"every night I lie in bed, the brightest colors fill my head -
a million dreams, they're keeping me awake"
~ A Million Dreams, The Greatest Showman
![a million dreams [post title image]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lrlLkHpx65UJWA2EVQ2brlMvDMXrLcLopAun8SFjCAu9XTapMW5AJv3fBBSmTlte7a0Yr4Jjgm2gooi8kv4I3xhBK-8XBb_pzCAwfiVWQDrhKCWbFgCkiEiJdgZxoXexWItn5plGMlw/s1600/a+million+dreams.PNG)
And that is one of the most accurate quotes for any creative from a movie that is very inspiring. I've had nights where I can't sleep for hours, just because of all the ideas turning somersaults in my head. BUT ... now I'm off track.
Last Saturday was the announcement of the winners of the Rooglewood contest - and if you can't tell by my lack of incoherence, I wasn't one of the five winners (but our own SKYE HOFFERT was, and I. Am. So. Excited. For. Her! <3). I wasn't even a finalist or an honorable mention, and while I am a tad disappointed, in the end I am okay with it. Because this means that Forgotten - my poor 43k almost-novel that I had to cut down to 20k - is back in my hands, and I can start dreaming a million dreams of where it could go from here.
Anyways. I has a smol list of thank yous that need to be said: To everyone who helped me write Forgotten, THANK YOU for the time you put into my story (especially Soleil, for helping me brainstorm out of the holes I dug myself into) <3. To ALL OF YOU who were active and epic on the Rooglewood Facebook page - THANK YOU ALL for being inspirations. I appreciate you each so much and I wish I could list you all by name...except this post would then be a mile long ;). To everyone who submitted a story, or started one and didn't finish - just because we didn't get in doesn't mean we're not epic writing superheroes <3. To all the judges who made this contest happen - thank you all for volunteering to read our words, and for doing so much for this contest. To the five who did win - YOU ARE INCREDIBLE and I can't wait to read your stories! They all look gorgeous and you absolutely deserved the win <3. And last but not least - thank you, Anne Elisabeth...I can honestly say that I wouldn't be the writer that I am without you. Thank you for encouraging all of us to dream a million dreams! <3.
I am very sad that the contest is finished, but my head is already spinning with all that could happen from here. The doors are wide open! I could do anything! ;D
And that's my brain dump for y'all today. I am thankful for all of you, and I've got a million dreams twirling in my head of what could be coming next. I'll keep you updated ;). You guys are amazing!
"a million dreams, that's all its gonna take!
a million dreams for the world we're gonna make."
~ A Million Dreams, The Greatest Showman
~ Savannah Grace
have you entered a Rooglewood contest?
what is one of your million dreams?
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. <3 And so encouraging!!
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed too, of course. That's inevitable. (AND EXCITED THAT SKYE WON, OH MY WORD!!!! *squeals* *flails*) But you're so totally right, not winning opens up so many opportunities for our stories. We can expand, transform, seek to publish it some way else. xD The possibilities are endless! Let's dream a million dreams. <3
I love this post soooooo much. It warmed my heart and inspired me! <3
Thank you so much, Lila!
DeleteYeah, I'm sorry I didn't see your name among the five! But WE ALL DID AMAZING - do you have any plans for your novella now? I'd love to be able to read it someday!
I;m glad you enjoyed it, my friend! <3
Likewise, Savannah! I was rooting for you so hard! <3 As for plans for my story, I'm thinking about adding POVs and rewriting it as maybe a full-length novel. :D Because there are things I want to flesh out that I couldn't because of the word count limit, lol. I would love for you to be able to read it someday too!! :D
Delete<3 <3 <3
Hey, thanks for the shoutout, Savannah!!!!!! *hugs* I'm SO glad I got to know you a little better thanks to this contest--YOU'RE SO AMAZING! <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteAll I can say to this post is YES. I'm so sad that the contests are ending, because even though this is the only one I've entered, the people I've met and the experiences I've had have been beyond brilliant. I'd do it every year if I could, even if I never won! ^_^
My story didn't win, but that's okay. As I said, I've learned so much....AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHERE YOU TAKE ASHER GRAY/FORGOTTEN. Ugh, it's going to be SO GOOD. <3 <3 <3
The way you wove Greatest Showman into this post=PERFECTION. I love those songs SO MUCH. This song. All the love to that movie. <3
And one of my million dreams? Oh, gosh, I don't know....I have too many! Publishing, for sure. <3
Wonderful post! And YOU'RE amazing, too! <3
You're welcome! This whole contest honestly wouldn't have been half as fun without our ALL-WORDS-IN-CAPS chats about everything under the sun ;D. YOU ARE THE BEST <3.
