Sharpen Your Hook Contest

Dedicated to the memory of Barbara Lantz*

Hello, Fellow Writers

Thank you for your interest in the Sharpen Your Hook Contest. This contest celebrates the life and service of Barbara Lantz, a member noted for her enthusiasm and sense of humor.

As the kids return to school and we return to our writing, jumpstart your creativity with this five-minute challenge: Using our prompt, SHE WAS DANCING ON THE TABLE AGAIN, continue the story and send us your 500-word entry. Remember, we’re looking for the sharpest hook!

The contest couldn’t be easier, quicker or cheaper!

Eligibility: Open to all writers, published and pre-published. Entry must not be published in book-length fiction within three years of deadline.

First-round judges: 2 Published authors. In case of multiple maximum scores, a discrepancy judge will determine first, second and third place winners.

Prizes:
1st Place: $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate
2nd Place: $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate
3rd Place: $5 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate

*Profits from contest entries will be donated to the hospice that cared for Barbara Lantz in her final days.

Entry deadline extended: November 15th, 2008

Winners announced: At the December Holiday Party

Scoring criteria:

   -The opening hook grabs you.

   -The character(s) are skillfully developed and likeable.

   -The plot is original, plausible and free of clichés.

   -The dialogue is natural and moves the story forward.

   -The description includes all five senses and provides a good sense of  
    time and place.

   -The author’s voice/style is vivid and unique.

Submission: Email your 500-word entry in the body of a message to rwasd.contests@gmail.com. Standard formatting. Electronic entries only.

Please include the following information:

     Your name

     Email address

     Telephone number

     Method of payment (PayPal or check)

Fee: $5 

or send your check or money order to:

RWASD Contest
PO Box 711677
Santee, CA 92072-1677

Questions?

If you have any questions, please direct them to the contest coordinator.

Maria Connor, rwasd.contests@gmail.com
Contest Coordinator