James Houston, asking if we’d be interested in giving away a free copy of the forthcoming book, Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. It seems HarperCollins is willing to supply us with “one of ten signed, numbered copies,” due for release on October 30. It’s being left up to us to decide how this exclusive edition ought to be disseminated.Because we just received this invitation (which we promptly accepted, of course), we haven’t determined yet how to choose this book’s lucky winner. Maybe through a trivia contest? Or perhaps a beauty competition, with the signed volume going to whoever looks most captivating in a string bikini? While that latter approach might brighten up our rain-dreary days, it’s altogether too commonplace. There’s got to be a better idea. If you have one, let us know in the Comments section of this post.
We expect to nail down the contest rules by next week.
Meanwhile, having not yet seen Leonard’s slender new book, we’re curious about which 10 “rules” he’s chosen to highlight. After all, in the past, this author has spelled out at least 11 writing recommendations (or restrictions, if you will).
READ MORE: “Leonard Part 41,” by Duane Swierczynski
(Philadelphia City Paper).
10 comments:
How about the 1st ten who leave comments, get a copy?
Or a reading comprehension test!
The book should go to someone who (1) has a birthday within a week of Dutch's, (2) was born, like him, in New Orleans, and (3) has posted the sentence "Elmore Leonard is the master" on the internet at least one year ago.
Re the Elmore Leonard comp: how about the winner is the person who pens the best opening paragraph to a novel in the Elmore Leonard style while utilising as many of the ten rules as possible? Paragraphs restricted to 200 words ... the title of the 'novel' being "Get Shorty-er".
So, hey, Marshal: when's your birthday? And where did you say you were born?
Howzabout a contest to pick the established (best-selling? ) author who could learn how to write from Uncle Dutch? My first choice: can you spell JAMES PATTERSON? Can he?
Thanks for asking, Linda. I was born the day before Dutch (though several decades later) in New Orleans.
Marshal: A-ha! And happy (slightly belated) birthday.
And, Dick: are you suggesting The Rap Sheet send the prize to Patterson? While I get the sentiment, let ol' Jim cough up for his own copy! (Unless he's a big, secret Rap Sheet reader. In which case he can stand in line with everybody else.)
No, Linda. What I had in mind was someone you and Jeff say has an even better idea for a bad-writing best-selling author than Jim Patterson.
How about a poll to determine the most deserving contributor to The Dutch Forum? Well 'deserving' is subjective, but I'm sure those guys would put up someone worthy of the honor.
I like the 200-word Get Shortier opening idea too. Make 'em work for it.
Nice site, too. A nod about your contest was posted on Dutch's forum. Have to stay awhile and browse.
Post a Comment