Picture this...

It's Sunday afternoon and, bum on seat, I'm staring at the blinking cursor on the computer screen, ready to drag my misbehaving muse out from her hiding place by the hair. The tactic won't coax her into cooperating - far from it - but I'm past the point of caring; I'm happy to tie her to the fan above my writing desk and watch as she attempts to stop the 'bite me' look from sliding off her face while she spins at high speed above my head. That's right, two can play the 'bite me' game.

I peel off my chair to go in search of her when the tell-tale 'ding' of a newly arrived email diverts my attention. I really should turn all notifications off, like all good writers do, but I'm weak and take a peek. It's a message from the Romance Writers of Australia Short Story contest coordinator. And she informs me ...

I'VE WON!

I may have squealed. Just a little.

I read on and not only did my story, For the Love of Gnomes , win first place, the second story I entered, Sweet Bombe Alaska , made it into the top 15, with both entries to be published in the 2015 RWA's annual romantic short story anthology titled Peridot .

I may have squealed some more. Just a little.

How exciting to be published alongside talented writers such as Rowena Candlish , who won last year's Little Gems contest and was hot on my heels in 2nd place this year, as well as Lisa Barry and Anne Prince, who equalled third. Not to mention the other of the top 15 entries, all of which I can't wait to read!

Here's the lovely Peridot cover by the talented Sheridan Kent , who is making a habit of winning the Little Gems cover contest:
You may squeal. Just a little.

So now, a week after the announcement, a week during which my miffed little muse has been throwing me subtle-as-a-brick 'couldn't have done it without me' looks, I feel I owe her an apology.

Here it goes:

Mildred (yes, I know, a name about as exciting as a lecture on Australian tax law. Just shows you can't judge a muse by her birth certificate), I hereby apologise for calling you a prissy, self-serving little vulture. I acknowledge (albeit with great reluctance) that I couldn't have won 1st place without you. Please accept this assortment of Haigh's chocolates  (damn, this hurts!) as a peace offering. I look forward to many more successes with you as my partner.

And if you give me any more grief I promise I'll make you squeal. 
Just. A. Little ...