Winning an award is a fantastic way to be recognised for a job well done. I was thrilled to win a 2010 TAC Yooralla Media Award yesterday. I entered three DiVine articles in the online media category. I am honoured and excited. I have always wanted to be a writer. Now I'm doing it!

The TAC Yooralla Media Awards recognise reporting across all media that has helped to challenge stereotypes that unfairly define people with a disability. There are several categories. The categories include print, radio and television.

I was very surprised

When I entered the awards, I did not think I would win. Previous winners include  accomplished writers from prestigious, high-profile mainstream media outlets. I was very surprised to find out that I had won. I actually cried with joy!

This year has been full of exciting opportunities for me. The opportunities seem to have stemmed from my blog. I started my blog in December 2009. I never thought that telling stories about my own experiences on my blog would end up in me becoming a published, award-winning writer.

Really positive comments

I actually started writing my blog for myself. But I soon started receiving really positive comments from readers. Many comments were from strangers. I realised I can write for others and make a difference in the community. My readers have empathised with my stories. I have also encouraged them to share their stories. Online writing can create an amazing sense of community.

It is great to help make a difference. My illness is visual. Putting my life out online for all to see is a brave thing to do. Telling my stories online also opens me up to criticism. But I receive more negativity about my appearance on the street than online. I have also been recognised in real life by my blog readers. People have said: Hi Carly! I know you from the internet. This gives me a buzz!

Being honest

I enjoy being able to be honest with my writing. I like encouraging others to think differently about people with a disability or chronic illness. I want to make people reconsider their prejudices. To make people realise the difficulties we can experience. And I want to make people laugh. Humour is something that gets me through tough times.

I think it is important for people with a disability to be recognised in the media. Recognition should include fair reporting by journalists. It should also include people with a disability directly involved in the media.

Revealing the truth

It is important to showcase diverse talent and opinions. Allowing people with a disability to tell their stories shows the reality of situations that governments and the wider public might rarely see. These realities are sometimes uncomfortable. But hopefully by revealing the truth, change can be made.

I hope to see other DiVine writers receive awards in the future. Don't be afraid to share your stories. You never know what it might lead to!

 

Resources

Carly’s award winning DiVine stories are:

• In Control and telling my story (opens new window) 
• Someone will come along (opens new window)
• Love the skin you're in (opens new window)

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