Early in my writing career, I entered a contest in a local newspaper seeking Christmas stories. It was an on-line reader poll type of thing. I didn't win the contest but apparently the newspaper and a publishing company collaborated together to create an anthrology and my story was chosen. I was thrilled to receive a copy of the book with my story in it.

The following year, Nimbus Publishing contacted me and invited me to submit a story for their second volume of Christmas stories. This time I got paid plus a copy of the book.

My writing career has blossomed ever since and new opportunities are continually coming my way.