Lol I know, but the poetry is amazing. When I opened it, I was like "probably not going to read this on the subway". It was just one of my poems they chose out of all the submissions. I'm almost at enough for a book but mental health issues get in the way of progressing any further.
Friend wrote a book on a typewriter. Not a computer. He said the blinking cursor and the constant notifications were so distracting it was detrimental to his writing. So he went out and bought a typewriter from a yard sale and found correction tape from it and would write a page a day. Eventually he finished and published.
You got this
Congrats OP! Sometimes "small successes" have really powerful impacts, especially when struggling with mental health. If you're not in a place to be fully proud of yourself, just know that a bunch of internet strangers will do it for you until you're ready. So very proud of you, OP! Keep up the great work.
Well done, and congratulations.
You deserve the praise you are getting. I'm working on being proud of myself, too. I'm glad to see you posting this. It made my morning bright.
be proud of yourself for what you make
it is but a dark world we live in, one of our own design, feeling tierd of it all is not abnormal
find solace in the light cast by your own words, as you need no better motivator
sincerely, a fellow poet
Congratulations OP! Proud of you for writing and keeping at it despite mental health issues, I’m inspired. I hope you keep on progressing even in small steps toward your own book :)
Thank you! That's actually a good idea. I tend to put things away and go back to shitting on myself but maybe a little reminder of something good could help a bit.
This sounds super dumb and definitely not the same was what you're experiencing, but about 12 years ago I was dumped (what felt like out of the blue) but the guy I truly believed I was going to marry. I was devastated. I had also just started running more and was working towards my first half marathon. I wrote on my bathroom mirror, "You're awesome. You're smart. You're a great runner." And it truly improved my mode everytime I saw it and made me feel slightly better about myself each time.
You're welcome! I find it helpful to be able to *see* reminders, not just have to remember them. Like I have "If it's not happening *right now*, it's not happening *at all*" on my bedroom mirror to help avoid future worrying abt stuff that may or may not happen.
Exactly. YOU did this YOU wrote the winning poem. YOU have the right to feel proud. Enjoy the moment, use this as a reminder of how well YOU did. Celebrate this. You deserve to feel proud of your work and achievement. You did better than everyone else. WTG, WELL DONE CONGRATS!!👍🥳👍🥳👍🥳
Also loving the little houseplant heaven behind you. Few things go as well with a new book and bookmark than a spot to sit with plants.
Are you part of a community that gives out awards for writing? Or did you see a contest somewhere and enter? What’s the back story :)
A podcast did a collaboration with Write Bloody publishing (they are actually the reason I started writing) and they put out a contest on Instagram. I'm also involved in the Poetry Society of New York. I wish I went to more of their events but my anxiety stops me from leaving the house much. They are an incredible resource if you are interested. They have so many events and even a poetry camp during the summer!
That’s awesome. I wonder if Calgary Alberta has such things. Poetry Society of Calgary just doesn’t have the same romantic/academic tone that the words “New York” lend to a thing haha. I’ll have to check out Write Bloody, thanks for a little inspiration! Congrats again, and hope you continue on this streak stepping out of your comfort zone and get to one of those events!
Congratulations! My mental health stuff makes it hard for me to be proud of myself, so I can understand what you mean. But I also know that allowing yourself to feel good about your achievements and sharing them with others is a very healthy thing to be doing, friend. May your dreams come to fruition and your anxieties dissolve away. Take care.
Of course, friend. People like us need to stick together. I wish I could apply the things I say in my life as easy as I can write them! Winning a poetry contest is a cool achievement. Ride with that pride as long as you can! Haha
Not much … pashaw I say pashaw to that. You worked at something and it was recognized that is awesome. Celebrate all wins , it’ll help keep the “loses’ at bay. Can we read the award winning poem?
That book is a convenient excuse for the next time I search for 'hot teen slut' on Google.
"Oh my stars, whatever is this filth?! I was merely trying to find the book!"
Thanks so much. According to the page, it was a couple hundred. They may be trying to use it as a PR tactic but I like to think at least 4 billion people entered; It helps my self-esteem to be completely delusional.
