, a whoop of joy and a celebratory dance!
elmowrites 
Nice one! Well done!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your awards
Thanks Reading Pleasure!
Dear Elmo,
You are sweet to nominate me for the Commentator Award. I truly appreciate it and cannot thank you enough.
Being nominated for these type of awards leaves me feeling good on one hand but then something kicks in and I have a very hard time ‘accepting’ them. I’m not sure what to do. The ‘tooting my own horn’ aspect doesn’t feel right somehow and I vacilate. Soon the moment slips by and I return once more to my comfort zone. I’ve come to realize that the roots of these feelings are deep seated and I’m working on sorting them out. (Might take a backhoe.) The upshot of all this is that my reaction is at odds with what a budding writer should do if he or she wishes to take advantage of the benefits of increased follower counts and the networking that come with those increased numbers. Not sure what to do at this stage of the game.
That being said I’d like to thank you for thinking of me. There is a very real sense of joy and accomplishment when a fellow writer thinks enough of my work to acknowledge it in any fashion, no less a peer ‘award’. Please accept a heartfelt Mahalo from me in this regard. It means a lot and I will not take it for granted.
As for you noting tongue in cheek that I never offer constructive criticism of your blog posts you should know that this stems from two facts. First; You are a great writer, educated, literate and knowledgeable about all the composite parts used in the construction of sentences, paragraphs and, by extension, all of your writing. Your work is invariably polished and right on the mark. i cannot think of a time when I’ve thought there was something I should interject. Second; Beyond a vague notion of some very basic rules of grammar, I haven’t a clue whether a sentence is put together correctly, no less whether your work, or anyone else’s is ‘correct’ or not. I write by feel and sound and flow and am probably severely limited by those strictures.
If your writing resonates clear and pure in my mind I can tell you that, and will, but don’t look for me to speak about that which I know little of. Better to be silent and thought a fool than to open my mouth and confirm it.
I wish it were not so, but at this late stage of my life I think I’d better dance with who brung me.
Looking forward, as always, to reading your FridayFictioneers piece tonight.
Aloha,
Doug
Dear Doug,
You are most most welcome for the award, I genuinely appreciate your comments every time; however you do it, your writing has a fantastic tone and if any of my writing works for you, I’m proud of that.
I hope you’ll forgive a habitual critique-r (critter?!) for the line about constructive comments – I am honestly more than happy with whatever you choose to say, positive, negative or otherwise. Never fear being thought (or confirmed) a fool here if you *do* choose to question something I write, though!
Regarding your response to these “awards” – again it’s completely up to you what you do with it, including nothing. Just as long as you know you’re appreciated for both your writing skills and your friendship on this writer’s rocky path.
Jen / Elmo
Dear Jen,
May the rocks be as kind to you as you are to me. I may yet try to cobble together a response to all the awards kindly bloggers have given me. Waiting for inspiration. i think I see her down the road a bit.
Aloha,
Doug
I’ve never known rocks be more than passive to me, but I’m looking forward to their renewed kindness, Doug. 😉 Thank you.