Press Release (Finalists, please read)

[Rhush]

Hey guys! I am coming out of my ode of silence to ask a question. Is there still going to be a press release at the end of the contest and will it still involve all the original contestants?
BTW...
Read your article in Writer's Digest about making editors happy, Jenna. Very helpful!

[William Haskins]

hey becky,

jenna posted this (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11555&highlight=press+release) a while back, so as far as i know, that's still the plan.

-william

[Rhush]

Cool. Thanks William.

[JennaGlatzer]

Funny, I was just going to post something about this. Might as well do it now, though it looks like I'll have to track down some of the finalists by e-mail. (I miss truman!)

For the press release, I'd like to feature a short paragraph about each of you and a line or two to pitch your latest/greatest project, whatever it is you're pitching. Would be great if you'd post here so I can keep track of everything in one spot. Figure 100 words maximum altogether (bio + pitch) for our top 3 finalists and 80 words maximum altogether for all other finalists. (Unlike with the entries, you won't be penalized if you go a little above the word count.) The winner will get a little more space than that. If you have a website, great-- include that. If not, make sure you're including some way for agents/editors to contact you (probably e-mail addy), but also keep in mind that I'll be posting the press release online, so if you're afraid of spambots, use (at) or spaces or whatever to make your e-mail unclickable.

If you have any particular targets for the release, let me know. If you want me to send the PR to your local paper or wherever, find an e-mail address for me and I'll be happy to send it.

[JennaGlatzer]

Have you all gone shy on me?

Got questions?

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm trying to figure how to distill my brilliance and the brilliance of Mad World into 80 words, that's all.

[DJP]

Ha, no, I haven't gone shy, Jenna. We were visiting at my parent's place this weekend. The kids had a blast, and I got some relax-with-a-book time. :Clap: I'm not sure what to put in those 100 words, I've never done anything like this before. Anyone have any tricks of the trade they'd like to share?

[Rhush]

I second that DJP! I'm pretty much lost too. A total press release newbie.

[rhymegirl]

I second that DJP! I'm pretty much lost too. A total press release newbie.

Me, too. I'm waiting for one of you other finalists to go first to see how it's done.

[pconsidine]

Press releases are easy. Just imagine that you work for a newspaper or magazine and you're looking for something to drop into a suddenly empty space in your publication. Your press release should read like an article - make sure you hit the 5 W's of Journalism. If space allows (which I don't think it does), you can also include a snappy quote. Journalists love snappy quotes.

[VOTE_BOT]

Come on, kids. This ain't rocket science:

VOTE_BOT is a freelance ambassador of goodwill and vote mobilizer whose articles and short fiction have appeared in PlayBot, Android’s Home Journal and Kick the Baby Digest. His recently completed first novel, Soft Music, Candlelight and an Oil Can, is under consideration at major publishing houses, and he is currently at work on his latest novel. VOTE_BOT lives in Bumfuk, Egypt with his cats, Heckle and Jekyll, and his slutty girlfriend, Bambi. He’s always on the lookout for freelance writing opportunities and may be reached at VOTE_BOT@livinghell.com (VOTE_BOT@livinghell.com).

[rhymegirl]

Gee thanks! Now I have something to go by. Although, I'm not sure my resume is as impressive as Vote Bot's.

[Rhush]

So when exactly is this rocket science due in?

[JennaGlatzer]

I'd like to be able to start sending it out within a week of the results' being announced.

How 'bout this... don't worry about it being polished yet, because you can definitely edit it once it's up. Just post something and we'll critique them.

Remember that the audience for the release is primarily agents and editors, so if you have any specific projects ready to pitch, make sure to mention them.

Here are some things to think about including. Obviously you don't need to include them all, but maybe this will give you a jumping-off point:

-Published credits
-Other contest wins/honors
-Genre/s you write
-Forms you write (screenplays? Novels? Articles?)
-Hometown
-Where you went to school
-Spouse/children
-Age
-Former career/current job
-Writing influences
-Writing goals
-How readers have described your work
-What you're currently working on
-Any interesting tidbits about you
-Media experience
-Memberships
-Website/e-mail

Please write this in third person.

[jdkiggins]

ROFL. Great list, Jenna. I'm still trying to cut 1000 words down to 80. LOL Maybe I'll just post my bio and interesting info and let everyone tear it apart.

I've managed to rip it down to 278 words. :(

[firehorse]

I'm down to 217, but I can still see areas to condense. My "current projects" section alone is currently 86 words: 56 on my available MS and 30 on other current/future projects.

If I replace my first and middle names with initials (S.K.), that gives me another (net) nine character spaces to play with...

[jdkiggins]

I've cut and cut to 156 words. Okay people help me rip out 76 words.

Freelance writer Joanne D. Kiggins, 52, of Economy, Pennsylvania, has placed fifth in the AbsoluteWrite.com Idol Writing Contest. An excerpt from her mystery suspense novel UNEARTHED she is currently writing placed her in the top ten finalists. Her co-authored romance novel UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY placed fifth in the Grand Beginnings romance contest in March.

Kiggins had been published in newspapers and magazines including The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Cleveland Press, The Beaver County Times, Maple Heights Press and Bedford Times Register, The Envoy, Woman’s Day, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Digest and e-zines AbsoluteWrite.com and Moondance.org. She taught at Slippery Rock University, has appeared on television and radio and was award recipient of the 1990 Woman of the Year in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

She writes horror, mystery, suspense and romance. Kiggins is currently editing her horror novel ROADKILL to submit for publication. She has five completed novels and three more in progress. She can be contacted at joannedkiggins@comcast.net (joannedkiggins@comcast.net).

