Katrina DeLallo ~

It's been awhile in coming, but at last! Another contest!

Because I had such a positive experience when I entered a First Chapter Critique Giveaway a few months ago, I thought it would be nice to offer one for other writers as well. The contest is very easy. Simply follow the rules listed below to enter. The winner will be eligible for a full critique on the first chapter of whichever story they want. (If you do not have a novel to be critiqued and have instead a short story around 2500 words that you would like to have me look at, that qualifies for the critique as well.)

Disclaimer: I will not look at stories with scenes of sex, immorality, or anything that qualifies an R-rating or worse. Clean is good!

The contest is open from 8:00 am on December 15th, 2011 until 8:00 pm on December 23rd, 2011. At that time I shall randomly choose a winner, and I will announce the winner on the morning of Christmas Eve. That winner will be the proud recipient of a First Chapter critique from moi.

The rules are as follows: (each +number counts for an entry. Leave more comments for more entries!)

1.) Mandatory - If you are new, join this site (+3) - (Established members receive an automatic +3)

2.) Follow my blog at The Inkspot with GFC (+1) - (Established followers receive an automatic +1)

3.) Post this contest on Facebook and/or Google+ (+2)

4.) Tweet this on Twitter (+1)

5.) Post this on Google+ (+2)

6.) Blog about this contest (+2)

7.) Mandatory - Leave a comment telling me at least your site name. If you became a GFC follower add that name as well. If you posted on Facebook, Google+, tweeted, or blogged, mention that too.

8.) Leave up to three extra comments for additional entries. Just make sure you number your posts, so I can keep track of your entries.

Each entry earns you points. You can earn up to fourteen points!

Get posting! and Merry Christmas.

The Writing Buddy Contest has opened!

Unfortunately, there can only be one winner, but hopefully there will be many, many contestants.  This is the prize.

Isn't he ADORABLE?!! Say yes.

Okay, so first, some rules.

1. You must be a member of this site. (Registering is really easy, so please join!)
2. The entry must be in English.
3. There must be no gratuitous sensuality, violence, or immorality. Keep your entry to a "G" rating. (Thank you.)
4. You must be reachable, so I can email you for your mailing address if you win. Please submit with at least your first name, and a valid email address.
5. Only one entry per person.

Okay, now onto the juicy details!

Since the prize is a Dragon Writing Buddy, this contest will feature stories about Dragons. But not just any Dragon. Oh no. Contestants must submit a 300-word story about a Winter Dragon. Each entry must be posted as a comment underneath this post.

What I'm looking for is more of a description of a Winter Dragon, how it might look and act. Show me how a Winter Dragon might live, what sort of food it might eat, its habitat, nature, and sociability. What is it like? What does it look like? Is it even-tempered, cold-natured, harsh, or soft and gentle? Why? What does it do? Does it breathe snow? Does it create snow? How is it different than normal, run-of-the-mill dragons?

Entries will be judged on readability, clarity, and detail. Whichever entry I think most captures the essence of a Winter Dragon will be the winner.

All entries remain the property of the author. If your description sparks a story that you would like to submit elsewhere, simply let me know and I'll delete the entry after the contest is over and the winner has been announced.

 Here are a couple pictures for inspiration:

Winter Dragon by Lumaris at Deviant Art. A VERY neat picture!
Baby Winter Dragon by Amanda Martin. A gorgeous sculpture, and just way cute!
Winter Dragon by Veronica Casas at Redbubble. Lovely picture.
Winter Dragon by "pawtraitart" at Wetcanvas. Very poignant picture.

All right, so I hope your writing juices are flowing! Have fun, and I can't wait to read the entries.