House Essay Contest Update

Noon today is the deadline for our "Small Town U.S.A." essay contest to give away the house in Selma, Alabama. We have not had enough entries, so the contest is cancelled.

We actually had only one entry. One entry to win a house. I've emailed the contestant - who is from Missouri - and have asked permission to publish her essay here on Pix-N-Pens. If she grants permission, we'll be publishing it soon, so watch for it. I'm returning her money order, and also sending her a small package of books so she will at least get something for her efforts.

I'm still exploring what we did wrong. At this point, I just don't know. I sent out over 400 press releases, and contacted local radio, tv, and newspapers. From some of the comments I received by email and phone, cynicism is running rampant in this country.

A very special thank you to the judges who agreed to participate. Popular and prolific authors Virginia Smith, Allison Bottke, and Mary DeMuth would have narrowed down the essays to the top 25 finalists, and Holly Miller, Senior Editor at The Saturday Evening Post was scheduled to choose the winner.

A very special thank you to all those who helped promote our contest: Tiffany Colter, Delia Latham, Hope Clark, Rose McCauley, Ann Knowles, Laurie Crown, Mary DeMuth, Virginia Smith, and Melanie Dickerson. All of you went above and beyond the call of duty, and I am forever grateful.

Pixels - please stop by the websites of all of these writers and show them your support.



NOTE: The contest for "The Arts" continues through midnight tonight, and your entries will be posted as they arrive. Cara Putman is our special guest judge this week, so get your entries in soon! Read details of this contest here.