March turned out to be a lucky month for me, and I found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) informed me I’d won three awards in their 2026 At-Large Professional Contest in three different categories. I wasn’t sure why this affected me so much, so I worked through it in writing and hope some of the thoughts might help other writers.
1.
Reaction
Holy cow—nice words—thank you!
Why it Matters
One of my writing mentors once said, “When passion fuels writing, it shows.”
I was fiercely passionate about the “Connecting the Dots” story. I wrote about the military assignment where I believed I made the most significant impacts of my career. I appreciate being able to share this honor with my former Joint Intelligence Task Force – Combating Terrorism (JITF-CT) teammates. The story appeared in the Military Writers Society of America’s Reflections: Service to our Country anthology.
Lessons Learned
- If you care, it shows
- Write from your heart
- Gather good quotes from trusted sources
2.
Reaction
I dedicated this issue of Dispatches magazine to Vietnam veterans, their families, and those who support them at the fiftieth year commemoration of the war. The judge’s comments helped me think I’m on the right track.
Why it Matters
I took over editing this magazine as a volunteer effort after the three previous editors quit. I had no “pass down” (as we called it in the Navy) and lived through a big learning curve. I made changes I thought would help and have had the pleasure of helping veterans and military families tell their stories—many published for the first time.
Lessons Learned
- If taking on a newsletter or magazine, have an organizational plan. Here is a previous blog post on that subject: https://valerieormond.com/2025/07/21/five-magazine-management-tips/
- Although a volunteer effort, my heart sings when members appreciate having their stories or poems published
- Rely on wonderful magazine and book designers like the most-patient Andrea Reider of Reider Books and who has made my job easier and the outcome award-winning
3.
Reaction
I entered the “Song Lyrics – Risky Business” article into the competition at the last minute for some reason. My first version was—well, boring. I decided to add a little humor, which made it more fun and a better read.
Why it Matters
I wrote this short article after being part of writers groups and seeing and hearing people using song lyrics in their stories and books, unaware of the copyright issues involved.
Lessons Learned
- Even if it hadn’t won an award, it was information I thought fellow writers should be aware of
- If a story isn’t working, look for another way to approach it that may work
- Have fun with writing and presenting stories
I hope something here may be useful for other writers and editors and thank the awards judges for their valuable time and feedback.
