Late yesterday, I received an email stating that I’d just won the March edition of Isuu’s online short-story contest (Isuu.com). Man! I couldn’t believe my eyes! I shouted for joy only to realize shortly afterwards that I was still at work. Trust my colleagues, they gathered round immediately, read and said: “Congrats! Uzo, we told you it would happen some day!”
And finally, it has arrived! I’m in cloud nine! This must be a glimpse of Heaven.
Turning The Pages Newsletter (March Edition)
pic credit: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/521130
Dear friends, allow me to show you the first paragraph from my very first published work (When Your Killer Could Have Been A Child Soldier):
Although the Liberian war is now over, I cannot wish away the memories. There are nights in my sleep when I still find myself dressed in army uniform, AK-47 ready. On these nights I hear the voices of parents calling their children; others joking, shouting: “Where’s your bunker?” The air cracks and I hear the sounds of diving jets and stuttering LMGs. Fire, blood, bullets and bodies everywhere. Things soon simmer to normal as danger passes. People fill the streets, young boys and girls going on various errands. Then he appears in a blood-stained enemy uniform. His oily dark face is teased with abandon. He’s about to aim his rifle at me. In my dreams, he dies in different ways. I’m his killer. Something tells me that he is my son. But I’m too afraid to believe it.
For the rest of the story, please follow the link below:
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/521130
You can find it from page 10-13.
I want to thank you all for your comments and continual support, especially those of you who have been very vocal about your desire to see me in print. Only Heaven knows how much you all mean to me. This is a dream come true. Hopefully, not the last of the good things to come!
In fact, I almost feel like crying.
Congratulations! I was published for the first time last year and I totally understand how it feels. It really is amazing. Well done 🙂
Thanks so much, Jess 😀 And congrats to you too. I will stop by your blog right after this…
Congratulations. You have been rewarded for your hard work. Keep it up. Your story sends shivers down my spine.
Hey Sheri, how are you doing? I missed you…
Yes, it’s a way to go! And I’m happy and encourage to write more 🙂
Congratulations Uzo! Hope that cloud is cozy so that you can stay on it for a while 🙂
I have only been reading you for a few short weeks but I believe your work merits the success.
This story is powerful, touching and real as always. As I read it I wondered if you actually experienced what you described…
Hahaha. Lena, your words always have a way of cheering me up! 😀 Thanks for taking your time to read my story. Well, I still have vivid memories of the movie Black Hawk Down. So yeah, it partly inspired me to write such a story.
Congratulations Uzo – all good wishes with more success to come, Eric
Thanks, my very good friend. I am grateful for the support.
Congratulations! Great work winning. You will win many more times, insha-allah, all through your life. Keep the faith! God bless u!
Insha-allah!! I love the line! And God has already started His good work. I’ll do my best to keep faith 🙂 Thank you so much, MJ.
UZO, I am so proud of you. You are a published author, my friend. Happy, proud, and hopeful for your brilliant future. Much continued success; your writing is wonderful and compelling.
Congratulations Uzoma. I am very happy for you on this success and I send all my encouragement for the future. great! 🙂
And I open my arms wide to receive them. Thank you for the good wishes, Gys.
Uzoma, I am so proud of you as well! Bravo!
Thank you so much, Wanda. You’re very supportive and kind.
Congratulations Uzoma, I’m soooo proud of you and happy to finally see your work in print!! Good job!! I’ll head over and read it now. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much, Sandra! I feel so blessed to have your continual support. May blessings also follow you and your family 🙂
Congratulations, Look forward to reading your story. Well deserved.
Awww, thank you so much, Sky. I am so grateful for you strong support and words of encouragement 🙂
Congratulations to you! I look forward to reading your short story soon.
Aww, I appreciate your stopping by, Marijane. Thank you for being supportive.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Joseph.
Congratulations Uzo! You deserve it, you are an amazing writer. I am very happy for you.
Will you be posting the links to your articles each time you get published?
I hope you will 🙂
Awww, thanks Valerie. About the links? Yeah, I’m sure I would like to…LOL. It’s a wonderful feeling.
I’m sure it is.
I’m yet to follow the link for the first one. I’ll do that as soon I’m in front of a PC. Surfing on his ratty phone sucks!
I understand. I will send you an email right after this…
Thanks Uzoma
Congratulations, Uzoma. This is one of your many dreams coming to reality, and I hope you achieve many more!
Thanks, Kay. I appreciate the well wishes and pray it all comes true.
Congratulations!!!! Unfortunately I can’t access the story to read it.
Thanks, Darlene. Well, I can send it over to you if you are okay with it 🙂
Congratulations Uzoma,i’m so pleased for you! And you truly deserve it 🙂
Aww, thanks Heidi. You’ve always been supportive and I want to thank you for that in a special way.
Congratulations man!
Thanks, Sashi 😉
Congratulations! Well done!
Thank you! 😉
This is so well deserved and thrilling! Congratulations a million congratulations to you! Paulette
Thank you, Paulette. I wish I could write this appreciation in the sky just for you!!!
