It’s Away! [Pitchapalooza]

I just took a potshot at Pitchapalooza’s second Nanowrimo contest.  This is the first year I feel like I officially qualify since I was a “rebel” in 2010 and worked on finishing two previous novels rather than start something new.

To qualify for Nanowrimo Pitchapalooza, one had to “win” Nanowrimo and submit a [no more than] 200 word synopsis during the month of February.  Even though it’s supposed to be a “random” 25 submissions selected, I went big: spending serious time editing a perfect-as-I-can-get-it pitch; which I’m sure can still use a lot of improvement.

They duo behind the The Book Doctors site critique all of the chosen entries.  Win, lose, or place…at least i tried.  And for all those who know my writing style – I was able to land my summary under 200.  My writing program said it clocks in at 191 words, but my grammatical cross-checking said the summary was under 170 words.  I’d rather play it safe since I think the hyphenated words were the points of contention.

What’s the big deal about this event?  Here’s an excerpt from their January 31st explanation in the Office of Letters and Light blog…

“It’s our job to help writers make their dreams come true. It’s what we did with our first Pitchapalooza winners, Nura Maznavi and Ayesha Mattu, whose book, Love InshAllah, just hit the shelves. In the last week, they were profiled in the New York Times, had one of the most talked about pieces on the Huffington Post, and cracked the top 500 of all books sold on Amazon. Then there’s Pitchapalooza winner and NaNoWriMo veteran, Genn Albin. After she won Pitchapalooza, one of New York’s top agents sold her dystopian novel in a three-book, six-figure deal.”

Pretty cool for finishing a writing marathon.  I read the twenty-five summaries [and reviews] to get an idea of what I needed to do to come off somewhat decently.

I won’t know anything (good or bad) for a week or so.  My hopes aren’t high, but at least i am more interested in furthering my novel…after I finish editing my first Figment-exclusive post.

Related links:

http://blog.lettersandlight.org/post/16836319467

http://www.thebookdoctors.com/nanowrimo-online-pitchaplaooza

Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show?

It could happen!  Why not?

I saw this and figured it was too good NOT to post here.  This would be something to keep people glued to the seats.  Or make you Polka Your Eyes Out.

Learn more at the online petition site:  change.org/petitions

Or the Facebook petition: facebook.com/weirdalatsuperbowl

Yes, I signed.  Do you really have a good reason not to?

Finished a book: Spilling Ink

Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook – by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter

[How acquired: birthday gift]

I decided to give this book a peek in November; which usually isn’t the best time for Wrimos to to anything related to writing since they are supposed to be writing their novels that month – quantity over quality and all that good stuff.

Reading this in short bursts made me think a little bit more about my story.  It’s really a great book for younger people who want to write but don’t feel like they could.  It gives a lot of pointers on remembering you don’t have to follow any certain rules if you don’t want to.

Both writers are accomplished authors in the young writing field – whether it be picture books, middle grade, or young adult books.  The honest and enthusiastic vibe of this “handbook” makes me want to give a peek at some of their fiction writing.

Only when writing this post did I realize there is a whole plethora of support and encouragement tied to this book.  If you know anyone younger who needs a push to write; or even a little positive reinforcement yourself, give this book a peek.

Even if you don’t read the book, take a peek at all the motivational help and prompts on the book’s site:  spillinginkthebook.com

January Progress Report (failure)

Groundhog Day is the perfect time to rehash some of what’s been going on in the first dozenth [if it's not a real phrase, then why not?] of this calendar year.

As the headline reads (on the post, not the newspaper – though the newspaper *does* show an actual January literary failure), I was not a success in my first month as far as reaching my goal.

I failed to write 10,000 words pertaining to my novel this month.  A lot went on, and had been on my mind of course – but I can’t excuse it as much as say I should have dove into it much quicker.  Thankfully I built some failure into my prospectus for 2012.  Better luck next month, right?