12 March 2008

My Little Prodigy

When I was eight years old, I entered a 350 word short story into a contest in Cricket Magazine. The story I had written (now long lost) was longer than 350 words. I remember trying to edit it down so that I could send it in, but instead of doing an overall edit, I squashed the last paragraph down into two lines. Not the best method perhaps, but hey, I was only eight.

A couple of weeks later I got a letter from the magazine: I had won an honorable mention! I was thrilled. It wasn't until many years later that I realized that everyone who entered got an honorable mention.

On Monday, we got a letter from the local newspaper The Women's Times. Matilda won an essay contest! She didn't just get an honorable mention, she actually won! And she's only five. Is it wrong to be a little bit jealous? I think I'm more excited than she is.

I haven't read the essay yet, it was part of a school project, sent in to the Berkshire County "Real Women" Essay Contest by her kindergarten teacher. The essays were then selected (a few from each grade) from all the ones sent in throughout the county.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure I got an Honorable Mention from Cricket, I think for a poem. I am very envious of Matilda.

Madam Crunchypants said...

Yay for 5 year old word-nerds! Yay!!!

Misty said...

YES! It's ok to be a little jealous... :) But so proud of her (and you!!!) too because you instilled this in her! So awesome!

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic!!! I hope you'll share her essay with us.

Amy said...

Good for her!! You've passed on your talent!

Heather said...

That's great!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. That is so exciting!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

How wonderful!

www.stepherz.com said...

That is amazing! I'm not surprised though-- she's such a bright and creative girl. You've done well, Momma!