Congratulations, Uzo. Persistence, a palanquin full of talent, hither and thither a mot juste, and presto–a published author.
My friend Prospero! Your eloquence is a gift and I admire it. Thanks for the support 🙂
I’ve only followed you for a short while but I can definitely tell you deserve it! Congrats, Uzoma. I’ve to wait till Monday to quarrel with my bank and then I’ll be able to read the full story. Congrats again.
LOL-you have a way of talking. And it good to have you on board. I can send it over if you want–that’s if those bank guys continue to dance azonto 🙂
Yay!!! Would u, pls? Coz I’m hearing everyone here talk about how wonderful it is and I don’t want to wait till Monday. I’ll love u for life!
And hey, wetin do my way of talking??
“I’ll love u for life!”–yeah, I love the sound of that 😀
Powerful story. I have to say the ending surprised me.
Thank you, Darlene. It’s uplifting to receive such a comment from an intelligent author like you.
Excellent & congrats! I don’t even know you, but I know this joy you’re speaking of. It is great validation, and awesome in the very winning.
Good on you 🙂
Aww, you must be a kind spirit then. And I’d like to know you better. People like you make our world a better place. Thanks for the kind words, my dear friend.
Congrats, Uzoma! All the best with the next one and the climb, cheers!
Thanks, Sean! I pray the rise continues…blissfully.
Congratulations Uzoma!! I am so happy for you. May the momentum continue.
Way to go really! I’m so happy and I thank you for praying to see me make it. You’re a good friend, Barbara.
Yay you! So pleased for you that your hard work and talent have brought you this. Cheers!
Thank you, Sirena. Your words give me strength 🙂
I’m sure this is the first of many such occasions.
Certainly, yes. The future looks bright. Thanks, man.
Great going Uzo! this is so good news! celebrate the moment!
Yes, Soumyav. It feels so good to join the realm where you and other published and intelligent authors are. Thanks for the support.
You are much talented Uzo.have will have your special day. for now,I nominate you for the HUG award.http://soumyav.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/hope-unites-gl…-the-hug-award/
Thank you so much, my dear friend.
Congratulations! Let the tears fall and sob for joy. Well deserved, Uzoma!
Thanks, Cheyenne. Wonderful tears I will never forget haha…:D
That’s great! Good work, well deserved.
Thank you so much, Michele. I’m encouraged by your kind words 🙂
Congratulation ….. 😀
Thank you so much, Yessie 🙂
Congratulations! You well deserved to be published!
Aww, thanks Jodi. Your words mean the world to me.
I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award
http://writeonheidi.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/2123/
Blessings be
Oh I will always remember you for this award and for your inputs and comments. Thank you so much!
Congrats Uzo! Wow! I don’t know which is better the thought of your work being in print or the joy of being able to read your work!!! U are a very inspiring and talented writer! Your talent deserves to be showcased, spread and read! God bless!!!!
Ha ha, and may God bless you too!!! You have been very vibrant and supportive!
Thanks for the excerpt! Wonderful writing. Congratulations!
Thanks a heap. I am grateful for the support.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Great news
Awww, it’s indeed a great one! Thank you so much, Bunmi.
Congratulations, this is indeed such wonderful news! You deserve such a blessing, after all of your hard work. I’m am absolutely positive that you will have many more moments like this in your future, and I can’t wait to read more of your inspiring and unforgettable stories. 🙂
Yah! Send that positive energy my way LOL. My world rocked the day I got the news. Such news is sooooo reassuring. Thanks so much, Whitney!
I definitely am! 🙂 Oh, I can only imagine the joy and excitement you felt. You really deserved it!
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!
*dances around* yes! You said it! And it’s finally happened! I appreciate the support 🙂
Congratulations! I recently had the same experience myself. It’s awesomely good!
Thank you so much. I wish it will continue…on and on
Absolutely overjoyed for you Uzo. Congratulations and well done! 🙂
Oh I’m so glad you are around to see this happen. You’ve been so strong and supportive from the start 🙂
I nominated you for the HUG award for touching my heart thru your words. Please follow the link : http://lgyslaine.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/hug-awards/
Thanks Gys, I’m truly grateful 🙂
Congratulations Uzoma, I am so proud of you my brother! My happiness for you rivals your own! You are a great writer- poet, and this is just the beginning of many more to come! God bless and much love to you!
And I say a big “Amen” to that, bro. It’s a turning point in my writing, obviously for the best. Thanks for your prayers and support.
I am not at all surprised by this, Uzoma. You have a strong, clear voice that rings true. And you have much to say. Congratulations. I am looking forward to read many published works by you! This is just the beginning….
Aww, thanks a heap for the compliment and support, Mary!!! You’ve made my day and may it be well with me and you too.
Sincere congratulations Uzoma – well done indeed, I love hearing when fellow writers make it into a publication, it gives such credibility to your work. I can see you building upon this success in the near future my friend – you will go from strength to strength, just you wait and see! I’ll comment again when I can give the time that the story deserves. Fantastic – you’ve made my day!
