You’ll see my name on the cover of one of these soon enough.
I’ve vaguely heard of the O. Henry Award for short stories, but never really paid attention. Now that I’m settling into my writing life, I want one. I know I should just write a story because it needs to be told and not to win something, but darn it, I’m only human. I WANT THIS AWARD. This award needs to be mine!
So. In my quest for a long and prolific literary career, and in conjunction with this journey of legitimacy that I’ve undertaken, the O. Henry Award seems, to me, as good a place as any to consider as a goal along the way. I see it as attainable; my work is pretty awesome–you know it, I know it, and the O. Henry Award judges will soon know it, too.
I fully expect that, after having numerous pieces selected for publication in various literary journals, I will be able to add O. Henry Award Winner to my CV. I mean, if Junot Diaz can win one, why not Raquel Penzo??
See you in the winners’ circle!
xoxo
Raquel Ivelisse