"I've been on a journey", or "it's been a journey", or "you're just starting on a journey." Unless you're actually travelling somewhere exotic, that is. But when people use it for some kind of experience or learning, it bugs me. Don't worry, I won't block or delete you if you do say it. It's me, not you.
But Brad R. Torgersen could be forgiven if he were to use this phrase. (He didn't.) But he did post this.
It's the 6th November here in Australia, but it's still the 5th in the U.S.A. (Still behind the times....)
I actually remember that day. I remember Brad being announced as finalist weeks earlier, and then watching him sweat as he waited for the results. I was supporting him, cheering him on. (Sorry, guys, but 'rooting' has a far less salubrious meaning Down Under.) And then I remember the first hint that he'd received the phone call from Joni, that he'd won.
He posted a smiley emoticon. That's all.
I messaged him to ask whether he'd won. I can't recall his exact response, but I think he acknowledged it without saying directly.
But I knew Brad (online) before that, and I remember him not really being sure of his own abilities, or even understanding much about how the industry worked.
Now, of course, he's won awards and been nominated for a bunch more. He's sold heaps of stories, has his own collection out (Lights in the Deep) and recently signed contracts for his first novel. (Now that he's big time, I hope he doesn't sue me for pinching his photo from his website.)
I haven't had the opportunity to meet Brad in person yet, although he does owe me a drink. I look forward to catching up with him as some point. I saw Brad as an inspiration then, and I still see him as one. He's pretty much where I'm aiming for at this stage. Step by step, inch by inch, goal by goal.
What a long strange trip it's been. (and continues to be!) Congratulations, Brad
No comments:
Post a Comment