Feature: I've Been Tommy-Ed

By Cliff Fazzolari

About ten years ago, I won a Tommy Award for my book Desperation.

I remember how it made me feel to win the award because I had worked very hard on that book, had re-written it a hundred times, and truly believed in its cause.

I also remember being quite proud because I knew the namesake for the award, my friend through the years, uh…Tom, of course.

Now, I'm not going to say too much about Tom because he is a dignified man with a good sense of humor, and he isn’t very comfortable accepting too many accolades…but just know that if you were to win such an award, it would certainly be an honor.

Another reason why you should feel gratified about being considered for a Tommy Award is because the award goes out of its way to select well-written works that serve some sort of purpose. There hasn’t been any selling-out with the Tommy Awards. The works must be of high-quality, and they are judged by a pack of wolves that make sure you understand the craft and know the right order in which to place the words. No formulaic books designed to send millions to an unsuspecting public-- it’s quality or nothing.

When I saw that the contest was being revived, I went back through the paperwork and pulled out my copy of my Tommy Award. I remember how good it made me feel and how much it spurred me on to write my next piece.

I’m wondering if I have something out there that qualifies me for consideration again. Or maybe like Paul McCartney, a lifetime achievement of sorts.

Good luck, and get those submissions in!
Make Tommy proud.

Cliff Fazzolari is a professional writer and prolific author. He is on the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo PICU Parent Advisory Council. He currently resides in Blasdell, New York.