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My writing progress

The worst part of finishing a story that I'm really proud of is not being able to share it with anyone.  Most writing competitions do not allow previously published pieces to be entered.  This blog counts as publishing.  I finished a story the other day that I was really proud of.  It was my first darker piece with a twist as well.  I wrote all day on and off knowing how I wanted it to go.  I stopped to do my mom stuff, but for the most part, I wrote all day.  My back was killing me, but I wouldn't stop until I had a first draft done.  When I finally finished, I was on a high.  The high didn't last long because all there was to do was save it and close the document.  I shared it with a few people (mostly with people who love me and as I said before, people who love you will always give you great feedback), but that was it.  I really wanted to post it, but I'm pretty sure this one was good enough to enter into a competition and I didn't want to ruin my chances.  every time this happens I think of one person in particular who I know is good at giving constructive criticism without worrying about hurting my feeling, but we're not exactly on those sort of terms these days and it really makes me miss him.
Today, I paid to send it to Writer's Digest to have it professionally critiqued.  It will take 3 days before I get it back and the suspense is killing me.  I'm worried I'll get negative feedback that will burst my bubble.  I guess only time will tell.
My class that was supposed to start next week has been cancelled.  I can't say how disappointed I was to get that call.  It was supposed to be an editing course and I really needed it.  It may be re-scheduled for the spring, but I won't know until then.
I had my appointment with my teacher last week.  She critiqued two stories.  The very first one I ever wrote which needs to be reworked to an inch of it's life, but I expected that.  It was my first attempt and I knew it was weak.  She also went over a more recent story which was only in it's early stages.  That one she really liked and had very few changes to suggest (which was really encouraging).  I have to add to the story, but for the most part, she was really happy with it and even brainstormed with me on how to finish it.  I like all of the ideas we came up with, but have had little time to finish it.  I'm going to meet with her again next month.
As I write this, I am debating on waiting to click publish until I have time to proof-read, but if I do that, it could very well be another week.  so, here it goes without being looked over or edited... I'll try to write again soon.

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