How I did it: In seventh grade, we had a poetry unit. I was having a very difficult time that term and wrote a poem in a matter of minutes that I will forever remember. My teacher told us about a poetry contest and I remember being only one of few students to actually have an interest in it. So, without hesitation, I did it. Although, being in seventh grade I never thought I would even get into the semi-finals. But come December, I got a letter in the mail notifying me that I had become a semi-finalist. Now, I don't hardly ever scream unless someone sneaks up behind me and catches me by surprise, but I can honestly say when I got that letter, I screamed. I don't exactly remember the month, February, I believe, anyway, I recieved another letter in the mail. This time, saying I was a finalist! I don't believe I screamed, but I was extremely excited. I never thought me, of all people, would become a finalist in a world-wide poetry contest. I know I don't remember when I got the letter stating that I had won and told me all the details about the book my poetry would be published in, unfortunately. But, I do remember the price of a single book. YIKES! Though, that's what parents are for. When I got the books, yes, books, my dad had to get one for himself as well, I loved seeing it in print and the dedication I made to my seventh grade lit teacher. I couldn't have done it without her. I remember my dad asking me to autograph it. I thought that was pretty funny. Word got around and next thing I knew, I was in my principal's office talking about reading it in front of a room of important people from my school district and a few teachers I've had from the past. Keep in mind I am horrible at talking in front of people, even reading! I don't think I've ever messed up on something as small as that so much or read anything that small so fast! The pictures of my bright red face show my embarassment as well haha.
But, no matter what, I'm extremely happy it all happened. After that, that particular poem was published again from another company, not sure how, but it was. And another poem of mine, definitely not what I would call publishing material, was published by the original company that published my first poem.
Being published also helped me become a teen journalist for a newspaper, which I didn't realize was such a large newspaper until my mom told me. Unfortunately, the newspaper had to stop printing recently because of the economy. But, it can still be found online.
I don't think I have that much left to say, other than that the company that published me was The International Library of Poetry (poetry.com) and that anything is possible. I'm only sixteen and I've accomplished what many dream of doing.

:D

Lessons & tips: Write straight from the heart. That's how it happened to me.

Resources: My seventh grade lit teacher, Mrs. Selvaggio.

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Feb 28, 2009, 12:02AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer