Gimme 5 with Bailey Bystery, 11, Winner of River of Words 2008 Contest

1) What was it like winning the River of Words Competition, especially considering you were amongst the top 100 out of 20,000 entries ?
Surreal. I still giggle every time I Google myself =)
2) What do you love most about writing at the Writers Studio ?
No rubric! I can write anything I want. Also, it's like reading a book; you watch it all come together into a story.
3) What did all the media attention feel like ?
( Hehe) it was fun! I went to school and I was like, "I'm in the newspaper!" Some people even gave me the articles (about) me because they had seen me in the paper (but probably their parents made them do it). But everyone was really thrilled for me. At lunch they were all like, "Let me see it! Let me see it!"
4) What projects and goals are you working on currently at the Writers Studio?
I want to publish a novel =D And, I'm working on a 100 - page story for a contest.
5) How do you feel about the workshops and how have they contributed to your writing ?
Honestly, I just wouldn't write. That's why I keep telling my mom to sign me up; it keeps me motivated.
6) Has that win, and the subsequent Glen Ellyn Library win, changed you or your perspective?
I guess it told me that I really am a good writer.
7) What advice do you have for other writers ?
Umm... I'd say just write what's in your heart (haha that was sappy). And write what you would enjoy reading, because that's probably what others want to read too.