LJ Idol Week #19: So That The Stories Keep Coming

Dear LJ Idol community,

It's hard to believe that we're once again at the end of a season of LJ Idol. I am so honoured to be in the top three with xeena and inkstainedfingertips. Both of these writers are far and beyond talented, and their efforts this season have been nothing short of amazing.

The way that xeena is able to weave her way through hard emotional subjects, beautiful and ethereal descriptions, and touching on crystalline moments of magic is something that I envy. I fall short of being able to match that sort of talent, and should she be the winner, I think that it would be more than well-deserved. I encourage you to read her latest piece once the poll has been posted. You will see what I mean.

I have enjoyed inkstainedfingertips's ability to world-build since I began reading their work. I also love the pithy and true dialogue, the way that their stories just flow, and the way that I am drawn in every time. These things make this writer truly able to hold us in rapture - just the way a storyteller should. This, too, would be an excellent choice for a winner. Please read their Week 14 story - one of my favourites.

I sit here by my fireplace, a Christmas movie on TV, and I think back over my own efforts this season. What you don't know is that Gary had asked me several times before to join seasons and mini-seasons of LJ Idol, and I fobbed him off with the excuse that I was too busy. But now the blogging world has changed. We don't have the same ease and ability to comment, to find time to read; we live in a world where short-form posts are king, and even more so, video blogging that you can listen to in the background while you cook or work. And so I find traditional storytelling is more important to me than ever, especially since I also was falling into that "too busy" mode and neglecting my own writing.

I have learned over this season that I'm not too busy to write; in fact, writing has to be a priority for me. My grandfather, an Ojibwe elder, began to tell me his stories because he knew I was a storyteller. You can't deny that kind of gift; I certainly can't. So I'm sorry, Gary, that I said I was too busy, or that I couldn't do it. Because I can say wholeheartedly that therealljidol is the reason I continue to be a storyteller.

I published two books with stories and poems I wrote during my first two seasons of LJ Idol. I was able to step out in bravery and in faith that my words would reach who they must when I decided to start writing articles for causes I believed in. I increased my freelance business. It was because this community, this group of writers, some of whom are published, some who are just starting out, and some who haven't picked up the proverbial pen in years, encouraged me and cheered me on.

Being in the Top Three is a personal best of mine. I've never been higher, and if third is the place that's decided for me, then that honestly is what I set out to do - be a mere percentage better than before. But if you've enjoyed my stories and work this season, I'd love it if you'd vote for me.

I don't deserve to win over the others. We all brought our A game to this table. What I, and xeena, and inkstainedfingertips, and the entire community here deserves is for LJ Idol to keep going. This has been the birthplace of many a writer. And with this fast-paced world, long-form blogging, writing, and sharing is more paramount than ever.

Gary: thank you for building a community in which I can be a storyteller.

Community: please help us keep this going. Share the final three entries, and please, please vote.

The stories deserve to keep on coming.

Blessings on you all,

chasing_silver