DeleteSame here! I consider it a win if I make some friends and learn something, so this year was DEFINITELY a win <3.
AH, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I"m really excited to see what happens! I'm already researching small presses, so ... we'll see what happens ;). I'll let you know!
I couldn't help it! I adore that movie! ;D I wish it hadn't taken me so long to watch it - it's one of my absolute favorites now <3.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, MY EPIC FRIEND <3.
*hugs this post and YOU* This is just...beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThough I only ever entered one of the contests, they ALL have been so special to me and helped shape me as a writer too. I'm utterly grateful to Anne Elisabeth and EVERYONE who put this together. GAH. Now I'm getting all sad to see it go, too! But we still have the coming of this anthology to look forward to, and all the wonderful memories of the previous contests. ^_^
And I'm so sorry your story didn't win. I know how disappointing that is. BUT, at the same time, it IS thrilling knowing you now have a story you can do ANYTHING with. The possibilities are endless! Burning Thorns came from my novella not winning the contest and, at this point, I'm GLAD. It's been such a joy turning it into a full novel and taking it farther. So all that to say, you keep on dreaming those beautiful dreams. You are SUCH a talented writer, and I know, without a doubt, God has amazing, amazing plans for you. I can't wait to see what all He has in store!
Thank ya muchly, Lauriloth! <3
DeleteAnd I am utterly thankful that you entered the Roses contest because OTHERWISE THERE WOULD BE NO BURNING THORNS and I would be very sad. December can't come fast enough - I'm dying to read all of the winning stories!
YES, Burning Thorns is definitely encouraging me that very epic things can come of the itty bitty novellas that I've written for contests like this. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Christine! It brought a smile to my face <3.
Publishing is one of my dreams, and I'm terrified. It looks like such a big leap from here, and I'm a little scared I might fall in a ravine between here and there. :O
ReplyDeleteESTHER - you are one of the four Special Unicorns! Your story is spectacular! Publishing might be scary, but I definitely think that you can do it. (plus, you have plenty of writer friends that are more than willing to help you up if you ever slip ;))
DeleteThis is so the perfect attitude! Take your story and fly with it -- just because it didn't fine a home with this collection doesn't mean it never will.
ReplyDeleteTo quote another song from that amazing movie:
Come alive, come alive
Go and ride your light
Let it burn so bright
-Rachel Kovaciny, aka Hamlette
Yup, I'm working on giving my beloved novella wings ;D. Thank you so much, Rachel - both for this lovely comment and for your help with the contest! You were an epic judge <3. (and yay for another fan of The Greatest Showman! *highfive*)
DeleteAww, thanks! Judging was a lot of fun (and work, but only sometimes), and I'm so glad I got to be a part of the last Rooglewood contest in some way.
DeleteMy kids and I all have Greatest Showman t-shirts and all wore them today because we felt like matching :-D Only one week until it's out on DVD!
K so this post was actually so inspiring!!!! Now I want to enter all the writing contents, not to win, but to LEARN and GROW!!!
ReplyDeleteGo you for having such a positive attitude about it all (I don't think I would). I think we all could learn something from you.
AND YOUR COMMENT WAS SO INSPIRING - thank ya muchly, Evangeline! (and if you ever want some contests to enter/magazines to submit to ... I has a smol list that I'd be happy to share xD)
DeleteOh gracious, and now I'm blushing ;D. Thank YOU for being so epic, Evangeline! <3
Ahh the Rooglewood Press contest was what got me into the whole blogger/writer world (I think I got either to beta read someone's story, or got an ARC of Five Magic Spindles), so it's influenced me too, even as someone who doesn't write.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your story not winning, but just think of all the cool things you're able to do with it now! There is a world of opportunities!!
Really? GOOD FOR IT THEN - the blogosphere would be missing a little something if you weren't a part of it! Thanks for commenting, my friend ;).
DeleteAww I love this! <3 I'm sorry you didn't win the Rooglewood contest. I'm glad it was fun though, and that you were able to learn a lot and meet new friends!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE The Greatest Showman!! And that song! I definitely have a million dreams, if not more. One of them right now is FINISHING MY WIP. Oh my, it annoys me to no end. (I don't think the characters like me very much.) My favorite song from The Greatest Showman, though, is "The Other Side." That scene in the movie was so much fun!!
Thank ya, Talia! <3 And GO, GIRL! CONQUER THAT WIP - YOU CAN DO IT! *waves pom-poms*. Also YES, The Greatest Showman is absolutely incredible, I love that movie so much <3. And I agree - that scene was so fun, I loved it!
DeleteIt's so awesome that you were able to cut down a 43k word story to 20k! That's impressive. But now you get to run with your story in any direction you want and that's awesome!!! I hope that it takes you to amazing heights! Here's the future and whatever you get to achieve with your writing! Because I know whatever it is, it's going to be worth it all!
