Awards and Rewards

Post by Doris McCraw

As I’ve been watching the ‘TONY’ awards tonight, the topic I had been playing with coalesced. The thought of receiving awards for what we do may only be surpassed by the rewards we get for doing it. Or perhaps not.

Let’s begin with a definition of the two words:

Award according the American Heritage dictionary means – Something awarded or granted, as for merit

Reward according to the same dictionary means – something paid to a person for the return of something or A consequence that happens to someone as a result of worthy or unworthy behavior

We are involved in a creative industry. one that can be very competitive

Much like the award shows that honor excellence in performing, we as writers are also in competition with others who follow this creative path.

In a live performance, it is rarely just one person. There are so many who contribute to a successful show. While writing is considered a lonely profession, if we are honest with ourselves there are many who are involved in what we do. Our family, our friends, editors, publishers, and the people who are the inspiration for what we write.

Would be be honored to receive and award for what we do? I would guess the answer would be yes.

Can we be happy with the reward we get by doing and having our work out there?

That answer is a very personal one. For me, yes. As an actor, I received many an accolade for my work. As a singer, the same can be said. Still, it was the act of doing the work that was the most joyous part. When on stage, the world fell away and I was wrapped up in the joy of the moment.

As some may know the phenomenon known as “Hamilton” is huge in this year’s awards. Here is a clip of the author talking about his inspirations: https://youtu.be/h7YTPuEMgaE To me this is the joy of doing, following the passion. Sometimes you get awards, sometimes you don’t.

So do you want awards or rewards?

For myself, I know the rewards I get are internal. No one can take them away. Would it be nice to be an award-winning author, well, I’ve had that also. Of the two, reward wins. When I hear a reader say they enjoy my work, that means so much. To move, to educate, to bring a smile or tear, that is the reward I love.

Here’s to finding your voice, your star, your awards and rewards. The dreams we have are not impossible. It is the journey and the people we share that trip with along the way that make anything possible. I end with a piece to make you smile: https://youtu.be/YshgmStEZh0

Angela Raines is the pen name for Doris McCraw. In addition to Historical Romance, Doris also writes haiku, posted five days a week at: http://fivesevenfivepage.blogspot.com.  She has posted over one thousand haiku.“One Christmas Knight” Medieval Anthology
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