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At These Depths, Everything Tries to Squeeze the Life Out of You
This episode was a long time coming.
Some digital platforms on the internet advertise writing competitions hosted on their websites with large cash prizes (in the ballpark of $10-20,000). Enticed by the thought of the prize money and the potential for increased promotion of my work, I submitted an entry to two contests.
I wrote that last sentence like I was calm and composed at the time. Remember that people like money, and I am trying to write for a living. What is closer to the truth was that I was the manifestation of a cartoon character, dollar signs for eyes, hitting my laptop over my head in my frenzy, as I strung together words mainly from the English language to form clumsy prose.
I did not win, nor did I place, in either of the competitions.
Through the clarifying lens of hindsight, I understand that those contests are a pretty one-sided affair regarding who benefits from them. Yes, talented, experienced writers deservingly did well, but the platform itself truly benefits. You see, once you’ve submitted a written work to them, it’s considered ‘published’ by many, if not all, publications that would consider publishing your work. It also generates a lot of content for the platform and buzz.
No, I’m not just bitter, but it is one of my dominant emotions.
Anyway, this story was one of two that I submitted. I’ve improved in my writing since then. Also, I feel the story was hampered by the writing prompt, which I fixated on, not devoting as much time to the story itself.
The story initially ended tragically. While it doesn’t end with a picnic under a rainbow, the conclusion reflects humanity’s ability to adapt to hardships—especially those that come from the deep…
This story is called “At These Depths, Everything Tries to Squeeze the Life Out of You.”
Enjoy the podcast? Support it on Patreon. Patreon.com/howdoesthisend
Give direct feedback via Instagram. @hdte.mp3
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
How Does This End? is a StumbleWell Production with original written works by Christopher Narvaez. This episode was recorded and edited by Christopher Narvaez with the final sound check by Hallease Narvaez. Our cover art for season 2 is designed by Edgar Lushaju, check out his work on Instagram @drawhapa. The music is from Epidemic Sound. Try it out for free on your next project: http://share.epidemicsound.com/s8W7c
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By StumbleWell Productions
5
1717 ratings
This episode was a long time coming.
Some digital platforms on the internet advertise writing competitions hosted on their websites with large cash prizes (in the ballpark of $10-20,000). Enticed by the thought of the prize money and the potential for increased promotion of my work, I submitted an entry to two contests.
I wrote that last sentence like I was calm and composed at the time. Remember that people like money, and I am trying to write for a living. What is closer to the truth was that I was the manifestation of a cartoon character, dollar signs for eyes, hitting my laptop over my head in my frenzy, as I strung together words mainly from the English language to form clumsy prose.
I did not win, nor did I place, in either of the competitions.
Through the clarifying lens of hindsight, I understand that those contests are a pretty one-sided affair regarding who benefits from them. Yes, talented, experienced writers deservingly did well, but the platform itself truly benefits. You see, once you’ve submitted a written work to them, it’s considered ‘published’ by many, if not all, publications that would consider publishing your work. It also generates a lot of content for the platform and buzz.
No, I’m not just bitter, but it is one of my dominant emotions.
Anyway, this story was one of two that I submitted. I’ve improved in my writing since then. Also, I feel the story was hampered by the writing prompt, which I fixated on, not devoting as much time to the story itself.
The story initially ended tragically. While it doesn’t end with a picnic under a rainbow, the conclusion reflects humanity’s ability to adapt to hardships—especially those that come from the deep…
This story is called “At These Depths, Everything Tries to Squeeze the Life Out of You.”
Enjoy the podcast? Support it on Patreon. Patreon.com/howdoesthisend
Give direct feedback via Instagram. @hdte.mp3
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
How Does This End? is a StumbleWell Production with original written works by Christopher Narvaez. This episode was recorded and edited by Christopher Narvaez with the final sound check by Hallease Narvaez. Our cover art for season 2 is designed by Edgar Lushaju, check out his work on Instagram @drawhapa. The music is from Epidemic Sound. Try it out for free on your next project: http://share.epidemicsound.com/s8W7c