Entering a contest turns into a great experience for this writer.
While trying to get recognition and publicity for my self published book, Olivia's Magic Conch, I would do just about anything to promote it. So when I read that Writer's Digest Magazine was running a contest for author's like myself,I knew I would enter my book.
I never dreamed I would win....and I didn't. But what came in the mail was something I didn't expect.
After a few months one doesn't always remember everything when you hit my age so when I pulled a large white envelope from my mailbox the contest was not on my mind. However after reading the return address,I must admit I ripped through the sealed end with more than a little excitement.What I found was a letter thanking me for participating in the 18th Annual Writer's Digest International Self Published Book Awards. 'Nice' I thought. Then I read the very next word which told it all, "Unfortunately" but I was not the least bit upset and proceded up my walk to the door while reading the rest of the letter. Thats when something caught my eye in the closing statement, "Enclosed you will find a certificate, a brief judge's commentary on your book and a marketing advice worksheet to assist you in all your efforts with your book moving forward."
My eyes flew right to the critique.
Here is what Judge #57 had to say:
"Given the current state of the debate over the environment(particularly due to the Gulf oil spill), P.A. Zimmerman's Olivia's Magic Conch is that rare thing-a children's book that actually ties into current events without seeming forced. Zimmerman nicely ends her book with a simple plea for protecting the seas, and her love of nature and of the Jersey shore comes through on nearly every page of her book. I would think that kids who read this book would think twice about being so passive in their response to climate change."
Wow! #57 nailed it. I am so excited to know that my message comes through. If I never write another book in my life, I will have fulfilled a wish on my Bucket list which is...to enlighten the youth of today. To inform them through a stress free,non preaching,adventurous,fun filled, present day fable. A story laced with a plethora of information they can voluntarily put to good use because they will understand the importance of what we derive from the sea and will have the desire to help preserve this God given commodity we call an Ocean. They can read it all in a non textbook fashion, in today's jargon using real-life experiences braided with fictional sea characters.The proof will be their enthusiasm to help. Yay, I did it! My wish is for someone in the business to push it ahead. The message would really be out there if it were a movie because we could start educating the younger kids whose reading comprehension is not at this level. Any producers out there who see the importance of this message?
Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration examines the significance or relevance of the idea that the U.S. Constitution was, as many believe, divinely inspired. How much did that belief matter to founders of the nation and how much does it matter no
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