In today’s writers’ corner I want to tell you about something that probably falls under the category of Blatant Self-Promotion, but since the prize is $1000, I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. In September 2008, I was fortunate enough to be a part of a Regency-era anthology with Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, and Candice Hern, entitled It Happened One Night.
The anthology was based on an idea of Mary’s–what would happen if you gave 4 romance authors the same plot? Would they write the same story–or would you have 4 different stories? Our plot premise was very simple: a couple, who used to know each other, but haven’t seen each other in ten years, meet up at an inn, and the story had to take place within a 24 hour period. Did we all write the same story? I’m not going to tell you (bwahahaha), but I will say that the book landed on the NY Times list, and garnered two RITA nominations, plus a RITA win for Stephanie Laurens.
Because of the book’s success, we decided to do another–this one entitled It Happened One Season (with Season being the Social Season). And this time, through a contest sponsored by Avon books, the readers get to choose the plot we all will write! And best of all, the person who submits the winning plot will win a $1000 Amex gift card and have the book dedicated to him/her! You can find out how to enter on my website at www.JacquieD.com. I hope you’ll give it a try–and good luck!
Actually, it’s a contest that I would love to enter–I’d love to win $1000! Unfortunately, I’m not eligible. So–have you ever won anything? If so, what was it and how did you win? Or–are you like me and never win anything (except the booby prize!)
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
That is so cool, Jacquie! I wish I didn’t suck so bad at plotting. I could use $1000 bucks, too!
I never win anything. Ever. Never. Next time, remind me to sit next to KP at a raffle.
Me either, Julia–and we have the photo proof of it–sitting at the RITA ceremony with big “L’s” on our foreheads, LOL!
I love that picture. Useful in so many ways. Oh, did I write that out loud?
Yup, you did. What makes the pic even funnier is that our “L’s” are backwards, LOL!
I won an iPod a few months ago, and I’m so jaded, I figured itwas a scam. It wasn’t, but I was so nervous I’d given my info to some Nigerian prince!
As for the plot….I think zombies need to be involved
I def think you need to enter a zombie plot, Julie!
Zombies are so fun to write! I had no idea. I’m looking to add zombies to everything now.
I have been very fortunate to have won several books in drawings on blogs. Sheri I wish I had your gift for spin! fabulous.
I went through a winning spree when I got out of college. Alas, it has departed me. I spent a lot of time on speed-dial to the radio station and won tickets to quite a few concerts. Never one anything big. And my favorite non-winning story (of which there are quite a few) is when I went to a DARA (or Houston?) conference with Dee and Julie and neither had cash to buy tickets for the basket raffles. I loaned them money, and se all three bought tickets. Needed to say, Dee and Julie BOTH won lovely baskets. I’m not bitter. Truly.
Did they share, Kathleen?
Ah, Kathleen I knew you would write about that conference. But the truth is that is about the only time I’ve ever won anything — and technically it was Kathleen who one. There I admitted it. And did I ever pay you back????
The only other time I ever came close was when we bought friends a raffle ticket at a ball in Vienna and they won a car.
I bought my dad a lottery ticket and he won $500. I was very happy for him. I was able to rub it in with my sisters. Instead of “Oh, I was cheap and uncreative, so I bought dad some $5 scratch tickets for Father’s Day,” it was “I got Dad $500. What did you get him?”
That’s how you have to spin that one, Dee. “Oh, when I lived in Vienna, I bought my friends a car. No big deal. It was just something fun to do after the ball…”
That’s some great spin right there, Sherri. You’d be a fabulous asset to any politician’s career!
I missed my calling. (phew!)
Oh, I hadn’t heard the car story, Dee! that’s pretty cool!
I think they did, Jacquie.
WOW. Walk down memory lane, much!!!
I’ve never won a writing contest but I have won prizes from Time Out Magazine. The first time I won 2 tickets to see John Lithgow on Broadway and dinner at Eleven Madison and the second time I won tickets to see John Lithgow on Broadway in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a night at the Hilton Times Square Hotel, a backstage tour and jewelry from the Joan River’s collection. Apparently I only win when John Lithgow is on stage.
ROFL. He must be your lucky charm, Elizabeth.
Hi Elizabeth! Fingers crossed that your man John L is performing somewhere cool very soon–you know, like Maui. If you need someone to carry your luggage, I’m available.
There could be worse fates!!!!
Wow, Sherri!! That’s a great prize! I never would have gotten the answer to that question right. But your story reminded me that I did win something once–through a radio station. I was a freshman in college and was getting ready for school, listening to the early morning radio show (Don Imus was the host). I called in and won 2 tickets to see Elton John at the Palladium. I was so excited. Unfortunately, I had a mid-term the day after the concert, so I decided not to go (what was I thinking?!?!). I gave my id to a friend and she went with her boyfriend–told me the seats were great and the concert fab.
That’s dedication, Jacquie. Elton’s still around. Maybe you can catch him again touring with Lady Gaga.
LOL, Sherri! I’ve seen him several times since then, including a few outings with Billy Joel. The concerts I remember very well–can’t even recall what subject the mid-term exam was for. I certainly hope I got an A!
What a great idea! I love it, Jacquie. We embrace blatant self-promo, for the record. Just saying.
I have won something. I won a trip to Disney World (4 nights plus parks admission and airfare) from a radio station in 2001. They were giving away trips to get people traveling again after 9/11. You had to identify the Disney character speaking in an audio clip. I knew the answer but I’m not lucky so I never call in for those things. But four callers had failed, and I picked up the phone. Two more failed while the phone rang. The person before me said Scooby Doo. Scooby Doo?! Scooby’s not even a Disney dog. Please. They answered the phone for a new caller, and I won. It was Jock from Lady and the Tramp. And I mean, Disney World! It’s my favorite place. It was a great prize (even if we did extend our stay and end up spending a bundle of our own money, too).
Awesome story, Sherri…. I don’t know that I could identify Jock (even though I did love Lady and the Tramp).