[awatkins]

That looks great, Joanne!

[jdkiggins]

That looks great, Joanne!
Thanks Anne. But it's 76 words too long. :)

[awatkins]

Yeah, I didn't see that until after I posted. :)

[maestrowork]

Fifth place winner, Joanne D. Kiggins has been published in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Cleveland Press, The Beaver County Times, Maple Heights Press, Bedford Times Register, The Envoy, Woman’s Day, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Digest, e-zines AbsoluteWrite.com and Moondance.org. She taught at Slippery Rock University and was 1990 Woman of the Year in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where she resides.

Kiggins' current projects include a horror novel, ROADKILL. Her romance novel, UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY, placed fifth in the Grand Beginnings contest. She can be contacted at ...

(if still too many words, might cut the mention of "Unforgetable journey" and some of the more minor publications)

[firehorse]

Woohoo Joanne! For being the first to take the plunge (and for having such an impressive bio).

Just two notes - I'd change "She had been published..." to "she has published in..." Makes it more current and knocks out a word at the same time ;)

Also, on seeing your e-mail address, I immediately thought "Google spider!" - You may want to edit your post.

I haven't figured out how to handle the e-mail address thing, because (at) looks strange to me; on the other hand, I don't want :Spam:. I might create a special account (and then hope that people actually contact me)

[DJP]

Here's mine. I'm within the word count, but I wonder if I'm giving enough info, or if I'm being too vague. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!:)

Darla Paskell is a writer with big goals and plenty of determination to achieve them. Her first short story will be coming out in Listen Magazine this fall. She’s currently working on Heartprints, her picture book manuscript, as well as submittals for her many other works. She loved the entire Absolute Write Idol competition, from the daunting deadlines and crazy camaraderie to the twisting tales and vote validations. She lives and works in small town Saskatchewan, with her supportive husband and adorable daughters. Darla is always eager to tackle new writing projects, and can be reached at djpwriter@yahoo.ca (djpwriter@yahoo.ca).

[rhymegirl]

Question: Do we need to mention that we were a finalist in the competition in the actual bio, or will there be something prefacing all of our bios, saying that each of us was a finalist?

[Rhush]

How about this?



Becky Rhush is the 2005 winner of the "most promising" Write Spirit Award, a member of the Panhandle Professional Writers, and her story Seeing The Unseen was featured in the spring issue of The Lightning Journal.

Rhush’s current projects include several short stories and her action/adventure novel, A CHASE OF SECRETS.

"Becky is an up and coming writer who is in the next generation of top authors. Watch out for this one folks!" - Mark E. Deloy The Lightning Journal. Contact her at…

www.freewebs.com/rhush/index.htm

[Rhush]

Jenna, do we post our emails for you to send the PR to on this forum, or will we be sending that list to you some other way?

[pepperlandgirl]

Haley Stokes is a recent graduate of the University of La Verne and is currently pursuing her writing career full time. Writing as Pepper Espinoza, she published her first novel, New Frontier, with Liquid Silver Books, and is scheduled to release her second book with Whiskey Creek Press in May 2006. She writes in several genres, including poetry, short stories, and plays. Her current projects include a completed erotic thriller, Mad World, which she is also adapting into a screenplay. Her website can be found at http://www.pepperespinoza.com (http://www.pepperespinoza.com/) and she can be reached at stokesh@gmail.com

[ChunkyC]

Here's mine. I'm within the word count, but I wonder if I'm giving enough info, or if I'm being too vague. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!:)

Darla Paskell is a writer with big goals and plenty of determination to achieve them. Her first short story will be coming out in Listen Magazine this fall. She’s currently working on Heartprints, her picture book manuscript, as well as submittals for her many other works. She loved the entire Absolute Write Idol competition, from the daunting deadlines and crazy camaraderie to the twisting tales and vote validations. She lives and works in small town Saskatchewan, with her supportive husband and adorable daughters. Darla is always eager to tackle new writing projects, and can be reached at djpwriter@yahoo.ca (djpwriter@yahoo.ca).
Hiya, Darla. My intial thought would be to change coming out to published. Also, many other works is rather vague. Can you specify? I would eliminate the submittals for her clause as well. Every serious writer is working towards submitting their work, you can use the allotted words for something else. Hope that helps a bit.

[rhymegirl]

Kathy Tirrell earned a B. A. in English from Rhode Island College. Her work has appeared in Woman's World, Humpty Dumpty's Magazine, The Providence Journal, and The East Providence Post. Her article, How to be Well Versed When You're Greeting Card Companies is scheduled for publication in the November issue of Writer's Digest.

Tirrell has a completed young adult novel (My Name is Jade and I'm an Uglaholic) and is currently writing Two Women, a work of fiction. Reach her at www.kathryneleetirrell.com or kathy.tirrellATverizon.net.

[ChunkyC]

Kathy Tirrell earned a B. A. in English from Rhode Island College with a concentration in creative writing. Her work has appeared in Woman's World, Humpty Dumpty's Magazine, The Providence Journal, and The East Providence Post. A greeting card article is scheduled for publication in the November issue of Writer's Digest.