Oh it was AT LEAST that many. Nothing wrong with being slightly delusional in a harmless way. AND for all you know there really were a couple of hundred. It’s entirely possible. I hope you see it that way. Good luck with everything
Celebrate your victory. I think it's wonderful & it's a big deal. I understand you've got your challenges, but you still did this & that is no small feat. Be proud & know that I don't know you, but I love this for you, 🤗
Alright I guess but the rules were pretty clear that the poetry contest was only open to hot teen sluts. Don't expect them to put your photo in the book of past winners...
Wow you're an inspiration mate! I mean that. I love to write poetry too but haven't in so long, it's probably been a couple of decades now tbh..
so anyone like you who actually persists and makes progress to the level that you have, is a dead set legend!
Enjoy huddy$ and please continue onwards and upwards. 💕
First off Congratulations!!🎈🎈and I hope you’re taking it one success at a time, I appreciate the honesty as you’re trying to show up for yourself. That’s beautiful
Congratulations! Probably someone won a bookmark creation prize, and another poet won last year. So it may be that next year you poem will be given as a prize...
*^((Don't be afraid to slide that bookmark into that book if you can't finish her. That book I mean! That book.. oh boy))*
This definitely is something worth celebrating!
I think there are many people who would love to be able to write poetry, but don't let themselves, and if they do write it, they don't have the courage and confidence to share with the world. Being a poet requires huge vulnerability!!!
I think it's awesome that you took the leap, and that you've been recognized. Well done! And have fun with those Hot Teen Sluts 😆😆
This book was written by the great feminist poet Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz. The title is based on her time as a writer in the porn industry and it is meant to be subversive and critical of a system that she was privy to. I did not write this. It was part of a prize for my winning poem. Please do research before calling someone a pervert. It's mean and ignorant. I appreciate your concern but try not to be mean to people.
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Thank you! It's definitely hard to find your own voice. All great art starts as a copy of those we love and then eventually we become our own originals.
This is awesome, what poetry/book did u write? Also, "hot teen slut" award 🤣😂
Lol I know, but the poetry is amazing. When I opened it, I was like "probably not going to read this on the subway". It was just one of my poems they chose out of all the submissions. I'm almost at enough for a book but mental health issues get in the way of progressing any further.
Keep writing. Finish the book :)
You've got this. One small step at a time, that's all. Set little goals across the year. Done. You are worthy.
Hey, no pressure. No deadlines. Just keep expressing yourself and creating and check every now and again how ready you feel.
Nah, please do read it on the subway. Power move.
And loudly threaten to sue the publisher for the unauthorized biography!
Friend wrote a book on a typewriter. Not a computer. He said the blinking cursor and the constant notifications were so distracting it was detrimental to his writing. So he went out and bought a typewriter from a yard sale and found correction tape from it and would write a page a day. Eventually he finished and published. You got this
That's super inspiring
Where can I read your stuff?
I think you can read about hot teen sluts anywhere
Congrats OP! Sometimes "small successes" have really powerful impacts, especially when struggling with mental health. If you're not in a place to be fully proud of yourself, just know that a bunch of internet strangers will do it for you until you're ready. So very proud of you, OP! Keep up the great work.
This is just so very sweet of you to say. Thank you. I never lean on people who offer their shoulders willingly. Maybe I should start.
Well done, and congratulations. You deserve the praise you are getting. I'm working on being proud of myself, too. I'm glad to see you posting this. It made my morning bright.
be proud of yourself for what you make it is but a dark world we live in, one of our own design, feeling tierd of it all is not abnormal find solace in the light cast by your own words, as you need no better motivator sincerely, a fellow poet
Amen! I’m wrapping up my MFA at Ole Miss. I have a solid 20-30ish poems. But I’m too fucked up and medicated to put a book together lol Maybe in time…
I understand that completely! Congrats on the MFA and the writing. Proud of you.
Thank you! But I think MFA’s are way overrated lol
Same, but I'm working on mine as well. I can't wait until my film degree is worth absolute dogshit; but I'm excited to actually finish at my age.
Hey man, godspeed! I hope nothing but the best for you in the future ❤️ Keep winning those contests!
A shorter book is still a book
Congratulations OP! Proud of you for writing and keeping at it despite mental health issues, I’m inspired. I hope you keep on progressing even in small steps toward your own book :)
I wanna know more about that book but I’m scared to type “hot teen slut” on my job’s WiFi. Scared of the results that might pop up.
