Author of "Strangers Rest" draws lots of comments but abysmal ratings in Gather.com's "First Chapters" writing contest
January 20, 2007 (Press Release) --
"Strangers Rest," a novel by Texas writer Mark Leach, has plummeted to the bottom of the ratings in "First Chapters," an American Idol-style writing contest launched by Gather.com.
"If 'First Chapters' is truly an American Idol for writers, then I am the William Hung of the contest," Leach said. "My entry ranks No. 15 for 'most discussed' and No. 22 for 'most ratings.' But with an abysmal rating of 3.5, it is also one of the most reviled first chapters on the board."
"First Chapters" made national headlines in mid January as a promised showcase for unpublished novelists to present their work for judging by the public. Hundreds of entries were posted during the first days of the contest, which offers a grand prize of $5,000 and a publishing contract with Simon & Schuster.
Media observers instantly declared the voting-based contest an "American Idol for writers," prompting Leach to make the self-deprecating reference to William Hung, the American Idol contestant who became infamous for his exuberant lack of talent. In its Jan. 22, 2007, issue, Newsweek wrote that “overnight, Hung was catapulted to fame because of his own cluelessness, eventually landing a record deal and tour for ‘fans’ to mock him.”
"Perhaps it is my destiny to do for fiction what Mr. Hung did for the Ricky Martin song 'She Bangs,'" Leach said.
"Strangers Rest: Notes for a B-movie about the End of the World" is an unpublished novel by Mark Leach, a public relations professional and former journalist. He lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
For more information, contact Mark Leach at info@strangersrest.com.
"If 'First Chapters' is truly an American Idol for writers, then I am the William Hung of the contest," Leach said. "My entry ranks No. 15 for 'most discussed' and No. 22 for 'most ratings.' But with an abysmal rating of 3.5, it is also one of the most reviled first chapters on the board."
"First Chapters" made national headlines in mid January as a promised showcase for unpublished novelists to present their work for judging by the public. Hundreds of entries were posted during the first days of the contest, which offers a grand prize of $5,000 and a publishing contract with Simon & Schuster.
Media observers instantly declared the voting-based contest an "American Idol for writers," prompting Leach to make the self-deprecating reference to William Hung, the American Idol contestant who became infamous for his exuberant lack of talent. In its Jan. 22, 2007, issue, Newsweek wrote that “overnight, Hung was catapulted to fame because of his own cluelessness, eventually landing a record deal and tour for ‘fans’ to mock him.”
"Perhaps it is my destiny to do for fiction what Mr. Hung did for the Ricky Martin song 'She Bangs,'" Leach said.
"Strangers Rest: Notes for a B-movie about the End of the World" is an unpublished novel by Mark Leach, a public relations professional and former journalist. He lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
For more information, contact Mark Leach at info@strangersrest.com.
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