
A big shout-out to my friend and writer extraordinaire Lauren Scott for taking home the honor of Publication of the Year in the Spillwords Press 2026 Awards. Lauren’s brilliance shines whether she’s writing poetry or prose, and her poetry collections are beautiful and soulful and well worth reading. Lauren’s winning poem “I Am From” can be read here:
https://spillwords.com/i-am-from/
Lauren’s work touches hearts and souls, and her love for nature is evidenced in her gorgeous poetry and photography. Be sure to check out Lauren’s work on her blog Baydreamer Writes here:
Wishing you continued success in all of your writing endeavors, Lauren. I’m proud of you, my friend. 😊
It’s kind of you to share this post, Mike
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Gotta support our writer friends, right? I’m happy to give Lauren a shout-out. 😊
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🧡🙏
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Mike thank you for sharing .
I am so happy for Lauren 🤗
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Thanks, Maggie. You beat me to it this morning! Just wanted to lift up Lauren and her success. I’m so proud of her, but I’m also proud of you, my friend. You’ll be in that spotlight soon enough, I guarantee it. I’m honored to be nominated with you and Lauren. This sort of feels like a win for all of us, you know? 😊
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Absolutely Mike.
I am over the moon for Lauren .
I think we were all rooting for each other Mike .
Yes, it was really lovely that we were all nominated.
Thank you Mike, I am proud of you my friend and it was an honour to be with you on that list.
Keep shining 🌟🤗 and take good care!
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Mike and Maggie, this is meant for you both! I ditto everything you both have said! I know we were all rooting for each other. And I’ve said it before, but I was truly honored to be nominated with you both because I continue to be in awe of your amazing talent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being in my corner in this world of WP. Thank you for your continued support. I’m getting teary-eyed because it means more than you know. Sending hugs to you both, dear friends! ❤️🤗🙏
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Sweet! Still, I wish it was you, Mike.🌷
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Thanks, Carol. I’m happy for Lauren, and happy for Maggie and her dual nominations. As for myself, well, maybe sometime I’ll break through. Who knows? I’m not really built for these “writing competitions.” Too stressful, and I loathe self-promotion. I just wanna write, you know? Anyway, thank you for your kindness, my friend. It means a lot to me. 😊
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I think the problem lies elsewhere entirely, Mike — some don’t want to have to subscribe somewhere in order to vote for someone.😔
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This is definitely true. I’ve also had people tell me they would have voted but they weren’t able to subscribe or log onto Spillwords’ website.
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Mazal tov!
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It’s Lauren’s day to shine, eh? 😊
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Mike, you are too kind! 🥰
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Congratulations to Lauren!
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I’m pleased for Lauren and hope she’s enjoying the moment. 😊
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Thanks so much, Luisa! ❤️
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🙏💞🙏
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What a lovely acknowledgement to Lauren, Mike!
You and Maggie were right in there and I was rooting for you at least for one of you to get it! Next year like we keep saying but one day will come true!❤️‼️❤️‼️❤️
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Thanks, Cindy. I was happy to be a nominee, proud to be in the mix with two of my good writing friends, and pleased that one of us took home an award. For me, this whole concept of writing as a competition at Spillwords is just too stressful. I like shouting-out for others and supporting/encouraging them, but I really, really dislike having to promote myself. So, these things are stressful and awkward and I’d rather just write for myself as a creative outlet than have to worry about soliciting votes and staying up all night worrying about vote counts and all that. I know that may sound weird, but hey, I’m weird, so there ya go! 😁
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You’re sooo welcome! I was hoping you all could win when I finally saw the vote as I was behind the 8 ball! You’re one of the best writers I know, so there’s that. I submit because I love that we have places we can be acknowledged for our work and it keeps my creative juices flowing.
I know what you mean about asking for the vote. It is a little odd because it feels like it takes the onus off of the writing and also, asking people is awkward, especially when people have a hard time getting on. On the other hand it is what SW ask us to do so think of it as doing your job
Im supporting them. That might help a bit? And for sure don’t spend a minute worrying about it, easier said than done ✅
We’re all weird on one way or another. Hey guess what? I got new hearing aides today and my secondary insurance covered 50% for the first time. Isn’t that great progress with insurance companies?!!!
I’m sooo excited because I don’t think I will have to have that surgery for osteo-sclerosis now which is a relief. I wish it was as easy as that for you. Sigh. ❤️❤️❤️
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Mike and Cindy, I feel the same about asking for votes and self-promotion. But I am grateful that Spillwords shares my work. So, it’s one of those things when “it is what it is” fits best. I felt awkward because I had been on a long break when I received the email. I wish we all could’ve won! And good news about your hearing aides, Cindy! Hugs to you both! 🥰
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I remember reading this beautiful and fun poem. Congratulations to Lauren on the great and well deserved award.
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Thanks again for your kind words of support, Thomas, and I’m humbled by Mike’s kindness too. 🙏
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Thanks for stopping by to celebrate Lauren’s success, Thomas. It’s good to see friends recognized for their accomplishments. 😊
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Yes I agree
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❤
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Thanks so much, Beth! ❤️
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Thanks, Beth, for stopping by to support Lauren here. I’m super happy for her. 😊
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Congratulations to Lauren! And thank you, Mike, for the shout out for your friend!! You, too, are a wonderful writer!
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Thanks so much, Peggy, and it was an honor to be nominated beside Mike! ❤️🙏
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Thanks, Peggy. I’m glad to celebrate the successes of our fellow writers, especially those whom I consider friends (you’re on that list, too, my friend!). 😊
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Awww, thank you, Mike, you’re too kind! 😊
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Oh my gosh, Mike, I’m sorry to arrive late! For some reason, I didn’t get pinged from this, and I haven’t had time to read blogs until now. Anyway, please forgive me because this is beyond kind of you! I have no words. Can you believe that? Well, except, Thank you so much, my friend! Everything you said about me I can say about you and your writing! I really wanted you and Maggie to win! Anyway, you are the best! Maggie did the same thing and you both have the biggest hearts. I also love supporting my friends here, so I really appreciate this wonderful gesture. Your support and feedback always mean the world to me. Sending gratitude hugs all the way to CO! ❤️🙏🤗
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It’s my pleasure, Lauren. Your success shines a happy light on everyone here in our community. I’m glad to be able to spread the word here on my blog. You and Maggie absolutely rock, and I see good things ahead for both of you. Keep that pen moving on the page, my friend. It’s magical stuff. 😊
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Lauren are you still celebrating ? 😄
It is easy to miss posts when there are so many.
Enjoy the glow my friend 🌟.
You deserve the accolade for your beautiful writing ❤️
Many thanks to you and Mike for your support and friendship.
Love and hugs to you both 🥰
I am honoured to be in your company xo
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