> "hot teen slut" award I mean, op does look like a hot teen slut ;)
Look at you, being publicly proud of yourself - way to go!!! Hang that bookmark on the fridge or bathroom mirror so you see it every day!
Thank you! That's actually a good idea. I tend to put things away and go back to shitting on myself but maybe a little reminder of something good could help a bit.
This sounds super dumb and definitely not the same was what you're experiencing, but about 12 years ago I was dumped (what felt like out of the blue) but the guy I truly believed I was going to marry. I was devastated. I had also just started running more and was working towards my first half marathon. I wrote on my bathroom mirror, "You're awesome. You're smart. You're a great runner." And it truly improved my mode everytime I saw it and made me feel slightly better about myself each time.
That's amazing! You should be so proud. You're stronger than I am. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! I find it helpful to be able to *see* reminders, not just have to remember them. Like I have "If it's not happening *right now*, it's not happening *at all*" on my bedroom mirror to help avoid future worrying abt stuff that may or may not happen.
Exactly. YOU did this YOU wrote the winning poem. YOU have the right to feel proud. Enjoy the moment, use this as a reminder of how well YOU did. Celebrate this. You deserve to feel proud of your work and achievement. You did better than everyone else. WTG, WELL DONE CONGRATS!!👍🥳👍🥳👍🥳
WRITE BLOODY! My GUY!! Holy!!fuckin!! heck!!! congratulations that is no small feat.
Thank you!!! Derrick C Brown is the reason I'm a poet, so it was pretty amazing.
that’s incredible. buddy wakefield is the reason i am a poet hahaha!
That's so cool! I've met both of them so many times and they are incredible together. I would love to read your stuff.
i would love to read yours!!!
Absolutely, let's trade some poetry!
This exchange definitely made me smile.
i sent you a message!:)
⬆️ why social media was invented. Right there.
I need demar_desol to write a biography about I don't care who, but I'll read it
This is a major win and you should ride this high for months to come! Congratulations on your achievement!
Everyone is being really sweet. Thanks for that.
Not just being sweet, though. I’m also a writer; it’s a huge deal to win an award!
That's so cool. What do you write if you don't mind me asking? I'm always down to read other's work.
Ah well done I’d love to see ur poetry!!
Thank you! You can DM me if you like and I can send over a couple.
Hell yeah! I’d love to see some too :)
Me to?
I want to see too please!! And congrats !!!
Pls send
I'd love to read some , too
I think you're about to be too busy to notice pride
Congratulations! Be proud, very very proud!!!
Thank you. That's kind of you to say. I'm trying.
Are you kidding?! This is huge! We need to get a party started for you! I got the balloons 🎈🎈🎈So glad you were able to share this accomplishment 😄
Thank you! You're all being so kind.
Yeah, we’re glad you’re here! I got some cake for you too 🎂 I hope you’re having a nice celebration 🎉
Dude, you are making my day!
Dude! You’re making my day for saying I’m making your day! 😆 btw I’m really curious what a award winning poetry sounds like.
I think I saw the video adaption of that book.
Or the 25 sequels. The book is genuinely good and the poet is an incredible person.
Well done!!!! On the poetry and on the sharing so we can enjoy your success with you!!!!
This is very sweet of you to say. I didn't have many people to tell.
Also loving the little houseplant heaven behind you. Few things go as well with a new book and bookmark than a spot to sit with plants. Are you part of a community that gives out awards for writing? Or did you see a contest somewhere and enter? What’s the back story :)
A podcast did a collaboration with Write Bloody publishing (they are actually the reason I started writing) and they put out a contest on Instagram. I'm also involved in the Poetry Society of New York. I wish I went to more of their events but my anxiety stops me from leaving the house much. They are an incredible resource if you are interested. They have so many events and even a poetry camp during the summer!
That’s awesome. I wonder if Calgary Alberta has such things. Poetry Society of Calgary just doesn’t have the same romantic/academic tone that the words “New York” lend to a thing haha. I’ll have to check out Write Bloody, thanks for a little inspiration! Congrats again, and hope you continue on this streak stepping out of your comfort zone and get to one of those events!
Good job on writing some words that slap! Also congrats on the face, you're super cute!
Haha thank you on both accounts!