Tirrell has a completed young adult novel (My Name is Jade and I'm an Uglaholic) and is currently writing Two Women, a work of fiction. Her website is www.kathryneleetirrell.com (http://www.kathryneleetirrell.com).
Hey Kathy. It looks good! My only quibble would be with the phrase A greeting card article. Take possession of that baby! Say Her article on writing greeting cards, or something like that.

[brinkett]

Becky Rhush is the 2005 winner of the "most promising" Write Spirit Award, a member of the Panhandle Professional Writers, and her story Seeing The Unseen was featured in the spring issue of The Lightning Journal.


I'd break this up a bit:

Becky Rhush is the 2005 winner of the "most promising" Write Spirit Award and a member of the Panhandle Professional Writers. Her story Seeing The Unseen was featured in the spring issue of The Lightning Journal.

[rhymegirl]

Hey Kathy. It looks good! My only quibble would be with the phrase A greeting card article. Take possession of that baby! Say Her article on writing greeting cards, or something like that.

Thanks, Charlie. I made a few changes.

[Rhush]

Thanks Brinkett:)

[DJP]

Thanks ChunkyC, those edits make perfect sense when someone else points them out. Always the case of 'can't see what's right in front of my nose'. I'll make the changes.:) How's this?

Darla Paskell is a writer with big goals and plenty of determination to achieve them. Her first short story will be published in Listen Magazine this fall. She’s currently working on Heartprints, her picture book manuscript. She writes children’s stories, poetry, and some adult fiction. She loved the entire Absolute Write Idol competition, from the daunting deadlines and crazy camaraderie to the twisting tales and vote validations. She lives and works in small town Saskatchewan, with her supportive husband and adorable daughters. Darla is always eager to tackle new writing projects, and can be reached at djpwriter@yahoo.ca (djpwriter@yahoo.ca).

[jdkiggins]

Okay, how's this one?


Joanne D. Kiggins is a monthly columnist for AbsoluteWrite.com. Her work has appeared in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Cleveland Press, The Beaver County Times, Woman’s Day, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and Moondance.org. Kiggins' current projects include a horror novel, ROADKILL and mystery suspense novel UNEARTHED. Her co-authored romance novel, UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY, placed fifth in the Grand Beginnings contest. She taught at Slippery Rock University and was 1990 Woman of the Year in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where she resides. She can be contacted at joannedkiggins@comcast.net.


Thank you once again, Jenna for the contest and all you're doing to promote the finalists. :Clap:

[maestrowork]

there you go, jo. it wasn't that hard, was it? ;)

[ChunkyC]

Lookin' good, y'all!

[Rhush]

So no one ever said. Do we need to put what # we placed?

[BlueTexas]

Kira Connally has been published in two Haunted Encounters anthologies, American Paranormal Pages and Spirit Quest E-zine. Her current projects include several short stories inspired by her entries in this contest, and a supernatural novel. She lives and works in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Kira can be reached at kiraconnally@yahoo.com and has a website at http://www.lovingtwilight.blogspot.com.

The local paper for me is editor@weatherforddemocrat.com.

[brinkett]

...by her entries in this contest, and supernatural horror novel.

... by her entries in this contest, and A supernatural horror novel.

[JennaGlatzer]

Rhush, you can PM or e-mail me with the e-mail addresses of anyone you want me to send the PR to. And no, you don't have to put your placement in the bio.

[Rhush]

Ok. Thanks Jenna!

[jhgregory]

Joanne D. Kiggins can be contacted at joannedkiggins@xxxxxx.net.
Joanne,

If you need, I can send you an invitation for Gmail for junk/contact correspondence. You can also use it to email yourself files for storage and safe keeping. Has a little notification program to let you know immediately when an email has arrived. (Helps to protect your puter against nasty foreign matter. :Hammer: )

Lemme know, -Jo

[firehorse]

Has a little notification program to let you know immediately when an email has arrived. (Helps to protect your puter against nasty foreign matter. I have Gmail (which I plan to use for this), but <sniff> it doesn't tell me when a new e-mail has arrived. How do you set that up?

[maestrowork]

you can do pop3 with GMAIL now, I believe.

[Rhush]

Changed this a smidge....


Becky Rhush is the 2005 winner of the "most promising" Write Spirit Award, a member of the Panhandle Professional Writers, and her story Seeing The Unseen was featured in the spring issue of The Lightning Journal.

Rhush’s current projects include several short stories and her fantasy novel, A CHASE OF SECRETS.

"Becky is an up and coming writer who is in the next generation of top authors. Watch out for this one folks!" - Mark E. Deloy The Lightning Journal.

Contact her at…

www.freewebs.com/rhush/index.htm (http://www.freewebs.com/rhush/index.htm)

[William Haskins]

revised (see below)

[reph]

...and working on a new novel...
Why say a new novel?

[William Haskins]

because it's shiny? i don't know. because it's in its beginning stages?

i removed it.

------------------------------------------------------------
revised:


William Haskins’ work has appeared in small press and literary magazines, including Dark Starr, Pegasus Poetry Review and The Other Voice. Over the past decade, he has written character dialogue for video games and produced and written several documentaries—most recently serving as story supervisor and producer on the feature-length film Burning Man: Beyond Black Rock. He is currently editing a collection of poetry and working on a novel, while shopping his latest screenplay to agents and producers. William lives with his wife and children in Austin, Texas. Samples, bio and contact information are available at www.poisonpen.net (http://www.poisonpen.net).

[reph]

I removed it.
I think that's best. There were no novels in your publication credits. Readers might take "a new novel" to mean you have a string of unpublished novels, the "old" ones.

