Our staff is in Rye, New York, this week for our writers workshop, where we invite a chosen few to the lovely Wainwright House on the Long Island Sound. One of our new workshoppers, Christie Hughes, recently wrote on her blog about the "mysterious ways" that led her to winning the contest:
"My head’s been in the clouds, and I feel like I’m standing as tall as the Statue of Liberty. I should. Because I’m going to NEW YORK CITY! Yep, I said that just like the old Pace Picante commercial, complete with southern drawl and all.
"I owe the woman who delivered the good news a brand new pair of ear drums after I let out a shrill squeal.
"Turns out I won a slot at the Guideposts Magazine Writers Workshop Contest. About ten out of thousands of stories are chosen, and the writers are flown to New York for a week-long writing training by the Guideposts editors and author Debbie Macomber.
"Here’s the kicker–and my personal tear-jerker. It’s a dream come true. Literally.
"Not the trip, but the win. Yep. I dreamed it, and now I’m about to live it. But before I step forward, would you mind walking back with me for a few sacred steps?
"Days after losing Mom at the end of 2012, I really did dream I won the contest. The dream, the win, made no sense in the wake of tragic loss. The last thing I wanted to do was write–or dream. I barely wanted to breathe.
"Before she left, I had just recently entered the Guideposts contest on a last-minute whim and of course didn’t get selected.
"So in the dream I told God that it was over, and I wasn’t chosen. As if He didn’t know.
"I then saw a hand giving me my submission back. And I heard, 'But you will. It just needs both of your signatures. Yours and your mom’s.' I awoke, told my husband, shook my head, and then didn’t look back. Until recently.
"My 2012 submission didn’t include her. But my 2014 one shared a personal story of how faith made a difference in my life, with Mom playing the supportive role. Naturally. And it had her signature all over it.
"I’m still shaking my head here, and I bet Mom’s still nodding and grinning from Heaven. I can almost hear her, Christie Charlene, I told you you should write."
Interested in writing for us? You don’t have to wait for the next writers workshop. Send us your story today!
