I have to admit I had no idea what the Pushcart award was, so when I received an email telling me that “Read the Sign” was nominated for this award, I wasn’t sure how to react.
I went on Google and saw that the Pushcart is a prestigious award for new and upcoming writers. Every year, editors of magazines that feature new writers are invited to nominate six pieces of contemporary prose, short fiction or poetry for this award.
Phil Slattery, publisher and editor of The Chamber Magazine, submitted “Read the Sign” as one of his six nominations. Phil was the first editor to give up some of his space for one of my stories, and I will remain grateful to him.
I did ponder whether I should announce the nomination or not…after all, it is only a nomination. I decided it merited celebrating because it is a win, and writers should celebrate every success.
The journey of a writer is full of ups and downs. Unless you are Stephen King or J.K. Rowling, the chances are that you will face more troughs than peaks. So when a win comes along, you must celebrate it. Pour yourself a whiskey, phone a friend, and post it on your socials: be proud of your achievements. If you managed to finish a piece, be proud. When one of your works gets published: pat yourself on the back. If you land an agent: sing it to the world. These moments will help you push through the tough months of labouring against the odds in a dog-eat-dog world.
For those who did not read “Read the Sign” you can do so here:
https://thechambermagazine.com/2022/08/05/rain-read-the-sign-dark-fiction-by-peter-portelli/
or here:
Written by : Peter Portelli
