Like any story, the drabble will have a theme. To obtain the theme entrants must visit: http://www.jenniferlinforth.com. The theme must be clearly evident in the drabble or the story will be disqualified. Sexual content is not permitted due to the visibility of this contest. Separate contests for erotic fiction may be run at a later date. Theme for the drabble is: Mystery. (this theme can be used in any manner. Get creative! A masquerade? A discovered item? A mystery to be solved? Remember Leroux was the foremost mystery writer of his day!)
How do I submit?
All drabbles will be copied and pasted into the body of an e-mail and sent to author AT jenniferlinforth DOT com. Attachments will not be opened. An e-mailed reply will be sent to you as confirmation of your entry. Please be certain your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the entry. Subject line should read DRABBLE CONTEST.
Can I submit multiple entries?
Yes, but the drabbles must be different. Limit is two drabbles per entrant.
Do I have to adhere to one version?
No, any version of Phantom of the Opera is acceptable as long as it strictly adheres to the theme and the time period of The Phantom of the Opera. Please, no modern spin-offs or alternate universe stories.
How long is the contest open?
Contest will run for one month in honor of Gaston Leroux's birthday. Entries will only be accepted from 12:01AM EDST beginning May 6, 2010 until 12:00AM June 27, 2010. All entries received before or after these times/dates will be disqualified and deleted. All entries must be posted to www.jenniferlinforth.com and will be done at the discretion of the website owner after the contest closes on June 6th. Drabbles will be posted anonymously to my blog Tip of the Quill (http://jenniferlinforth.blogspot.com) on a weekly basis following the contest and all drabbles remain the property and copyright of the author who created them.
What is the prize?
First prize winner will receive a Phantom of the Opera themed gift basket, and a copy of either MADRIGAL or ABENDLIED (winner's choice) and several signed books/goodies from contest judges. Second and third place winners will receive signed copies of either MADRIGAL or ABENDLIED (winner's choice). Winners will be contacted via e-mail by the author and must provide a snail-mail address. In the event that the first-place winner is located overseas, due to customs restrictions and the cost of shipping, a gift-certificate to a major online book retailer will be provided as the prize. No substitutions of prizes are permitted. The prize has no monetary value.
Who are the judges?
THE GASTON LEROUX BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE DRABBLE CONTEST will be judged by multi-published authors who represent the categories of historical romance, erotica, romantic suspense, contemporary and young adult. All are members of the Romance Writers of America, however this contest is not affiliated in any way with the organization. The decisions of the judges are final. Judges will be announced when the contest closes and links provided to their web sites.
