WRiTE CLUB is just around the corner, which means I'm starting to get my ducks in a row. It also means I need some help. The biggest change to the contest this year is that I'm heeding past participants suggestions to limit the bouts to a set number (16) spanning a reasonable time period (8 weeks) to prevent interest from spiraling downward. In order to do that I must narrow down what I estimate will be 100-125 entries (500 word samples) to just 32...and that’s where you come in. In order to go about this is a fair and unbiased manner my plan is to create a central repository (via Dropbox) where I will store all of the submissions, then have a selection committee of 12 judges read all of those entries and vote on their favorites, which I will then use to select the top 32. I already have six judges on-board and now I’m looking for six more.
Before you raise your hand, I want to fully explain what you would be volunteering for. This is a big commitment! First you must be open to installing and using Dropbox (a free file sharing program that I will provide complete instructions on how to use). Then you will have the month of June to read what could be 125+ entries, each one approximately 500 words long -- which equates to the length of a small book – and select 32 of what you believe are the best ones.
Oh...there's one more thing...another change this year is that I will be offering everyone who votes during the contest a chance to win a prize. Each vote places their name in a hat for a drawing at the end of the competition. The prize...a choice between an Amazon Gift certificate...or a fifty page critique from EACH OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS (performed at your leisure). So not only are you volunteering to help pick the 32 fighters, but also providing a 50 page critique.
So, what do you say? Interested in helping shape how WRiTE CLUB plays out this year? If so, leave a comment below (be sure to include your email address), and I will be in touch by the end of the week.
Have a great week everybody!
I spread the word!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Write Club. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteYou already emailed me about another aspect (and I'm very excited about that!) and I will help spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking the month of June off from blogging, so if you think this dumb blonde can handle it, I'll be happy to help. Let me know. You have my address.
ReplyDeletePumped! I too will spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to use a word I don't often use when asked to volunteer. No. I plan to really concentrate on my novel this summer, and am off loading other plate items as much as I can. I hope you find the volunteers you need. So many folks enjoy this club - I hear about it all over the place.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Well you already asked me about it so you know I'm in :)
ReplyDeleteSorry DL. I'm using that nasty two letter word, No. My life is too crazy at the moment (even by my standards)to read the competition entries consistently, let alone be a judge too.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think compartmentalizing you contest is the only sane thing for you to do. Good luck with your volunteer search.
I am sorely tempted, DL. Write Club is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHey, DL.
ReplyDeleteAfter A-Z, I really have put off my own writing for too long. I need to get back to it. I know you'll get the other six people. I admire your dedication. ALL the best with WRITECLUB!
I think the changes you have planned will really help the contest, Don. I look forward to helping!
ReplyDeleteI would love to help... but I think that I want to participate... a conflict of interests....
ReplyDeleteI am confused now.
Writer In Transit
Hmmm. I guess it has to be a "no, not at this time"... I could have done the reading part, but not the critique. I have Drop Box, but I think I want to write. I want to participate, but I have some irons in the fire. So there are the dilemmas. Exciting changes to WRITE CLUB, though. I can hardly wait for it to start!
ReplyDeleteI'm torn on this. I want so much to help, I have dropbox and could do the crit, but I just signed up for a master class in writing and I expect it to take up much of my time. I have actual deadlines now. I'm so sorry, I really wanted to help. Can you put me on an alternate list? If you don't have enough help let me know and I'll see what I can do.
ReplyDeleteWrite Club is new to me, so I will wait for the info on how it works and what it is all about. I'll look forward to reading the entries and will be happy to promote and perhaps participate as a writer.
ReplyDeleteSue CollectInTexasGal
Intellectual 'Piles of Political Poop'
Hi Don .. I see you have a few takers ... as sadly I'm tied up .. but I'll keep a watchful eye out.
ReplyDeleteCheers for now .. Hilary
I'm on the fence about helping or writing an excerpt. I didn't participate last time and didn't comment as often as I should have. But, with fewer entries it should be easier to follow.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you don't get enough volunteers and I'll make a decision then. I don't have Drop-box and learning something new can be intimidating for me. And I may be packing up house and moving during June. Keep me in mind.
.......dhole
I think I may have a peculiar summer ahead of me and I don't know how much internet access I'll have part of that time. This thing has really taken off, but sadly I haven't kept up with it much. There are a lot of things I haven't been keeping up with :(
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on this year's club. I'll tweet it.
Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Although I'm unable to volunteer at this time, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to host something like this for the writing community. I know you're a busy man, D.L., and it means a lot to many of us that you'd thought of such a creative way to bring writers together.
ReplyDeleteNot able to participate, but I can help spread the word. Retweeting your post.
ReplyDeleteWill tweet for you!!
ReplyDeleteI can help. If you trust me. Can I accept donations for my double thumbs up?
ReplyDeleteJust joking.
Well unless I can get pay pal up and running by then.
But seriously, I'd happily help in any way I can. Just let me know if you need me (email is: eseckman at ymail dot com)
Wish I had time for this! I always enjoy the Write Club posts! I'm sure you'll get lots of volunteers. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have a full-time job...I would help! :( so..I guess I'll be submitting!!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I'd love to help you, I was looking forward to entering again! I'll tweet about it, though, if that helps. Hope you find the six people you need.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a fantastic job of coming up with ways to rejuvenate Write Club and make it even better!
nice your site thanks for sharing love you all team good work keep it up
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I'd be happy to help, but I'm going on a missions trip at the end of June, where I will have no access to a computer. Is it something I'd be able to do before say- June 23rd?
ReplyDeleteWOW reading the work involved (and what you've done for fellow writers)made me want curl up in a tight ball and take a snooze--impressive! *high five*
ReplyDeleteI like the changes you've made in the rules and I'll help spread the word. I'm sure you'll find the remaining six you need. Wish I could be one of them, but I'm strapped for time during the summer. Good luck! (:
ReplyDeleteHey DL, If you still need folks, I will volunteer. I wasn't planning on submitting this year.
ReplyDelete