Guest Blogger | Greg Tulonen (Ragged Isle's Head Writer)

Last year, Ragged Isle won big at the Indie Soap Awards. The whole experience was a whirlwind of good feelings and elation, and the only blip on my joy was the fact that I hadn't seen everyone's shows. Sure, I'd seen the heavy-hitters like DeVanity and Anacostia and Pretty, but time after time, people came up to me to tell me how much they liked Ragged Isle, and I'd have to admit that I hadn't yet watched their shows.

This year, I was determined not to let that happen again, so when the nominations were announced, I set about watching every episode of every show nominated in every category. This turned out to be a somewhat huge undertaking, but it was also energizing and inspiring and deeply, deeply humbling. There was and is so much talent among the nominees, and this year, I went to the ISAs as a fan as much as (if not more than) a nominee. I got to tell Erin Gould how much I loved his show. I got to tell Jason Leaver that my wife is using his show in her class on web series. I got to tell Miriam Pultro that she's my favorite actor on the internet. I got to tell Liz Ellis how hilarious a writer she is and I got to tell Bhama Roget how great she is delivering Liz Ellis's words. I got to tell Ed Robinson and Jodie Younse how delicious their show looks. I got to tell Dane Joseph how much better his show gets each season. I got to tell Brynne McManimie and Kevin Johnston how cool they are. I got to tell Deidra Taylor how funny she is on Anacostia. I got to tell Michael Caruso and Anthony Anderson how much I loved their latest seasons. I got to tell Sebastian La Cause how good an actor… and writer… and director he is. I probably seemed like a crazy stalker to some, but it was so exciting to meet all these people and tell them how awesome they are.

It was so much fun meeting and talking to all these crazy-talented people, the awards ceremony itself was almost secondary. Almost. Roger, Damon, and Kevin put on a spectacular show (as usual), and I was so proud of Barry Dodd for winning Best Director (Drama) for the second year in a row. Way to go, Barry!

After the ceremony, just like last year, we partied until 4 a.m., and then ended up at the same diner as last year. It was another incredible Indie Soap Awards this year, and already I can't wait until next year!