A Winner Is Me · 2:24am Jun 4th, 2021
The great Friendship is Optimal writeoff contest has come to a conclusion. As it turns out, there were actually NO WINNERS CHOSEN, and therefore NO PRIZES. 
In all seriousness, I was honored to receive "best overall" story for my entry, "Crooked House." This is a particularly big moment for me, as the judges, GaPJaxie and Cold in Gardez and Skywriter, are three of my favorite authors on this site (and anywhere else, for that matter). The chance to get feedback and learn from their perspective has been enlightening to say the least, and winning fat stacks on their recommendation makes it all extra special.
I'll echo Jax for a second and express my amazement at the level of talent the first-time writers who entered this contest showed. ScarletSet and Tin77, the silver medalist and "best new author" award winner, respectively, are both first-time publishers on fimfic. FIRST TIME. MSPiper, winner of "best author with >500 followers," has published a grand total of twice. This fandom is a hotbed for talent, don't try and argue.
She wouldn't be smiling if she'd read my first fic
Looking forward, I'm happy to say I'll be writing another fic for the MLP Renaissance Contest, which should be ready for the limelight in 2 to 3 weeks. Our three-eyed Twilight from a few blogs ago will be making a comeback as an original character with a backstory as tragic as her outfit is daring. Stay tuned!
In summary, we win, we read good fics, we party this weekend. Sloppy drunk blogs to follow perhaps? I need to get onto the barcast and drink those fools under the table sometime...
Congratulations!
I am still nursing my wounds, but I can't wait for the compilation book.
Congratulations!