The June Poetry and Short Story contest is now closed.  We will be announcing the winners later this month.  Best of luck to all!

 

The July Poetry and Short Story contest is now open!  The first place winner in each contest will receive a $50 check and a copy of the contest anthology.  The runner-ups from each contest will also receive a copy of the anthology.  The first place winners from each monthly contest will be put into a yearly contest for the chance to win $250.

 

Even if you don't win you still have the opportunity to become a published writer.  Our favorite poems and short stories from each contest period will be published into the monthly contest anthology.  Writers will also receive a certificate of publication.

Keep Writing!

 

Jenna Gerling has penned and illustrated an enlightening and beautiful new children’s book, PAPPY PLAYS.  PAPPY PLAYS is the story of the very special relationship between a grandson and his grandfather, which is compromised when Pappy develops Alzheimer’s.  Jenna has gently created a heart warming story in an age appropriate tone and matter that will help children understand what is happening to a grandparent that is suffering from Alzheimer’s.  

Jenna wrote this book as a project for her Children’s literature class at Kent State, where she recently graduated with a bachelors’ degree in magazine journalism.  During her time at school she worked at a Senior Living Center where she gained extensive knowledge on the subject of aging, Alzheimer’s and dementia.  This book is a collaboration of her three passions: writing, drawing and care-giving.

When asked about her new book, Jenna tells WritingRoom:  “Not only do I get to see my creation come to life and get to share it with others, but I get to help children and their families too!  I couldn’t ask for more!”

Jenna is already working on her second book.  WritingRoom.com is pleased to have been able to help another new author along their path to success.

PAPPY PLAYS is published by PublishingRoom.com and will be available in the PublishingRoom.com bookstore and online at Amazon and BN June 2009.  

Each month we are blown away by the talented entries submitted to both the poetry and short story contests.   After sorting through the many entries we are pleased to announce our winners.

 

The winners of WritingRoom's May Poetry Contest are:

 

First Place:  Elizabeth R. Bellinger for her poem Straddling the Fence.

Runner-Up:  Wanda Lea Brayton for her poem Phenomenal With Shadows.

 

The winners of WritingRoom's May Short Story Contest are: 

 

First Place:  Joshua Lane for his story C.O.D.A.

Runner-Up:  Amanda Crum for her story Water For Sunshine.

 

Our winners will be featured in WritingRoom's May anthology.  In the anthology you will also be able to read some of our favorite stories and poems entered into the May contest.

Just as the month of May comes to an end so does the May poetry and short story contest.  But you have not missed out because the June poetry and short story contest is now open! 

 

Enter the June contest now for the chance to win $50 and the opportunity to be published in our monthly anthology.   

The NEOSA’s Best of Tech Award for the Best Website was presented to WritingRoom.com on May 19, 2009.

NEOSA, the COSE Technology Network, is an industry-led, member-driven organization working to support the technology industry of northeast Ohio.   NEOSA Best of Tech awards honors technology business that have met or exceeded stringent requirements.  Judges include prominent leaders in the technology field, professors and technology legal advisors.

Accepting the award for WritingRoom was its creator and co-founder Lindsay Preston.  In her acceptance speech Lindsay stated:“WritingRoom.com was created for writers. Being a writer myself, I know the obstacles that writers face.  WritingRoom is here to help writers overcome hurdles and become successful.”  Lindsay also announced plans for a re-design and future technology such as: writing tools, job postings and e-books.

Other award recipients included NASA Glen Research Center for best software product and Sherwin Williams for best internship program.

WritingRoom is very honored and proud to have won this award.

The winners of the April poetry contest are.... 

 

First Place: 
Steven Cooke for his poem, SET ME FREE.

Runner-Up:

Donald Mehlke for his poem, MOON GONE.

 

The winners of the April short story contest are...

 

First Place: 
Alex Greenwood for his story, OBSIDIAN. 

Runner-Up:
Adina Pelle for her story, A DYING MAN THINKETH.

 

You will be able to check out the winning poems and stories and our other favorites from the April contest in the April Anthology. 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to tough economic times and an overwhelming response to the contest, we have decided to revise the terms and extend the timeline for WritingRoom's Author Choice contest. Entries will now be accepted until July 13, 2009.

Entrants will now need to finish the publishing process through PublishingRoom and simply e-mail copies of the final PDFs of both their published cover and interior to contest@WritingRoom.com. Entrants will NOT need to send books to WritingRoom. A manuscript must be attached in the e-mail. Judging will be based either on the published book from PublishingRoom or the manuscript.

WritingRoom will refund the cost of books ordered by entrants prior to the rule change. Receipts should be e-mailed to contest@WritingRoom.com with the subject line: "Authors Choice Refund". The refund will not cover shipping.

As a refresher, below is a list of the fabulous prizes offered in the WritingRoom's Author Choice Contest.

Top 10 Finalists:

* Finalists will receive advice, help, and guidance from both Jon Land and Lindsay Preston to help improve quality and overall marketability of their books to a wide audience.

Third Place:

* Publishing Package- PublishingRoom's Stock Art Cover Design ($149 value) and Custom Typesetting Interior ($249 value) services, ISBN ($99 value), 10 printed copies ($100 value) of your book (s&h included)
* Regional Press Release
* Local Media Coverage
* $100 cash prize

Second Place:

* Publishing Package – PublishingRoom's Custom Front Cover Design ($499 value) and Custom Typesetting Interior ($249 value) services, ISBN ($99 value), 20 printed copies ($180 value) of your book (s&h included)
* Regional Press Release
* Local Media Coverage
* $250 cash prize

Grand Prize:

* Publishing Package – PublishingRoom's Custom Front Cover Design ($499 value) and Custom Typesetting Interior ($249 value) services, ISBN ($99 value), 20 printed copies ($180 value) of your book (s&h included)
* National Press Release
* Local Media Coverage
* $500 cash prize
* Read by a top New York literary agent, Loretta Barrett (www.lorettabarrettbooks.com)
* Read by top editor Eric Rabb, at Tor/Forge books
* Video interview with WritingRoom.com

For more information on WritingRoom's Author Launch contest visit www.WritingRoom.com or www.PublishingRoom.com!

Best of luck!

We are pleased to announce that the November and December contest anthologies are now available.

The November and December Poetry Anthology is titled, SILENCE ON A BROKEN TRAIN.

The November and December Short Story Anthology is titled, THREE GRACEFUL STONE SKIPS.

Both books are now availalbe for purchase at the www.PublishingRoom.com bookstore.

Please be careful when purchasing the anthology to make sure you order the correct book.

Happy Reading!

After many months of anticipation WritingRoom's September and October Poetry and Short Story Contest Anthology is now available!

 

Running Willow ~ Waiting Revenge, is a collection of our favorite entries from the September and October poetry and short story contests.  It features the winning poems and short stories from each month.

 

Running Willow ~ Waiting Revenge is now available in the PublishingRoom.com bookstore!

 

Congratulations to all the published writers who are featured in this anthology! 

April has ended and that brings us to our May Poetry and Short Story Contest.  Enter now to win $50 and the chance to be published in the WritingRoom anthologies.  Best of luck!