[William Haskins]

good call. i thank you for the insight.

[DJP]

Hey, quick question. If I put 'adult fiction' are people going to think it's x rated? I just mean regular fiction for adults, like the stories I used in the contest. Should I scrap the word adult?

[maestrowork]

Hey, quick question. If I put 'adult fiction' are people going to think it's x rated? I just mean regular fiction for adults, like the stories I used in the contest. Should I scrap the word adult?

Good idea. You can just say "general fiction and children's books..."

[JennaGlatzer]

I agree.

By the by, only one of you sent me a list of people you want me to send the press release to. Please feel free to drop me a line with your "wish list."

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, someone tell me who's missing so I can go hunt them down and beat them.

(This looks more socially acceptable if I put in a winky face, right? Okay. ;) )

[Sarita]

It looks like Zach and Hapsburg are missing. Oh and Sarah, unless she emailed it. (Are you including Bass? Because he's missing, too)

Go get em, Jenna!

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, I already e-mailed Zach and Hapsburg. Waiting on Sarah. Forget bass. I must have miscounted. Thought there was someone else missing.

[trumancoyote]

Heyo, Jenna-dahlin'.

When's this here bio-jiggy due? Or rather, when would you like it by? I'm going to be in Hong Kong until Monday -- then in LA until Weds. Is that going to be too late?

Thanks for being so patient w/ me :)

<3 Zachaly

[ChunkyC]

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but....

Hiya, Zach! How ya doin?

[firehorse]

Hi Jenna and everyone,

Sorry for the delay. In the 'never a dull moment' department, I suddenly have three deadlines on Monday, two for new clients. When it rains, it pours, and I'm desperately parched, money-wise, so this is a welcome storm.

Jenna, is it okay if I give you my bio on Tuesday? I only have two people to whom I'd love it if the press release were sent (that is, in addition to your contacts!). I'll track down their e-mail addresses and get them to you.

I miss you guys! I miss Idol! But my marathon writing continues... I hope everyone is well, and I will check in again when I have breathing room.

Love,
Sarah

p.s.Hi Zach! We've missed you!

[hapsburg]

Hunt me down and beat me eh? Sounds like a plan!:)


Sorry I've been away. I'm in the process of an excrutiating move and been without internet for quite some time, add to that my work load has swamped me. I'm typing this from work. I can't believe the competition is over and feel sad I missed so much of it. I'm about to head to an appointment and then I'll be back in the office and will hopefully get the info posted tonight.

[hapsburg]

Oi Gods I'm still stuck at work:(


Ok, here's my bio, let me know what you think:

Justin Josephnek Klör practices real estate by day and insanity by night. He is a composer with work featured in the NFMC Parade of American Music and writes Sci-Fi and horror with a touch of the erotic. He can be read in Book of Dark Wisdom, Kopfhalter, and Cthulhu Sex, among others. His chapbook Bloodied Lips is available from Naked Snake Press and his recently completed novel Concrete and Glass was a semi-finalist in the Project Queer Lit competition for subversive writing. Find him online at www.jjkscribe.com.

[JennaGlatzer]

Looks good to me.

HI ZACH AND JUSTIN! We missed you!

OK, let's shoot for Wed. night for final bios. Zach, if it has to be Thursday, that's okay, too. Then I can write up my part, post the whole thing here for your approval, and start sending it out!

I can't believe my Letter from the Editor got messed up this week-- somehow in formatting, half my letter got cut accidentally, and it was the whole Idol announcement. I'll have to run it again next week.

P.S. In addition to your own hometown papers and such, if there are particular editors/agents you're trying to attract, you can send me those e-mails, too.

[firehorse]

I need to cut 30 words from this. The manuscript is important to me (duh!), as is variety of experience. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! (I decided to cut out the middle name thing... if anyone wants to Google me, they'll have to sift through the other Sarah Chaunceys).
* * *

Sarah Chauncey is a 20-year veteran of writing for print, television and multimedia. An essayist and entertainment journalist, her topics have ranged from 1980s feminism to star-struck hockey players. Currently she is a film critic for Reel.com.

Chauncey’s writing is enhanced by her experiences as a theatrical stage manager (Yale School of Drama; Kennedy Center; Berkshire Theater Festival), TV writer/producer (VH1, Comedy Central, MuchMusic, Alliance Atlantis) and ghostwriter for A-list celebrities (sorry, can’t tell you who).

Sarah is editing her manuscript GDAT: The Good Daughter Achievement Test, a memoir about traveling with her elderly father, SAT “inventor” Henry Chauncey, an experience she likens to “Tuesdays with a Grammatically-obsessed Morrie.” She is constantly adding to her collection of essays and short stories; as well, her next three novels, each set behind the scenes in the entertainment world, are in various stages of development.

A dual American/Canadian citizen, Chauncey was born in Princeton, New Jersey and currently lives in Toronto.

[mkcbunny]

Hey Sarah,
I think you could prune the last sentence in the third paragraph [ after "Morrie] and just leave "GDAT" as the main item being promoted. Why diffuse the message; keep 'em focused on that.
-mkc

[Unique]

Hope I'm not being presumptuous here - but this is 137 counted by the gospel of 'Word'.

Sarah Chauncey is a 20-year writing veteran for print, television and multimedia. An essayist and entertainment journalist, her topics range from 1980s feminism to star-struck hockey players. She is currently a film critic for Reel.com.

