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Week 1 Contestants
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Sheree Chalfant Troy
South Carolina
What
is your book, writing or book idea about?
My life is a never ending encounter with ridiculous
experiences. Be it related to my ADD and that set of mildewed
baggage, to my husband’s antics, to the characters and
situations I’ve encountered throughout the world.
A few pop to mind, like the pot-bellied Greek pervert
at a beach on the Ionian Sea, who repeatedly pointed out that he
neglected to don a swimsuit that morning. Or a similar fella who
flashed his privates at me while I struggle to climb two flights
of stairs while carrying a backpack, in a Paris subway station.
“Oui, oui, Mademoiselles!” Yeah, wee wee, Pal.
Family, marriage, neighbors—life, love and leisure. My
stories fill notebooks, diaries, travel journals, bits of paper,
and backs of barf-bags — wherever there’s room to write, I’m
writing. When it strikes me as absurd or ridiculous, I’m jotting
it down or clacking at my keyboard.
Tell us about your background.
Sell retro, kitsch, vintage
and collectibles as well as top-end label and designer clothing,
shoes and accessories. Writers’ workshops. Voice-over training.
I backpacked through Europe with a friend for six weeks. In
college majored in History and English. I was born a writer.
I’ve grown up writing. I look at life through the eyes of a
writer. And I plan to die a writer. Now though, if chosen as a
participant, I may just get to die a best selling writer.
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Harold “Andy” Anderson
Texas
What
is your book, writing or book idea about?
To continue to publish books in the Mike Edwards Adventure
Series. First book in the series (already published) called “The
Golden Countess” is a fictional novel based on actual events in
the author’s career as a commercial diver and in historical
fact. Four hundred years ago The Spanish Countess sank in the
Caribbean waters of Cuba during the hurricane of 1644. It
carried over three tons of gold. Now Mike Edwards (the fictional
central character) and a group of adventurers plan to salvage
the treasure. The books would follow in this series.
Tell us about your background:
Harold “Andy” Anderson is a senior
executive in civil construction. He was a commercial diver and
underwater welder and has worked over 6,000 hours underwater,
many in exotic locations. He is a Black Belt in martial arts,
holds a pilot’s license and is ranked as one of the top Action
Pistol Shooters in the world. He is working on his aerobatic
pilot endorsement. “The Golden Countess” was Andy’s first
venture into the fictional writing arena. Prior Andy wrote
technical papers and articles for trade publications. He has
lectured extensively on undersea technology.
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Penny Broussard
Utah

What is your book, writing or book idea
about?
First book I would
like to publish... I wrote a book for my daughter when she got
married. It is about last minute tips from the mom for the new
bride. This book is about starting your own life and home. It is
fun and colorful, filled with tips, advice, things I know for
sure, etiquette and practical information on setting up your
first home and living with another person. Another book I would
like to publish…Five siblings grow up in the same house with the
same parents and each one view the same experiences differently.
Each has a totally different experience with the same parent and
each feels that Mom liked them the most. My Mom has been
recently diagnosed with cancer. Watching my siblings rally round
her has been heart warming and interesting.
Tell us about your background:
I retired and sold
my business of 26 years and am now officially in “Renaissance
Mode” and ready to reinvent myself. I love to write and speak. I
love literature of all kinds. I wrote a book for my daughter
when she got married that I would love to have published. I have
been told the 50s will be the greatest years of my life. When I
turned 50 last year, I made a goal to make that true. It is the
time of my life when I can look back on lots of successful
accomplishments and look forward to new and exciting adventures.
I have been a mentor in high schools for Future Business Leaders
of America (FBLA) and was twice awarded the FBLA Business Person
of the Year. I am co-founder of “Art with Heart: Kids Who Dance
So Others Can Walk” benefit concert for Shriner’s Hospital which
fundraised over $60,000 for the kids at Shriner's. I am in the
Dance America Dance Hall of Fame. When I retired, I didn’t
realize how much of my identity was wrapped into my business.
The first year of retirement has been extremely emotional and
difficult. I am exploring gifts and talents I have not had time
for, indulging in creative pursuits, playing with my grandkids,
volunteering and new opportunities. The next 50 years promise to
be an exciting new adventure, and I can’t wait!
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Dr. Kenneth
Curtis
South Carolina

What is your book, writing or book idea
about?
Travel tips for
North American motorcyclists, politics and corruption in
healthcare and/or “why do doctors still call it practice?” One
idea is about healthcare in America. Another is about
alternative medicine. And another is about travel and motorcycle
anecdotes. That later gets the most kudos from friends.
Tell us about your background:
Associate degree
from Penn State; B.S. with concentration in Biology from
University of New York; Doctor of Chiropractic from Life
University; private practice, expanded exponentially; now CEO of
multiple location multidiscipline offices. Chiropractic
neurology subspecialty. Husband and father of two when most
marriages fall apart. What makes me successful is imparting
happiness to others.
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Robin Glasser
New York

What is your book, writing or book idea
about?
Title is “My Life as a Concubine.” A savvy,
New York City woman falls in love with a Frenchman and move to
Paris as his concubine.
Tell us about your background:
B.A. in English/Journalism. My novel,
“Whopper’s Dreams,” led to a column, “The Red Hot Woman,” in
Penthouse letters. I created hundreds of puzzles for Dell
magazine and went on to become a professional copywriter and
editor.
I have a funny,
sometimes poignant story to tell that is not found in any French
guidebooks. I adore life and people.
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Posted by Lori Prokop
We have had many questions posted here at the Blog and sent through email. I will answer some of them here so that all visitors, contestants and voters will know the answer.
"Can I vote more than once or for more than one contestant?"
I am sorry but no. Only one vote per person please. If we receive multiple votes from the same email address or excessive votes from the same IP address they will not be counted. We want this to be fun and fair for all the contestants. The best way to get votes is to promote yourself to all your family, friends, co-workers and any other acquaintances you have. Then have them do the same for you. This is your first opportunity to market yourself which is very important to be successful.
"How will I know if I was selected as one of the weekly contestants?"
I will personally contact each applicant who is selected to have their video online for voting.
Another question concerned the length of the videos. We requested on the application that potential contestants send a video 10 minutes in length or shorter. We wanted the voters to really get to know who they were voting for. The videos are not edited in any way except personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers and home addresses were removed.
Posted by: Lori Prokop at April 1, 2006 2:43 PM
your book idea is too much like the last
episode of Sex and the city, where a
fashionable young woman falls in love with
a Paris man, and behold, moves there with
him as his concubine. Do you have
anything else to go with?
Posted by: susan at April 3, 2006 10:54 AM
Dear Lori,
I do want to be on the show, but for some reason getting on the show hasn't been the up most important thing to me. I have (strongly) felt like I am to encourage you and others.
No matter what happens, this is a great project idea and I think you will find many people who will be interested in such a show. People have always been drawn to me, with questions about the "writer's life" and about the writing process. I think a lot of people find writing interesting, certainly fiction writing with created characters.
I have a new novel I am working on right now. It feels like the sun is inside of me when I put pen to paper. My characters are just now becoming alive and are beginning to flex their young muscles. I love writing. I love the me that I am when I am with characters and when I am sharing stories with others.
I am really looking forward to your five applicants each week. I felt sorry for the woman who was first this week. It is hard to be first in such things. You have this set fairly though. We select one writer from five per week. In the end will you keep all those selections, or will you reduce the number even more? How many writers will be on the first show? Will any from this first batch be saved over for a second show?
I know you are busy. I am just wondering out loud. I am sure you'll answer such questions later on.
Keep up the exciting work Lori.
Posted by: Donna at April 3, 2006 6:21 PM
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