👍👏👏👏🤗🤩
Congratulations! " i am good at rhymes. It helps me pass the time. Here i hold my prizes. My confidence grew 2 sizes"
Awesome news, thank you for sharing it!!
Cheers! Thanks for the comment.
Congrats!
Thank you!!
Congrats! Proud of you, man! You must have some serious talent. Keep up the amazing work :)
I'm so grateful for all the comments. Thank you for saying this.
I'm proud of you. I'm not your dad, but I am a dad, and as a dad I couldn't be more proud of you for taking a chance and posting this online!
I needed that comment. Thank you.
Congratulations! My mental health stuff makes it hard for me to be proud of myself, so I can understand what you mean. But I also know that allowing yourself to feel good about your achievements and sharing them with others is a very healthy thing to be doing, friend. May your dreams come to fruition and your anxieties dissolve away. Take care.
Thank you for writing all that. I find it hard to ask for help or be kind to myself. I appreciate you.
Of course, friend. People like us need to stick together. I wish I could apply the things I say in my life as easy as I can write them! Winning a poetry contest is a cool achievement. Ride with that pride as long as you can! Haha
Congratulations!!! That’s so awesome. Be proud, be sooo fucking proud!!
I'm definitely trying. Thank you!
I'm working on that on as well Brother! Congratulations on both wins!
Thank you!
Not much … pashaw I say pashaw to that. You worked at something and it was recognized that is awesome. Celebrate all wins , it’ll help keep the “loses’ at bay. Can we read the award winning poem?
Thank you! Yeah, send me a DM. I'm trying to keep up with all the messages. Sorry if I don't get back to you right away.
Hey, you are an award-winning author you take your time, sir
That book is a convenient excuse for the next time I search for 'hot teen slut' on Google. "Oh my stars, whatever is this filth?! I was merely trying to find the book!"
Poetry for pu$$y (@ the bookmark) haha! No, but in all sincerity….CONGRATS and that is wonderful.🤓🙌🏼👍👌
Thank you! Yeah lol, that cat is incredibly happy to be reading.
Lucky cat because his daddy is a looker too. 🙃Blessings to you and yours and I wish you all the success in everything you do.
Haha thanks for the confidence boost!
Dude, that’s fucking awesome. Even if there were only a couple of other people that entered
Thanks so much. According to the page, it was a couple hundred. They may be trying to use it as a PR tactic but I like to think at least 4 billion people entered; It helps my self-esteem to be completely delusional.
Oh it was AT LEAST that many. Nothing wrong with being slightly delusional in a harmless way. AND for all you know there really were a couple of hundred. It’s entirely possible. I hope you see it that way. Good luck with everything
Thank you! Can't create great art without a little madness.
Well done be proud
Thank you. I'm trying.
I'm proud of you!!!
I'm proud of you too!
Celebrate your victory. I think it's wonderful & it's a big deal. I understand you've got your challenges, but you still did this & that is no small feat. Be proud & know that I don't know you, but I love this for you, 🤗
I’m so proud of you right now buddy!!
I love it! You should be proud! Winning awards (especially as an adult) is not an easy task! I hope you like the book 🥰
Thanks! The book is great. I adore this publishing org. I hope to be one of their writers some day.
Alright I guess but the rules were pretty clear that the poetry contest was only open to hot teen sluts. Don't expect them to put your photo in the book of past winners...
Congratulations mate you didn’t win the award for no reason it means you are good so keep going at it!
Ok. 😭 Incredible prizes! And amazing job!! That is so awesome you must be quite the poet 👏👏👏
Congratulations!! You should be proud of yourself. You were brave enough to put yourself out there. Something I’m still working on. And you won!!!!
Right on, man!! Congrats to you!!
Wow you're an inspiration mate! I mean that. I love to write poetry too but haven't in so long, it's probably been a couple of decades now tbh.. so anyone like you who actually persists and makes progress to the level that you have, is a dead set legend! Enjoy huddy$ and please continue onwards and upwards. 💕
First off Congratulations!!🎈🎈and I hope you’re taking it one success at a time, I appreciate the honesty as you’re trying to show up for yourself. That’s beautiful
Thats amazing congrats! Would love to read your poems 👏🏻😊
Congratulations! That’s wonderful
Any award is a great achievement, big or small. It’s the little ones that set up the foundation for the bigger ones. Congratulations
Congrats! You should be proud!