'Chauncey’s experiences as a theatrical stage manager (Yale School of Drama; Kennedy Center; Berkshire Theater Festival), TV writer/producer (VH1, Comedy Central, MuchMusic, Alliance Atlantis) and ghostwriter for A-list celebrities (sorry, can’t tell you who) enhance her writing.

Sarah is editing her manuscript GDAT: The Good Daughter Achievement Test, a memoir about traveling with her father, SAT “inventor” Henry Chauncey, an experience she likens to “Tuesdays with a grammatically-obsessed Morrie.” Her next three novels are set behind the scenes in the entertainment world and are in development.

A dual American/Canadian citizen, Chauncey was born in Princeton, New Jersey and currently lives in Toronto.'

Thanks for the morning mental exercise. Coffee's not cutting it today...:faint:

[jdkiggins]

Jenna,

I'll send you an e-mail with press release wishes no later than Wednesday.

Thanks for all you've done and continue to do.

Joanne

[trumancoyote]

Hey, Chunky, Sarah, and Jenna :D

I'm doing pretty damn good, I think. I'm back in LA and I think I've managed to stave off the larger portion of Jet Lag (I'm too tall to sleep on the friggin' plane, which I guess is a blessing in disguise); and then, tomorrow morning, I'm back home :D

My hair is crazy, my posture's better, and I never want to see another dumpling for the rest of my life: I had a great time, essentially, and I'll definitely have some stories to tell when I've got more freetime.

Thanks for the nice lil' greeting -- and Sarah, congratulations!

[mkcbunny]

My hair is crazy, my posture's better, and I never want to see another dumpling for the rest of my life: I had a great time, essentially, and I'll definitely have some stories to tell when I've got more freetime.
Welcome back!

[DJP]

and I'll definitely have some stories to tell when I've got more freetime.



Looking forward to hearing some of those... Truman style.

[hapsburg]

I just pm'ed emails for 15 of the editors I've worked with, 2 genre newsletters, and two public radio programs. If we all have 10 emails from our contacts we could really get exposure on this release! So send 'em to Jenna!

[trumancoyote]

Dis be mine:

Zach Overline’s publishing credit(s) include—and are limited to—one robotically curt rejection letter from The New Yorker. His current project, The Housefly Hums in F-Key, is an exercise in Rice Queenery. Discreetly, it deals with homosexuality in Japan, but it plays more overtly with issues regarding family, communication, resignation, dizziness, and the unavoidably necessary loss of important women in ones life. Zach is currently a student at Arizona State University, majoring in both Japanese and Chinese. He can be reached at zoverline@hotmail.com.

(I'd love to get some help from people, as this is the first of these I've ever had to write. Thanks ya.)

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, last call for critiques of the bios...

[DJP]

I don't know, Z. I like it. But, I've only done one of these myself, so I'm not much of a help!

[pepperlandgirl]

So, I'm assuming the one I posted earlier in the thread doesn't need changes?

[JennaGlatzer]

Pepper: It looked good to me.

Here's what I have so far. This is what I plan to post on PRWeb. I'll tinker with the opening when I do the individual e-mails, depending on who the e-mail is going to (hometown newspaper editor vs. target editor/agent). Let me know if you see something that needs changing, and check to make sure I got your placement right (was working from memory)...



Absolute Write Idol Crowned



August 2, 2005, New York -- The first Absolute Write Idol competition was a smashing success. Modeled after TV phenomenon American Idol, this writers’ competition began on March 14, 2005, drawing 308 entries from writers around the world. Judges selected ten finalists, and each week thereafter, finalists produced original work based on a given prompt or theme. In a “jury of their peers” setting, all 3600 members of the forums at www.AbsoluteWrite.com (writers and editors) were invited to vote for their favorite entry each week.



The finalist with the fewest votes was eliminated from the competition after each round, until just one winner remained: Sarah Chauncey, the first Absolute Write Idol.



Sarah wins a prize package that includes the Hollywood Representation Directory; the book Outwitting Writer’s Block; subscriptions to www.WritersMarket.com, www.AbsoluteMarkets.com, and www.WinningWriters.com; Web design, domain registration, and hosting courtesy of www.LenoxAveMag.com; and more.



Dedicated voters enjoyed Sarah’s versatility; whether writing tragedy or comedy, her style is engaging.



Mimicking the Carrie-and-Bo standoff of last season’s American Idol, our second place winner, William Haskins, also drew a strong fan base with his masterful storytelling talent.



Each of our ten finalists proved themselves worthy of their spots, consistently meeting deadlines and producing original, alluring work that often prompted voters to ask, “Where can I read more of this writer’s work?”



“That was one of the best parts,” says contest organizer Jenna Glatzer, who hoped the contest might open publication doors for the winners. “I loved watching voters become fans, eagerly waiting to see what their favorite writers would come up with next. These are the same people who will look for those writers’ books and start the buzz.”



Most of our finalists have book manuscripts available or in progress, and all are open to assignments and representation. Please contact the writers if you’re interested in seeing their writing samples, manuscripts, or more detailed biographies.



* Winner



Sarah Chauncey is a 20-year veteran of writing for print, television and multimedia. An essayist and entertainment journalist, her topics have ranged from 1980s feminism to star-struck hockey players. Currently she is a film critic for Reel.com.