And you have made my day with such an awesome comment as well. I pray for success…and this prayer I make for everyone including your, my good and honest friend. Please keep writing those stories and poem.
Hey Uzo! Congratulations!!! Well deserved. Only recently started following your work and I am happy to see it recognized in print. Keep up the good work. Its only just the beginning of many more good things to come.
Thank you, SA, for the awesome support and it is a pleasure to meet you. Hope you find your time here worthwhile as times goes on.
Man, I am happy for you. Really great. Congratulations, Uzoma!! 🙂
Thank you, Bente. You’re the best 🙂
Congratulations, Uzo! This is awesome news and your intro here was just as amazing! I think you’ve visited me before and I apologize if it’s been awhile since I’ve been here. I can’t seem to catch up in blogville! But, I’ll look around some more and again, congratulations!
Lauren 🙂
O I’m so excited you dropped by, Lauren!!! I am still a huge fan of your writing. But I know am not the only one as you have a lot of followers who have wonderful blogs too. Your visit is like gazing at a wonderful sunrise. And I’m grateful for it. Please there is no need to apologize 🙂 as I also have to struggle at times in order to keep up. Thank you so much for the congratulatory remark. God bless you.
Congragulations!!!! I am so glad! Wow!!
Anyways, I tagged you!
http://myinvinciblespirit.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/tagged/
Thanks Khalua. You’re so, so kind!! 🙂
khaula*
🙂
O I’m so excited you dropped by, Lauren!!! I am still a huge fan of your writing. But I know am not the only one as you have a lot of followers who have wonderful blogs too. Your visit is like gazing at a wonderful sunrise. And I’m grateful for it. Please there is no need to apologize 🙂 as I also have to struggle at times in order to keep up. Thank you so much for the congratulatory remark. God bless you.
Congratulation!! I came to read what was up with you and surprise!
I’m so happy for you Uzo!!! This is amazing news, you deserve it too my friend.
And I loved what I’ve read so far, keep up the good work.
Indeed, it’s sooo amazing! l lost myself to the moment. Now I have to face the other challenges ahead. Thanks for stopping by! You’re a blessing 🙂
I nominated you for an award:
http://myinvinciblespirit.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/reality-blog-award/
I know that you have it already but still….
Aw, you are an amazing soul 🙂 Thanks for nominating me, regardless.
I nominated you again:
http://myinvinciblespirit.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/the-hug-award-hope-unites-globally/
Again, you touch my heart with your unchallenged kindness, Khaula. Thanks for the nomination.
Wow! Congratulations!
We are proud of you and I believe that this is just the beginining of greater relevance and a step to much greater heights.
I am personally happy for you.
Many cheers! 🙂
Yes o. Thanks a lot TeeCee. It’s a pleasure to have you here and I’d like to follow your blog and give my own quota! 🙂
That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.
You bet, Susan. It rocked and still rocks my world. Thanks for the encouragement.
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you my friend…
I’m back!!! 🙂
Check out my new blog…
http://charliezero1.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/blow-jobs-and-feces/
Thanks, man. And hey, where the heck have you been? Will check out your stuff right after this 😀
I’ve been taking care of my grandpa who has “Dementia” & “Alzheimer’s”. It’s been hard these past weeks…but he’s doing good and taking care of him and being there with him. 🙂
Un nouveau prix vous attend, suivez le lien. A new award awaits you. Follow the link http://lgyslaine.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/the-dragons-loyalty-award/ 🙂
Thanks, Gys. You’re the sweetest! 🙂 Will gladly put it up on my blog! 😀
yes good 🙂
Congratulations friend, you deserve it. Keep doing great. 🙂
Many thanks, Phil for the congratulatory remark. It’s good to have you around.
Congratulations Uzo! That’s really awesome. You’re a talented writer indeed!
Thanks, dear. You are talented too! 🙂
Congratulations!!!
Thanks, Sage 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Fantastic! So happy for you. You are very talented, and your work reflects that. It was only a question of time. Congrats Uzoma!
Aw, thanks dear. It’s an honour to receive such a comment from a talented writer (well, in another field) like you as well!
That’s really awesome, Uzo. Even when a single short poem gets published in any broadsheet one feels really glad. Congrats a ton. ^_^
*PARTY TIME*
*FIRE WORKS*
*CHEERS*
LOL 😀
Congrats Uzoma… I’m an aspiring story writer. I love to enquire with you few things that I come across while I write. Looking forward to contacting you.
Oh thank you! 🙂 Please feel free to contact me anytime. I wish you the very best with your writing.
Oh thank you so much for the congratulatory remark. Please feel free to contact me anytime. I wish you the very best with your writing.
AH!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have been away and I missed this. AHHHH!!!!!!
Thank you so much! I hope everything is OK your way:)
My congratulations are like years late. But it was a delightful read!
Aw, thanks a million. And no, you’re far from being late. Positive remarks have a way of doing wonders regardless of the time they arrive. There is a saying in my mother tongue. “A man’s morning is truly when he wakes from sleep.” It simply means man must embrace the timing of everything.