ReplyDeleteThank you! But trust me, don't try it - its SO STRESSFUL, especially when you have to slice out a ton of character development (never a good idea, haha). Thanks for your encouraging comment, Sarah! <3
DeleteI have been listening to that song a lot these last few days! Thanks for the lovely shout out Savannah! I want you to know, I thought your story was going to win. It's beautiful and needs to be read. I was mesmerized by it. I hope you do lengthen and publish it, because I need it on my shelf.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad these contests are over too, the community and encouragement I will miss it! Don't ever stop dreaming! <333
A Million Dreams IS a gorgeous song, and its been stuck in my head pretty much 24/7 ;D. And you're welcome! I'm SO EXCITED to read Falling Snow, you literally have no idea <3. December can't come fast enough!
DeleteOh, my gracious - SKYE. You don't know how timely your comment is - I was kinda struggling with a bit of self doubt after reading the feedback form for Forgotten, but this SERIOUSLY brightened my day <3. Thank you so much, my friend! You are epic <3.
I think of what the world could be. A vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take.
ReplyDeleteWhat if we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine? Nothing could keep us apart you'd be the one I was meant to find.
All the shine of a thousand spotlights. All the stars we steal from the night-sky will never be enough. Never be enough!
Look out cause here I come. And I marching on to the beat i drum. I am brave. I am bruised. I am who I'm meant to be. This is me.
Don't you wanna get away from this same, old, part you gotta play cause I got what you need so come with me and take the ride to the other side.
#welcometothewonder
Haha - I can't decide if you went and looked up lyrics for this or if you've just memorized the songs this well! ;D (confession: I know almost all of them word-for-word. I think I'm obsessed xD)
DeleteCongrats on a well-written tale and a well-handled journey! I'm excited to see how your further adventures with this little tale unfold... no doubt you will continue to do amazing things with it. <3 Do you think you'll expand it or keep it around its current length?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, A Million Dreams is such a pretty song. Maybe I am a disgraceful little rebel for not loving the movie... but I have to admit, the music can't escape a person's head - in a good way. ;)
Thank you muchly, my friend! <3 Oh, I'll absolutely be expanding it, you have no idea how much it hurt to slice out a dozen scenes to fit this story (it started out at 43k) into a 20k box. I'm excited to get to work!
DeleteMy sisters and I have already made up our own harmonies to it, and YES, they just never get out of your head! (and I'm a smol rebel to, because I have yet to watch any Marvel or newer Star Wars movie SO. Rebels unite xD)
Haha, yes! I have seen the newer Star Wars films, but never a Marvel movie. xD
DeleteGood job Savannah, I'm glad your journey took you somewhere!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Claire! <3
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! I agree, I’m very sad the contests are over. I’ve enjoyed them so much, even the years I didn’t place.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t that wonderful that you can use your full story now? The story I entered that didn’t win had to be cut almost in half also, and I’m so excited to let it be full again, and ad to it so it can be full length sometime in the future. If you ever publish yours, or need a beta reader in the meantime, let me know! I’d love to read it!
You're welcome, Maddie! And I really hope Rooglewood will bring these contests back someday, because they are hands-down my favorites. Not only is it so much fun, but the community is amazing!
DeleteOh, gracious - YES! I'm both excited and terrified now that I have no limits on word count ;D. And thank you, I'll definitely be taking up on that when the time is right. (and let me know if you ever need a beta reader, too! I love helping out my fellow writers <3)
Thanks for commenting, Maddie! ;)
That would be great!
DeleteAwesome, sounds good. Thanks, I will :)
Aw, you have the best attitude. <3 I'm so glad you shared these stories with me, and I can't wait to see what you do with them next!
ReplyDeleteAnd EEEEEK THE GREATEST SHOWMAN!!! IS THERE A CREATIVE WHO IS NOT INSPIRED BY THIS MOVIE AND THAT SONG??? "We can live in a world that we design." <3
Well, I won't get anywhere by moping around now, will I? ;D Thank you muchly, my friend!
DeleteI LOVE THAT MOVIE SO MUCH, I don't think I'll ever get tired of rewatching it <3.
Aw, I'm sorry you didn't win! You have such a great outlook and attitude about it though! Will you expand your story or keep it as is? Thank you for letting me be a small part of your writing journey by reading your beautiful words. Keep writing, Savannah. The world needs your stories. =)
ReplyDeleteAww I'm sad you didn't place too! I've seen these anthologies coming out for years now and they're so cool and exciting how they spark new voices into the publishing world! (But omg YAY GO SKYE!) Anyway fingers crossed you have fun still working on that story if you go back to it. :D
ReplyDelete