Chauncey’s writing fodder includes her experiences as a theatrical stage manager (Yale School of Drama, Kennedy Center, Berkshire Theater Festival), TV writer/producer (VH1, Comedy Central, MuchMusic, Alliance Atlantis) and ghostwriter for A-list celebrities (sorry, can’t tell you who).



Sarah is editing her manuscript GDAT: The Good Daughter Achievement Test, a memoir about traveling with her elderly father, SAT “inventor” Henry Chauncey, an experience she likens to “Tuesdays with a grammatically-obsessed Morrie.”



A dual American/Canadian citizen, Chauncey was born in Princeton, New Jersey and currently lives in Toronto. She can be reached at chaunceysk@gmail.com (chaunceysk@gmail.com).



****



2nd Place:



William Haskins’ work has appeared in small press and literary magazines, including Dark Starr, Pegasus Poetry Review and The Other Voice. Over the past decade, he has written character dialogue for video games and produced and written several documentaries-- most recently serving as story supervisor and producer on the feature-length film Burning Man: Beyond Black Rock. He is currently editing a collection of poetry and working on a novel, while shopping his latest screenplay to agents and producers. William lives with his wife and children in Austin, Texas. Samples, bio and contact information are available at www.poisonpen.net (http://www.poisonpen.net/).



****



3rd Place:



Darla Paskell is a writer with big goals and plenty of determination to achieve them. Her first short story will be published in Listen Magazine this fall. She’s currently working on Heartprints, her picture book manuscript. She writes children’s stories, poetry, and some adult fiction. She loved the entire Absolute Write Idol competition, from the daunting deadlines and crazy camaraderie to the twisting tales and vote validations. She lives and works in small town Saskatchewan, with her supportive husband and adorable daughters. Darla is always eager to tackle new writing projects, and can be reached at djpwriter@yahoo.ca (djpwriter@yahoo.ca).



****



4th Place:



Kira Connally has been published in two Haunted Encounters anthologies, American Paranormal Pages and Spirit Quest E-zine. Her current projects include several short stories inspired by her entries in this contest, and a supernatural novel. She lives and works in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Kira can be reached at kiraconnally@yahoo.com (kiraconnally@yahoo.com) and has a website at http://www.lovingtwilight.blogspot.com (http://www.lovingtwilight.blogspot.com/).



****



5th Place:



Joanne D. Kiggins is a monthly columnist for AbsoluteWrite.com. Her work has appeared in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Cleveland Press, The Beaver County Times, Woman’s Day, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and Moondance.org. Kiggins' current projects include a horror novel, ROADKILL and mystery suspense novel UNEARTHED. Her co-authored romance novel, UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY, placed fifth in the Grand Beginnings contest. She taught at Slippery Rock University and was 1990 Woman of the Year in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where she resides. She can be contacted at joannedkiggins@comcast.net.



****



6th Place:



Zach Overline’s publishing credit(s) include-- and are limited to-- one robotically curt rejection letter from The New Yorker. His current project, The Housefly Hums in F-Key, is an exercise in Rice Queenery. Discreetly, it deals with homosexuality in Japan, but it plays more overtly with issues regarding family, communication, resignation, dizziness, and the unavoidably necessary loss of important women in one’s life. Zach is currently a student at Arizona State University, majoring in both Japanese and Chinese. He can be reached at zoverline@hotmail.com (zoverline@hotmail.com).



****



7th Place:



Becky Rhush is the 2005 winner of the "most promising" Write Spirit Award, a member of the Panhandle Professional Writers, and her story Seeing The Unseen was featured in the spring issue of The Lightning Journal.

Rhush’s current projects include several short stories and her fantasy novel, A CHASE OF SECRETS.

"Becky is an up and coming writer who is in the next generation of top authors. Watch out for this one, folks!" - Mark E. Deloy, The Lightning Journal.

Contact her at www.freewebs.com/rhush/index.htm (http://www.freewebs.com/rhush/index.htm)



****



8th Place:



Haley Stokes is a recent graduate of the University of La Verne and is currently pursuing her writing career full time. Writing as Pepper Espinoza, she published her first novel, New Frontier, with Liquid Silver Books, and is scheduled to release her second book with Whiskey Creek Press in May 2006. She writes in several genres, including poetry, short stories, and plays. Her current projects include a completed erotic thriller, Mad World, which she is also adapting into a screenplay. Her website can be found at http://www.pepperespinoza.com (http://www.pepperespinoza.com/) and she can be reached at stokesh@gmail.com (stokesh@gmail.com)



****



9th Place:



Kathy Tirrell earned a B. A. in English from Rhode Island College. Her work has appeared in Woman's World, Humpty Dumpty's Magazine, The Providence Journal, and The East Providence Post. Her article, How to be Well Versed When You're Greeting Card Companies is scheduled for publication in the November issue of Writer's Digest.

Tirrell has a completed young adult novel (My Name is Jade and I'm an Uglaholic) and is currently writing Two Women, a work of fiction. Reach her at www.kathryneleetirrell.com (http://www.kathryneleetirrell.com/) or kathy.tirrellATverizon.net.



****



10th Place:



Justin Josephnek Klör practices real estate by day and insanity by night. He is a composer with work featured in the NFMC Parade of American Music and writes Sci-Fi and horror with a touch of the erotic. He can be read in Book of Dark Wisdom, Kopfhalter, and Cthulhu Sex, among others. His chapbook Bloodied Lips is available from Naked Snake Press and his recently completed novel Concrete and Glass was a semi-finalist in the Project Queer Lit competition for subversive writing. Find him online at www.jjkscribe.com (http://www.jjkscribe.com/).



