Penyanyi : Taking Names
Judul lagu : Taking Names
Taking Names
While watching UGLY BETTY last Thursday, I was struck by Betty's rapport with her dad. She was talking about her writing professor being a “Simon Cowell” type with a Pulitzer, but that wasn’t the important part. She said, “I can’t just be Jordan Sparks good. I have to be Kelly Clarkson, Ms. Independent good.”Immediately my mind segwayed to American Title, the writing contest (now in its fourth year) designed to mimic American Idol. Hosted by Romantic Times Magazine and Dorchester Publishing, it encompasses a contest on a grand international arena with the ultimate prize of a publishing contract. I have attempted to be good enough three out of the four years (since I didn’t have a historical tucked away anywhere that one year). Unfortunately this year, JUST ONE LIFE (the book I sampled last Halloween) didn’t have enough X-factor to make the cut. However, I do have a friend who got the spectacular news that she is a finalist!
Each month the contest takes on a new topic of battle. This month it’s the First Line. After the entries are put on show, the three guest judges weigh in with their two cents worth. However, the readers hold the power, because they vote (via e-mail) for who they think is the best. Those messages are tallied (much like Idol’s phone calls) and the entrant with the lowest score is booted. On it goes until there are two left standing, with the winner to be announced at next year’s RT Convention in Pittsburgh, PA.
This year’s field spans the borders of paranormals with entrants that are traditional, mixed in with a couple futuristics, some fantasies, and a dash of western elements as well as suspenseful mystery. The contestants are just as diverse and hail from across the USA and United Kingdom. If you want to learn more about the authors, go to http://www.sylviaday.com/blog/2007/ which provides a more candid intro than the ones at the American Title page. (Thanks again Sylvia!)
If you want to jump right in and read the First Lines, then vote go to http://www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitle3.php . Just make sure to get there by the 28th to make your choice heard for Round One! Only you can help the author you think is the best advance to the next round. So vote, vote, vote (though padding the e-mail count isn’t allowed)!
Are you wondering why I started this post with Betty Suárez and how she’s related to Halloween, which is fast approaching?
I was wasting writing time to study my target. I’m borrowing Betty’s name and character this year as my Halloween pick. What sense of style I have (thanks Tim Gunn) still shudders at my zany outfit. I’ve nailed the wig and the glasses (almost to a T), but I’m still working on those braces! How perfect a choice is Betty, since she’s getting serious about her writing? (And no, it isn’t all due to the $200 prize, though that mullah could enrich my RT fund.)
What/who are you impersonating this Halloween? Or are you rooting for a Title finalist, if so you can spill here (just not blood)?
4 Responses to "Taking Names"
LOL, I was wondering about the tie-in. But you did it well :D
Me, I'm working on Halloween so no costume or party. Bummer. My dh will be passing out candy to the Trick or Treaters and I've made him promise to tell me who had the best costumes :D
Thanks Lynda!
I'm bummed cause Halloween is my brother-in-law's birthday, so my sister it taking him on an overnighter. Which means I get to watch their dogs, but don't get to see trick-o-treaters. I look forward to it every year, since the location I live at now has loads of them. Before we were lucky to get half a dozen. In the country (besides trailer parks) you get 0.
Hey! Just popped over to say Thanks for the comment on my work at the house. I'm glad its over only sorry that the market is such crap at the moment. Well, I'll just have to sit on it for a bit. I love the blog and you'll have to take pictures of you in this costume. Have a great upcoming weekend and see you next weekend!
Kim
Thanks for coming by Kim!
I concur about the state of the housing market. And add a yikes about what's going on in banking/investments.
As for the costume, make sure to check back on my next post day--Halloween! I will have a pic to show off:0)
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