I was bemoaning the fact that I sent my book to every contest out there and was soundly trounced. Not one win, of course. But also not one personal note. And then I got one today:

"As you probably already know, you were a finalist in the Violet Reed Haas Poetry Contest. Keep sending your fine manuscript out. We're sure it will find a home soon."

No, I didn't know I was a finalist. Yippee! I also did another reality check and saw that I had sent the book to 19 contests. No question a lot, but not every contest out there. I'm focusing on putting together a chapbook, but after this note, I may try the book again as well.