Behind the Curtain: Loot, Prizes and Other Booty

No, I did not forget about prizes for Behind the Curtain. I have been stirring the cauldron in order for the best and most exciting prizes to float to the top. And, oh! What a range of prizes I have for this lovely contest. I’m not sure who will be the luckiest – all the packages are amazing!

The Dark Arts Package

Talented mixed media artist Angie Richmond (Twitter: @write_me_happy ; Etsy Store: Angie Richmond Designs) has donated an original canvas to the winner of this package (value: $50).  This 8″ x 10″ original mixed media work on canvas will feature one of Angie’s signature ‘dark trees’ and a quote from the winning work.

 
(Important Note: This is not an image of the prize, just a work by Angie at the same size. The prize will only feature the dark tree and the author’s quote from the winning story, not the bird. Artist reserves the right to change the details of dimensions or theme of this package, though the value will remain the same.)


The Dark Veil Package 

With all of these entries celebrating the dark secrets behind the curtains of the arts, we cannot forgot music. The winner of the Dark Veil Package will receive their own copy of the haunting gothic rock opera, Veil & Subdue. Veil & Subdue is the creation of Paul Ramey (Twitter: @paulramey) and Anna Meade.

For a sample, click below.

It Might Tonight – Music and Lyrics by Paul Ramey, vocals by Anna Meade and Paul Ramey.

Just Like Freedom – Music and lyrics by Paul Ramey, Vocals by Anna Meade.

In addition, the winner will receive a beautiful copy of the opera’s libretto, signed by Paul Ramey and Anna Meade.

The Dark Romance Package

For those who are not familiar with Sophie Moss (@smosswrites on Twitter), she is the authoress of the dark paranormal romance series Selkie Island Trilogy: The Selkie Spell, The Selkie Enchantress and the soon-to-be released The Selkie Sorceress. Sophie has a huge buzz going on Twitter and a devoted following, but was kind enough to donate a digital copy of her newest book, The Selkie Enchantress, to the Behind the Curtain contest.

It’s a perfect fit, for nothing is as it seems on Selkie Island and Sophie’s deft twists and turns will definitely leave you yearning for the third book. Sophie’s work and words were recently featured on the USA Today website – she is one to watch!
Sophie Moss, author of Seal Island Trilogy
Oh, this is what you’ve all been waiting for, THE ULTIMATE GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE for the winner of the Behind the Curtain Contest!


THE DARK FAIRY GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

First, you too will get a copy of Veil & Subdue. But that is just the beginning of the Dark Fairy’s gifts bestowed upon you. 
Next, you will receive a magnificent writing notebook by our own Writing Organizational Guru, Ruth Long aka @bullishink.
 
Ruth puts us all to shame with her organizational mastery. This notebook can be used for NaNoWriMo or your Work in Progress and comes with a wealth of writing tips. Hordes of authors have begged for these notebooks AND I SECURED ONE FOR OUR WINNAR. HAHAHAHAH!

(Important Note: This is a photo of Ruth’s amazing writing notebook, for HER WIP. Yours will be similar but not identical. Ruth reserves the right to add or subtract contents.)
*blows trumpets of glad tidings*

Because your story was the finest of 61 entries, the Dark Fairy will offer things that NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER RECEIVED.
Allow me to repeat that. NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER RECEIVED THESE PRIZES. Excited yet? You ought to be. 

Winning author, rejoice! Dark Fairy promotions ahead!

 

* The winning author will be featured on Yearning for Wonderland in an in-depth interview by the Fairy Queen herself.

This interview will highlight your book, blog, or any other artistic project of your choosing. Anna will then promote this interview heavily on Twitter/Facebook and G+.
*The winning author’s story will be recorded by Anna
No, you did not read that wrong. Anna has a home recording studio and will do a creative/theatrical recording of your Behind the Curtain entry.
(This recording is yours, to use for any promotional/creative purpose of your choosing. This recording may not be sold or repurposed into another audio project.)
And, finaaaaallly…
* The winner author will be Anna’s partner in her next flash fiction contest (in Spring 2013). 
The winner will be heavily involved in this contest and will have input on the theme, promotions, format, prizes, etc. 
Who wouldn’t want to dance with the dark fairy?
Now that I have whet your appetites, please don’t turn on each other. Writer-on-writer murder will cause your entry to be disqualified. Maiming, on the other hand….
#MOOGHOOHAHA

Napping Blogger Award

I am a little slow to catch up on my kind mentions and awards, but this one is too cute to pass up.

BEHOLD: The Napping Blogger Award

I was not only nominated for the award by the creator, the awesome Donna B. McNicol (@donnabmcnicol), but also the ever kind Steven P. Watson (@ashviper). Thanks to you both for remembering me!

The rules for the Napping Blogger Award are easy:

  1. Link back to the one(s) who gave you the award.
  2. Tell us what you do to take time for YOU! That might be a hobby, a musical break, a favorite movie or show, sitting outside enjoying nature, or even taking a nap!
  3. Nominate five other bloggers – especially folks you think deserve a break from their routine.

Taking time for me is one of the things with which I struggle. I am so busy promoting contests and the artistic output of myself and others that I have to force myself to slow down. Many of my friends have heard me mumble, “…Sleep when I’m dead.” My bloodshot eyes at that moment may have foretold the zombie apocalypse.

Lately, to relax I have been arranging my new library, filling my desk drawers and dusting bookshelves and categorizing books. It may sound vexing, but it is my happy time.

I also love playing piano barefoot and have newly discovered the meditative joys of potting flowers (ha, please ignore my black thumb).

*scratches head*

Now I have to figure out 5 bloggers who need a break from their routine. I know so many deserving bloggers, but here are my five who work harder (or crazier) than most! Give yourself a break and enjoy your new Napping Blogger Award!

1) Angie Richmond

2) Daniel Swensen

3) Jo-Anne Teal

4) Afsaneh Khetrapal

5) Sophie Moss

    Echo Chamber and Guest Posts

    HELLO?
    Hellohellohello!

    Sorry, I’m not here at my blog, I’m over at the artistic and charming blog of Angie Richmond, also known as @write_me_happy.

    Despite my despairingly long To Do list, I blew it all off and wrote a guest post for Angie about my lifelong love of fairies and how they speak to me. Priorities, after all!

    (Above photo is one of the famous Cottingley fairies photos. You can read more about them here. After you read the guest post. Yes, do both!)