When I logged on Xomba at 12:34 pm, October 13, 2009, I noticed a new Xomba Blog posted literally a minute ago. The first line said: "Hello All, It is finally time! Time to announce the winners of Xomba's Writing Tips Contest!!" My entry for this contest was the hardest writing piece I had ever written. Not because of the topic, but because after a traumatic experience, I lost my ability to write. After five years, I only started writing again a few months ago. I am the one in need of writing tips.

I really didn't know what writing advice to give. I did a lot of research, and reflecting on how I learned to write again myself. The topic of editing was especially hard for me to cover. The traumatic event distorted my ability to make words legible, in writing and in speaking. I couldn't remember how proper sentence structure or grammar is suppose to be after all those years without writing. Being out of school didn't help either (I had to leave early because of the trauma too).

What I DID know, however, was how to make writing appealing, and how to, at least, get started. I tried my best to expand on those, adding new things I also found effective along the way. I tried to follow my own advice in writing so I wouldn't be a hypocrite either. It was actually the first time I wrote without editing, straight through the majority of the article. It was surprising how it turned out, even though there were a lot of errors. It revealed my true writing voice. At that moment, it made me wonder what else was in my words that my insecurity suppressed.

But somehow, I won third place in the contest! I freaked out. I didn't even read the rest of the Xomba Blog (until later). I ran to my mom's room to tell her the news, posted on Facebook and Twitter, contacted my friends, and couldn't stop giggling or smiling. I felt like I was on Cloud 9 again, third time this year! This was the fourth successful milestone in my writing development. All of them accomplished in the span of about two and a half months! The other milestones were:

1. Write something legible and enjoyable for readers.
2. Create an inspiring and/or touching piece. (link)
3. Qualify enough to be a featured writer. (link)

 Though I didn't make them into specific goals before, they were challenges I decided to face in order to improve myself as a writer, and as a person. I want to believe that no matter how many mistakes I can make, I'll still be able to create something that could influence people. To affect them in MY way. I suppose that's what all writers want though; to articulately spread their message. It's definitely a lot more complicated than it seems, but I love it so much. The challenges, journey, and especially the feeling of  fulfillment from writing.

 One day, I will show the world what I've learned from life and the heart. In a compact, concise, and appealing way, I will move the world and give them the answers they can not see. I will achieve my dream, if even in a small way. If only to one person that could also change the world. Indirectly or directly, I will do it. This is my final dream.

Thank you Xomba, for helping me realize some of my dreams and goals for writing.

PS. Feedburner is cool! O_o