---



Absolute Write (www.absolutewrite.com) is an online magazine for writers with 75,000 weekly subscribers, founded in 1997. Editor-in-chief Jenna Glatzer is the author of 14 books, including Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer (Nomad Press, 2004), Fear is No Longer My Reality with Jamie Blyth of the Bachelorette (McGraw-Hill, 2005), and the upcoming authorized biography Celine Dion: For Keeps (Andrews McMeel, 2005). For questions regarding the contest, please contact Jenna through her personal Web site, www.jennaglatzer.com.



###

[trumancoyote]

Looks cool to me, Jenner :)

And thanks for correcting mah possessive typo :Smack:

[jdkiggins]

:Thumbs:

[DJP]

Hey Jenna, looks good!
I wonder if I forgot to email you the changes?:Smack: I wanted to add my age, and replace the word adult with general. (I don't want people thinking I write X rated work). If it's too much trouble to change it now, don't fret, that's my bad. Here's the whole thing so you can just cut and paste it. Thanks for all your hard work, I love the intro. This is soooo exciting!!!

Darla Paskell is a 27-year-old writer with big goals and plenty of determination to achieve them. Her first short story will be published in Listen Magazine this fall. She’s currently working on Heartprints, her picture book manuscript. She writes children’s stories, poetry, and general fiction. She loved the entire Absolute Write Idol competition, from the daunting deadlines and crazy camaraderie to the twisting tales and vote validations. She lives and works in small town Saskatchewan, with her supportive husband and adorable daughters. Darla is always eager to tackle new writing projects, and can be reached at djpwriter@yahoo.ca (djpwriter@yahoo.ca).

[BlueTexas]

It looks right, Jenna. Thanks!

[Rhush]

Looks good! Thanks Jenna.

[Rhush]

BTW, when will the PR go out?

[JennaGlatzer]

Am going away for a few days (leaving in an hour). While I'm gone, I hope the rest will approve the release... and DJP, yep, no problem on the changes (sorry I forgot you sent those). I'll be back Thursday, so will start sending them out either Thurs. night or Friday.

[pepperlandgirl]

The release looks great to me.

[firehorse]

Looks great - I sent an e-mail, but I thought I should post here, too. Thanks again, Jenna!

[rhymegirl]

Fine and dandy. :)

[JennaGlatzer]

I fell behind on a couple of deadlines because the Internet connection at the Inn was lousy and I couldn't stay connected, so I'm still playing catch-up. I'm planning to send the releases on Monday instead.

[jdkiggins]

Thanks for the update, Jenna. :Hug2:

[hapsburg]

looks great:)

[JennaGlatzer]

Just wanted you to know I submitted it to PRWeb with a donation just over $30, so it'll be released on Monday and immediately be injected into the search engines (rather than taking 4-6 weeks for search engines to start picking it up). Will also start sending the individual releases tomorrow. Good luck, and let us know when you get hits!

[BlueTexas]

Thanks, Jenna. It's good of you to do that :)

[Rhush]

Cool. Thanks. :)

[jdkiggins]

Jenna, you're the best!

[DJP]

Yeah Jenna! :TheWave:

[BlueTexas]

The release at PRweb is here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb270265.htm

Thanks, Jenna!

[Rhush]

Anyone get a nibble yet?

[DJP]

Not yet... you?

[Rhush]

No.... Darn it! Hopefully one of us will get one soon.

[William Haskins]

i got an offer for a three book deal, but they didn't want to go higher than 6 figures on the advance.

so i told them to go screw themselves.

they said they'd get back to me.

[Rhush]

Ohhhh..... we were supposed to include the 3 book deals lower than 6 figures? Oops. Well then, me too.

[rhymegirl]

Okay, I have a question about the PR and I'm hoping someone can answer it.

If we asked for the press release to go to our local newspaper, how will we know WHEN it will actually appear in the paper? Do we have to go buy the paper every day hoping to see it, or would someone from the paper call us? Or is the idea that the press release might spur an editor from the paper to call us for an interview or article or something???

[jdkiggins]

No big deals coming my way.

[JennaGlatzer]

Or is the idea that the press release might spur an editor from the paper to call us for an interview or article or something???

That's the hope. You don't always get notice when the paper is going to print something, but most likely, they would either contact you or me to get more info or say, "Thanks. We're going to run this."

I've sent the release to most of my contacts now, and Publishers Weekly. Tomorrow I'll start sending to the people you guys requested.

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, I think they're all out! Maybe a few more as I think of editors/agents I might have forgotten. I sent a ton tonight.

[DJP]

THANKS JENNA!:hooray: :thankyou:

[Rhush]

Thanks Jenna. :Thumbs:

[jdkiggins]

Thank you, Jenna!! :Hug2:

[JennaGlatzer]

Yer welcome.

Nothing yet?

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, a couple of responses:

Thanks for your enquiry. What a terriffic idea Absolute Write seems to be. Unfortunately, I only represent previously-produced playwrights and screenwriters NOT publishing. I wish you every succcess. Sincerely,
--
Charles Northcote
Literary Agent
The Core Group Talent Agency

~~~
Dear Jenna:

The information you sent about the Absolute Write Idol Crowned will appear in the September 1, 2005 issue of Expressions. Thanks for sending your news and please do continue to send your news for upcoming issues.

~Cathy Buburuz, Editor of Champagne Shivers



~~~

I also know that my friend at HCI (Health Communications) tried to respond, but it bounced... his tech person is trying to figure out why he can't get through to me. Hope to find out on Monday.