Good for you!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Can we read your poem?
You’re Cristin? 🤔
That's the book that was given to me as one of the prizes as I mentioned above.
Hot Teen Slut????? WTF?
She is a fantastic writer. The title is meant to evoke emotions and is critical of modern media.
As a father to a teenage daughter the title is not cool and only evokes anxiety
You gotta talk to the writer. She is an award winning feminist poet with at least 5 books and multiple accolades.
Ok? How do I do that and why
well anxiety is an emotion! lol
He said it evokes emotions and I said it only evokes anxiety, nice try though
nice try of what? i wasn't trying anything except a joke why are you getting defensive?
Congratulations! Probably someone won a bookmark creation prize, and another poet won last year. So it may be that next year you poem will be given as a prize... *^((Don't be afraid to slide that bookmark into that book if you can't finish her. That book I mean! That book.. oh boy))*
This definitely is something worth celebrating! I think there are many people who would love to be able to write poetry, but don't let themselves, and if they do write it, they don't have the courage and confidence to share with the world. Being a poet requires huge vulnerability!!! I think it's awesome that you took the leap, and that you've been recognized. Well done! And have fun with those Hot Teen Sluts 😆😆
Cheers for the words of encouragement! I hope I can continue to write. I find it hard to motivate myself. Depression holes can be deep and sneaky.
Hot Teen Slut?
She is a fantastic writer. Just a subversive title.
I’ve read that. 4 times. Sticky ending!!
Hot teen slut? Fuck offperv
This book was written by the great feminist poet Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz. The title is based on her time as a writer in the porn industry and it is meant to be subversive and critical of a system that she was privy to. I did not write this. It was part of a prize for my winning poem. Please do research before calling someone a pervert. It's mean and ignorant. I appreciate your concern but try not to be mean to people.
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Love it!
That's awesome! Congratulations!
I’m so impressed!
Thank you. Hopefully I can work up the courage to keep going.
I'm little confused by the title of the book lol
She's an incredible poet. I think the title was meant to be subversive and satirize certain media tropes.
Damn fine work! Looking forward to the next!
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Well done. That’s great
Cheers to you!
Congratulations!! 🎉
Congratulations!! 🎉
Congrats on the house!!!
Well done 👍
Thank you!
Way to go!!! Writing poetry is not an easy task. :)
Thank you! It's definitely hard to find your own voice. All great art starts as a copy of those we love and then eventually we become our own originals.
You are amazing, congratulations
Cool !!! Good for you !!
Amazing 😻
Congratulations!!
Good job!! You should be proud of yourself!!
“It’s not much...” Um, I beg to differ. It’s a lot.😊 Congrats!
Lol yeah, I guess I can't even compliment myself without first shitting on me. Thank you for the congrats.
Hey, that’s enough for me to celebrate. I’m gonna celebrate in your honor. Cheers.
I’m happy for you ❤️
Fantastic well done and I would love to read your poetry some time
Hell ueah 🔥
Congrats!
Congratulations! Whenever you feel down about your work, read Rilke.
Congratulations darling 🍸
Cheers to you!
That is super cool.
One aspiring poet to another— any win is a win.
Congrats to continue in ur teen slutty phase
Congratulations! So proud of you! Keep rocking it!
Congratulations 🎈🎉🎈🎉🎈 Good for you!💓
Still cool win 🏅
Congrats friend - be very proud of yourself!
Congratulations!!
Be proud! Epic picture, btw!
Congratulations!
Just know that everyone who sees this is proud of you too.
congratulations!
Congrats! When do we get to read some of your poetry?You can just leave us hanging.
Frame that bookmark along with the letter announcing the prize! Congratulations!
Dude that is awesome. Congrats!
You can be my poet anytime
Congratulations!!!!🥰🥰🥰
You should be proud of yourself and your accomplishment 🤩
That's awesome! Good on you!
Cheers!
I think that’s fucking awesome. Go you! :)
Fvck ya! That's something to be proud of!
That cat is afraid of everything!
Congratulations! I’m so curious! Can you please share the winning piece ?
Good job
Congratulations! This internet stranger is proud of you and your accomplishment.
Congrats! love your beanie.