Thanks…
Just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who voted for Brandon (HiPlains), myself and the other finalists during the NGS II competition.
Thanks for all the comments and support I received throughout the course of the contest, as well as the constructive criticism, which can all go to helping me become a better writer, I really appreciate it.
Also, I wanted to thank the judges for the opportunity to compete in the Final 16. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
My wife deserves special kudos, as she listened to me ramble on for hours about this thing, listened to me type on those keys for hours at a time and supported me without a word the entire time.
And special thanks to my editor and confidant who kept me sane and focused throughout the competition.
Thoughts…
—Last night, for the first time in nearly three months, I didn’t turn on the computer at home. I went to dinner with my family, watch my son’s new favorite movie, The Mummy Returns (don’t ask), and watched the NBA Draft. It felt strange to not have an assignment about it—but also relieving at the same time.
—It was a lot of fun, yet crazy for me personally. Three days after the early part of the contest began; my wife and I had a baby girl to compliment the four-year old son I write about occasionally. Three weeks ago, we bought our first house (which caused me to split my time between painting and writing—needless to say, my fingers hurt like the grandmother on Happy Gilmore.
—It may sound clichéd, but there are so many wonderful and talented writers on this site, it was really a privilege to be selected to the Top 16. I’m sure there will be more NGS competitions, so good luck to all of you in your future endeavors.
—Not sure where I’ll go from here. Currently, I’m searching for a paid writing gig, which would be the next logical step. I’m a writing mercenary for hire, as are so many of us out here, just looking for a start and to make a name for ourselves.
Congrats…
Heartfelt congratulations to HiPlainsDrifter on a job well done. He’s a talented writer who should serve FoxSports.com well. They’ve done a great job finding talent like Ty Hildenbrandt and Brandon Vogel.
Brandon and I had several e-mail conversations over the course of the past week and he’s a great guy, who I’m now jealous of twice over—first, because he won the contest and secondly, because he works so close to Fenway Park he could probably have a hot dog for lunch there each day.
Finally, congrats to the other finalists in this competition. You all did a great job and should be proud of your work.
wait, did you say paid writing job or white painting job? if it's the latter, i'm sure there are plenty of jobs out there for that. lol
in all seriousness, congrats to you for being runner-up. you know what i (and many others) think of your work, so keep it up. runner-up here almost guarantees you a spot in the next contest, so slacking now is not in your best interest. besides, we've lost too many good bloggers as it is, and if too many more leave, i might have to do the same. then my high-definition blogging will have been a waste of my special talents.
Nice job. It was a tough call. I would hate to have been the one to decide the winner. It was literally a toss-up in my eyes. Congrats on a job well done and best of luck in the future.
Congratulations from this side of the blogoshpere as well. I've enjoyed reading every single article you've posted and as everyone who tries to do this knows all too well, it's damn hard to write something consistently good every time. I'm still working on consistently mediocre, so I'll try and hide my jealousy....seriously, great job, you should be proud of your work as well as your excellent finish in this competition....
Good post here Moore. Good luck on finding a writing job in the future, you certainly have the skills, and just making the NGS competition will look good on a resume.
This is the Bri we know and love. I really had you targeted as the winner even before the 19, uh 16 were announced. It didn't work out and while I'm disappointed, you have really handled this well. Dignity, class, humility and generally top flight character.
It was a pleasure competing and conversing with you over the past week. You have a lot to be proud of right now, from the house and kids to your body of work for NGS2. The writing gig is out there, I'm sure of it.
(And you're right, I did go have a dog and stand behind the Monster during my lunch break on Opening Day. Sorry about that. You get to Boston, and I'll get the tickets.)
Socal: Thanks, appreciate that. I'm not sure where I'm headed now, but I have been doing a little writing over on my blogspot site. We'll see what happens. Thanks again.
HiPlains: Thanks Brandon, I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to reading your work, good luck to you!
Socal and Ed, thanks for the messages...I've been writing for a newspaper here in Indiana for nearly six months and I'm not allowed to write for the FS.com blogs. But I still check in to read everybody's stuff from time to time. Feel free to send me an e-mail and we'll catch up. Have a good New Year's!
