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News Mon Jan 12 2009
The (Not So) Write Stuff
I was just waiting for this to happen...the art of writing has finally been reduced to a reality television series. The Write Stuff will air on the CW Network in June and will feature writers competing for a one-book deal by Hollygrove Publishing, a marketing plan designed by a New York Times bestselling author and a two-year contract with a publicity team. Theoretically, this will give them everything they need to have a successful writing career. That's a nice prize and I'm not necessarily opposed to the reality-competition-TV-genre in general - it certainly worked for Project Runway and Top Chef isn't bad at all - but somehow it feels incredibly insulting to reduce the writing process, which can take years and years and not just a half-hour quick-round challenge, to this sort of treatment. What's next - the Next Top Post-Modern Painter? The Next Top Architect? The Next Top Yoga Instructor? (Okay, I could see the last one actually happening.)
Anyway, if this doesn't sound ridiculous to you and you think you have what it takes to have your writing judged by a group of people on TV every week, then get your stuff together and audition on January 24 at the Comfort Inn in Aurora (4005 Gabrielle Lane, 60504). Local authors Tony Lindsay, Steve Mayfield, Jane Jordan, Michelle Larks and Donna Deloney will join other authors on the panel of judges. Maybe we'll see you on the CW in June. Not that I'll be watching.
C. A. Webb / February 6, 2009 9:55 PM
Veronica, my name is Cyrus A. Webb, host of the upcoming literary reality show The Write Stuff. First of all I wanted to say thank you for bringing attention to the work those involved in the show are doing to encourage those who will find the show beneficial as well as educational.
I can understand your position on reality shows, which is why The Write Stuff is something that is needed. It will be different from some of the other shows that have made it on tv. It will give an inside look into an industry that is somewhat misunderstood, and will bring a positive image to television that some reality shows have neglected.
Again, thanks for everthing you are doing to encourage readers. I hope we are able to celebrate the show's success together in the future.