Gary called me "legendary" -- that's all the prize I need

[beldarzfixon]

Several years ago, I, and other fans, were at breakfast with a published author -- not a name many would recognize, but a full-time writer with many books and teleplays to his credit. I told him of the struggles I had in converting my ideas into writing, that I had hoped to have a novel written by the time I turned 40, but that day was swiftly

Comments

[java_fiend]

I'm really sorry to see it go down like this, man. You had a GREAT run and I love your work. I hate seeing you go. :-(

Thanks for giving us really great stuff to enjoy week after week, man. You absolutely are a legend.

[beldarzfixon]

Thanks for the good words -- I think you may be the only dude left in this contest, so you gotta carry the torch for us guys!

[java_fiend]

I think I am the last man standing... scary, that.

[beldarzfixon]

I'm not gone far. =) Thanks!

[mstrobel]

You rocked my socks :D

[beldarzfixon]

Thanks! How did your shoes take it?

[alycewilson]

Awww, thanks! One of the best things I ever did was sign up for Season 5 of LJ Idol, because I have made so many good friends, like you, through it.

I agree with you that one of the best parts of this contest is that it spurs the contestants to write regularly. It's highly rewarding to me that, even with the challenges inherent in raising a toddler, I've been able to put something out every week. You produced some highly publishable pieces, and I think now might be a good time to start thinking about where you could send them. I'm not sure how many short stories it takes to put together a collection, but it might be time to start shopping a book, too!

If it had been my choice, you would have stayed in even longer. Thanks for putting me high on your Spirit list. You were high on mine, as well!

[beldarzfixon]

I've been considering working up a couple of these pieces, like "Ethereal," for submission to a 'zine or anthology.

In fact, one big project I can attend to now that I'm not competing in Idol is to gather up some past writings, which I'll likely put together for at least a self-published book for friends and family.

[the_dark_snack]

Happy Birthday!