I am STILL in shock that I won. Like seriously. I never win the big prizes. Ever. I have tried to enter them but I’m just too niche for a lot of contests. I write small and I write Hawai’ian (most of the time). I have worked really hard to get here and it’s really nice to be recognized for the work I do. I am also grateful for the money. As you all know (and hope you aren’t getting sick of), I’m fundraising and working like a fiend for AWP next year and this prize will most definitely help me get there.

Honestly, the money is the cherry on the top because just getting my collection accepted for publication was the big win for me. If you are at AWP, come find me! I will have special AWP copies! Bitter over Sweet will officially launch in Fall 2025! So excited!

I also have a new micro - not about Hawai’i (I know, big shocker) - up at Mythic Picnic on twitter (I refuse to call it what it is now). I hope you get the chance to check it out!

Finally, last chance to come hangout with me on Saturday, May 25 at 9am BST, friends in the UK and Europe (and Australia and New Zealand and people on this side of the dateline). Email me (melissallanesbrownlee@gmail.com) for the zoom link (no need to donate)! I might even play the ukulele!

I also have another Wine & Words scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at 8pm EST for my friends in the US!! There are still spaces for that one too (no need to donate if you aren’t able)! Join me!!

I am going to end my weekly talk story here. I had considered talking about the negatives of winning but I don’t want to put that out into the ether. Sending light, love, and as always, creativity!