Writers need to have so many skills these days. Even once you have written a wonderful spicy romance novella or novel -- how do you get it published? One of the key ingredients is a first page that grabs the reader and compels them to turn the page and keep on reading.
This contest, running in association with the e-zine Forbidden Fruit, is all about the first 500 words of a story. This may be the only 500 words, the beginning of something new or a short extract from a book you have already written. Write it, polish it, and refine it -- post it here, and be in to win a prize.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Write the first 500 (+/-50) words of an erotic romance story. Post your entry as a thread in this forum:
http://veinglory.8.forumer.com/viewforum.php?f=16 along with a pen-name and a contact email address. You may post as a guest or join the forum as a member. If you prefer you may send the contact email by forum private message rather than posting it.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE?
One brand new copy of the Writer's Handook 2005 delivered to your door, or US$20 (by paypal only).
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
You must enter by May 31th 2005. The winner will be chosen by June 5th.
HOW WILL THE WINNER BE CHOSEN?
The winner will be chosen by the agreement of three unbiased judges based on one criterion: which book would we most want to read?
WHAT IS THE CATCH?
Inspecting my conscience thoroughly I can honestly say there isn't one. We will not use the entries in any way, claim any rights over them or charge any fees. The winner gets their prize delivered free to their door. Although entries must be posted on the forum you do not need to join or frequent the forum thereafter. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the entries will be viewable in the forum for the period of the contest.
If you have any questions please ask them here:
http://veinglory.8.forumer.com/viewt...hp?p=1756#1756
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRIZE
The Writer's Handbook 2005
Elfrieda Abbe, Ed.
Updated and revised throughout, the definitive career resource for writers provides over 1,000 pages of essential information, how-to advice, and paying markets you won't want to miss!
The 2005 edition features:
More than 3,000 quality book and magazine markets that buy articles and book manuscripts. Listings detail what they publish, special interests, websites, and how to contact them with queries and submissions.
More than 300 additional valuable resources including agents, writer's organizations, literary prize competitions, conferences, artist colonies for writers, state arts councils, and more.
Fifty Articles and interviews feature practical advice and specific solutions for problems writers face from such great writers as Ray Bradbury, Lois Lowry, Janet Evanovich, Dennis Lehane, Elizabeth Berg, Alan Furst, Anne Lamott, Robert B. Parker, M.J. Rose, Robert W. Bly, Carl Hiaasen, and many others. Topics include practical techniques to develop sellable ideas for many markets, create compelling stories and articles, writing children's books, novels, and screenplays, improving your manuscripts for submission, specific ways to market your work more successfully, negotiate better contracts, write terrific article queries and book proposals, snagging a good agent, and improving your professional skills and financial returns.