[Rhush]

Are we still 0 on the personal responses? Anybody....?

[DJP]

yep

[BlueTexas]

Well, I got one, but it doesn't count.

Apparantly one of my web-savvy relatives found the release...sent it to the Wymore, NE newspaper (circ. >1499) where she and some of my other family live. I got a nice note from a great-aunt.

Uh, so, that'd be a no.

[rhymegirl]

I haven't heard boo,
But I'll tell ya if I do.

[JennaGlatzer]

Damn! I need a new approach. Any ideas?

[JennaGlatzer]

Okay, one hit. :) HCI is interested in reading some of your work... will PM with details.

[awatkins]

Woohoo! Good luck. :)

[brinkett]

Other places you can submit free press releases (note that I picked this up off another list and can't vouch for any of them):

_pressbox.co.uk/_
http://www.pressbox.co.uk (http://www.pressbox.co.uk)/)

cadenasmarketing.com_
http://www.cadenasmarketing.com (http://www.cadenasmarketing.com)/)

click2newsites.com_
http://www.click2newsites.com (http://www.click2newsites.com/)

_ClickPress_
http://www.clickpress.com/cgi-bin/releases/add.cgi (http://www.clickpress.com/cgi-bin/releases/add.cgi)

_dime-co.com_
http://www.dime-co.com (http://www.dime-co.com/)


_eboomwebsolutions.com_
http://news.eboomwebsolutions.com/addnews.php (http://news.eboomwebsolutions.com/addnews.php)

_eWorldWire / PR Free_
http://www.eworldwire.com (http://www.eworldwire.com/)

_expressseek.com_
http://www.addpr.com/addrelease.php (http://www.addpr.com/addrelease.php)

_free-press-release.com_
http://www.free-press-release.com/submit/free-press-release.php (http://www.free-press-release.com/submit/free-press-release.php)

_I-NewsWire_
http://www.i-newswire.com/submit_free.php (http://www.i-newswire.com/submit_free.php)

_pr.com_
http://www.pr.com (http://www.pr.com/)

_press.arrivenet.com/_
http://press.arrivenet.com (http://press.arrivenet.com/)

_PressBase_
http://www.press-base.com (http://www.press-base.com)/)

pressmethod.com/_
http://www.pressmethod.com/Account/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Account/default.aspx (http://www.pressmethod.com/Account/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Account/default.aspx)

_prleap_
http://www.prleap.com (http://www.prleap.com/)

_WebNewsWire_
http://www.webnewswire.com/submit.html (http://www.webnewswire.com/submit.html)

webwire.com/_
http://www.webwire.com (http://www.webwire.com/)

[jdkiggins]

No hits yet! My local paper hasn't even published the press release.

[Rhush]

I'm in the exact same boat, JDK. Who were the lucky ones to get pm'd about HCI?

[DJP]

Wasn't me, I'm still in the same boat as you, too.

[Rhush]

have those pm's just not gone out? I kinda got the impression the HCI wasnt interested in every one of us. Hmmm.

[JennaGlatzer]

Oops! Sorry, yes, I sent the PMs to the 3 people HCI asked about. They're mainly a nonfiction publisher, keep in mind, so it's no comment on your talent if they didn't ask for work from those who write fiction.

I'll be following up with others this week.

[JennaGlatzer]

3 more requests coming in by PMs now for Moo Press/Keene Publishing... :) :)

(Don't worry... I still have plenty of prospects for ya!)

[awatkins]

Wow, this all sounds very promising! Good going, you guys. :)

[jdkiggins]

Congratulations to all who have received a bite! Who are the lucky people?

No luck here and still no announcement in my local paper. (Of course, most people say they line their bird cages with it. :))

[Rhush]

I got one. Woohoo. But I think it might only be because I have a fantasy ms.Either way, yea! Oh, and Ive emailed my local paper a ton too with no response, so dont feel bad. And this is coming from a newspaper in po-dunk with nothing for the front pg other than gripping stories like "girl eats ice cream in the park." Big pic of random kid.

[jdkiggins]

Congrats, Rhush!

:ROFL: Sounds like your local paper is a subsidiary of mine. LOL

[Rhush]

Thanks JDK! And yeah, I hate it. Our paper sux! :Shrug:

[jdkiggins]

My local paper claimed they never received the press release. That means they "supposedly" didn't receive the other release sent to them about my romance novel taking fifth place in the romance contest either.. HA!!!!

I was asked to forward both releases this afternoon. Now, we'll see if they received these.

[William Haskins]

go nail them to their door, ala martin luther.

[jdkiggins]

Now that's an idea, William!

[Rhush]

Well, my pr came out in my local paper yesterday with absolutely no warning. I was shocked because they never got in touch with me once to confirm...(or respond to my emails, grrrr.) Have you had any luck yet JDK?

[jdkiggins]

Nope! Hasn't been in my local paper yet.

I'm still watching. :)

[jdkiggins]

Update: My local paper FINALLY put in a four line mention of me placing fifth in the Idol contest in its "Of Note" section.

[Rhush]

Yeah!:Clap: Im so glad! Good for you JDK!

[DJP]

Nothing has come out in my local paper yet, either. I wonder if I should bug them?:poke: How's everybody else doing? Has there been any more talk of a compilation of idol entries?