We begin with a little inspiration: the Mathematician demonstrates that with hard work, determination and a dose of crazy enthusiasm, you can indeed get to the top.
So here we go with the Story Machine workshop and my first ever I-read-your- work-and- give- you- feedback contest. Anybody have a suggestion for a pithier name? There has got to be one.
And of course, the pile o’ stuff giveaways, one for each day of the workshop. Every time you comment on a given workshop post, you will be entered into the drawing for that day.
To make things a little more interesting, I will draw the winner for each of the four workshop days at the same time I draw the winner of the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest. All this pulling of names will happen on Sunday, which gives people time to think things through and comment.
Now, the rules for the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest. If you would like to jump in, this is how you do it:
Anybody who
1. leaves a comment to this post stating that they’d like to be in the draw for the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest, AND
2. leaves at least one comment to some other part of the workshop posts
will be entered into the drawing.
We clear so far?
On Sunday, after I draw the four pile o’ stuff winners, I’ll draw a name at random from those who have signed up. Within three months, the person whose name I draw will send me a piece of fiction, which he or she authored, and I will read that manuscript and provide my feedback via email.
Here are the conditions. Please don’t put your name in the hat unless you agree to all of them.
1. The manuscript or the part of a manuscript submitted to me must be your own work.
2. It may not be longer than 8,000 words (that would be about forty double-spaced pages).
3. The manuscript must be emailed to me. Specifics to be discussed after the drawing.
4. I am happy to read any kind of fiction — any genre, any approach — but I cannot provide commentary on non-fiction, children’s fiction or poetry.
5. I will make suggestions (which you are free to ignore, or act on); I will not rewrite any part of your manuscript.
6. Within two weeks I will email you feedback on craft issues (structure, pacing, characterization, dialog, prose, theme) — both what works and what (in my opinion) needs work. Of course, this is my subjective stance on what you submit. It is also informed by twenty years of publishing and editing, so the aim is that it be useful and constructive, but no miracles are forthcoming.
7. I cannot guarantee that the work you submit will ever be published or that you’ll find an agent. I can’t be held responsible in any way if your work doesn’t receive the recognition or reception you hoped for.
8. No money or goods exchange hands; I provide this service at no cost to you, for participating in the Story Machine workshop this week.
9. The agreement is that I provide feedback once. I can’t read the manuscript again after you have revised it. Not if you want me to ever finish another novel.
10. You have to agree not to worry yourself into an ulcer between the time you email me your manuscript and you get comments back from me. I’m a very careful and respectful reader, okay? I’m not going to be mean or condescending. That’s not the way I work.
A note: I can guarantee that your work and my feedback on your work will never be made public in any way. Your privacy is as important to me as my own.
So, if you’d like me to provide some feedback on your work, and you agree to the conditions stated here, please leave a comment that includes a valid email address. In your comment, you must also include this sentence (which you can copy and paste):
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Final note: if you have a question about this I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest, do not put them in a comment to this post. I will have to delete any such comments. Only comment here if you are entering the contest.
If you have questions or need clarification, please email me: rosinalippi@pobox.com
The tossing of hats may commence.
——————
*My bad. If you already commented, don’t worry about this. I’ll fix it.
You've stumbled across my official website and landed on the front page of my weblog.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I’d like to enter this contest. It is very generous of you, Rosina, to offer such a great prize.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I would like to enter this contest. To give of your time, Rosina, is more precious than anything and is appreciated!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I’d like to enter! Thanks so much for doing the workshop and for offering such a great opportunity.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
P.S. Love the “pinky swear”! *g*
This is a fantastic opportunity, and I want to enter the contest. For you to offer to read such a large chunk of prose is incredibly generous!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
You are a big sweetie for doing this. Hope you don’t regret it :)
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Throwing my hat in the ring for this very cool (and generous!) offer.
And I also love the ‘pinky swear’.
:)
Lisa
http://www.ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com
(Thanks for your comment re my Wiki!)
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I’m in!
Gina
I’m so excited for this workshop!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Though hesitant, I too will throw my hat in. Sounds too fun to miss out on :)
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I am so, like, in!
Thanks
How could I have missed this? Anyway…
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I’d like to enter the contest and can’t wait for the workshop.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Count me in.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thank you for putting on this workshop. I am would love to enter your contest.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thank you Rosina for making such a generous offer to all of us aspiring writers and for the Workshops and challenging us with the ‘avoid the obvious’ comment because wouldn’t you know it, that was what I came up with on my first two attempts!
What about: Wannabe Writer as a name for the Contest or just Wannabe.
Here is my Akubra coming your way
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
P.S. I had a good chuckle at Pt. 10.
Thanks
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Just like to be in the draw for the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest. Y’all can write ’em…I just read ’em. Thanks!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I would love to enter this contest!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Gina
gab04@aol.com
I’d love to be in the draw.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thanks. This is very generous of you.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
WOW!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thanks so much for doing this!!!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thanks so much for doing this!!!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
That is an amazing offer… And I would love to put my name in for it…
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I would love to be entered in this contest. Thanks!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Please enter me in the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Please enter me in the I-read-your-work-and-give-you-feedback contest.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Robyn
Please enter me in the feedback drawing. Thanks!
I have been away and only just saw this contest. What a great idea!
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
I’ve been away and just saw this contest. What a great idea. Please count me in.
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.
Thanks for this great opportunity to have someone with a clue help people who may not have much of one (I know I sure don’t). Enter me into the I read and give you my feed back survey (we’ve got to find a shorter name)
I may have thought too long on this, but here goes:
I have read the instructions and rules for this contest and should my name be drawn, I agree and vow (pinky swear) to abide by every single one of them. I also understand that I reserve Rosina reserves* the right to stop the contest if it is not functioning according to plan, or in the case of emergency.