Are ‘honourable mentions’ worth mentioning?

So you entered a bunch of writing competitions, and just received your first ‘honourable mention’.

Translation: you didn’t win the prize, but here’s a gold star for trying.

At least, that’s how it might feel initially. Kind of that “always the bridesmaid” vibe.

All authors dream of winning writing competitions outright, having poured hours of ink, sweat and tears into the often hellish writing and editing process. The effort that goes into perfecting your story can make it hard to accept the sheer volume of rejections coming your way from national writing competitions. Not to mention, international contests.

But we, as authors, come to expect this. Rejections are as familiar to us as caffeine and eye strain.

So what happens when you land an honourable mention in a writing competition? Is that merit worth slapping up on your social media bio, even if you didn’t technically win anything?

Curious, I took to Twitter to ask the writing community what they thought. The verdict was overwhelming:

Honourable mentions are honourable for a reason

While some authors may be hesitant to celebrate an honourable mention - and I’ll openly admit I was one of them initially - they really are a rather special form of official recognition.

Think about it.

You’ve written an original piece of work - a chapter opening, a short story, a heartfelt poem to your cat. You filled out a bunch of application forms for writing competitions with an impressive-sounding title and prize. Crossed your fingers and hoped for the best.

And so did thousands of other writers. THOUSANDS.

That’s exactly why an honourable mention is worth mentioning.

You were brave enough to pit your creative work up against the masses, have it judged by a professional, world-renowned author - or even a whole panel of them! - and although you weren’t shortlisted for the grand prize, your name was still on the judges’ lips by the end of the competition.

You came away with SOMETHING. A special mention.

In the (rather brilliant) words of my Twitter followers, honourable mentions are proof that:

  • Your writing shows a certain level of quality and excellence

  • Your writing was worthy of professional recognition

  • Your writing was a cut above the rest, who didn’t receive a mention

An honourable mention is not a participation certificate. It’s an achievement.

So embrace that special recognition. Say it loud and proud.

My name is Becky Leeson, and I received an Honourable Mention in the 2021 Writers of the Future short story competition. Boom.

It’s far too easy for a writer to be their own worst critic, so don’t forget to celebrate your small wins. They’re the stepping stones to future writing success.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to celebrate (honourably) with some Buck’s Fizz and the rest of the Christmas shortbread.

B x

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