Attention readers and fans, here is your chance to make history in my novel in progress, Megami Pandora.
Megami Pandora is a science fiction novel centering around the life of protagonist Elise McNair, a law student from a small Florida town with a private college and law school.
Please read this whole post, including the rules at the bottom before entering.
Contest #1: Open to everyone**
What is your favorite local business or club (examples: restaurant, coffee shop, American Legion, Elks) and why? Also include what kind of business it is, if it is not obvious from the name. No “adult businesses” will be counted.
Contest #2: Open to Attorneys and Retired Attorneys**
What case has been either the most influential, important, or a turning point for you as an attorney and why? It does not have to be a case in which you were involved. Please include the area of law of the case and, if desired, the specific cause(s) of action. I am not expecting any details that would void attorney-client or other privilege. Case citation not required.
Contest #3: Open to current and former law students (so, yes, attorneys do count)**
What staff or faculty member was most influential to you in your law school career and why? You do not have to include the person’s name. You could just describe the person’s occupation. Example: “My intellectual property professor who encouraged me to pursue IP law.” Please include the name of your law school.
Contest #4: Open to current and former law school staff and faculty**
What events or persons have been important to you as a staff or faculty member at your law school and why? Please include the name of your law school and your position(s) there.
What is the prize?
If your entry is selected, a character in Megami Pandora will be given your first name.
Examples:
Contest #1 – There is a local coffee shop owned by a female owner, _ Smith. There is a local restaurant owned by a male owner, __ Cartwright. If someone named Joan wins Contest #1, the name of the owner will become Joan Smith.
Contest #2 – An important case will feature an attorney who share first names with the winner.
Contest #3 – A law student classmate of Elise will share his or her first name with the winner.
Contest #4 – A staff or faculty member of the law school or a staff member of the community law library will share your first name. At your request, they might share a similar position you have or have had at the law school.
Rules:
** You must be at least 18 for any contest^.
All entries must include your first and last name, though this may be anonymous from the public. For contests 3 and 4, they must include the name of your law school, and your position(s) for contest 4. If you do not wish your first name to be used, just mention that in your entry.
This character will only have 2 things in common with you: your first name and a favorite (local business or law school class) or important thing (case type, kind of professor or librarian, etc.). This character will NOT be you. It is a fictional character. Characters have been established for Megami Pandora, and this contest just alters the two things in common. You do not have any rights or claims, legal or otherwise to these character or other elements. You do, however, have bragging rights. You may request that your full name (first and last) or abbreviations or initials be posted as a winner. At minimum, I will post initials.
I reserve the right to refuse entry of a name or alias that is offense, nonsense (for example, contains numbers), or shares a name with pre-established major character in Megami Pandora or other writing projects, as well as refusal for other good cause. I could substitute another name of the winner’s choosing if the name is shared with a pre-established character. In addition, this may only be for the first draft. Upon editing and/or publication, the publishers, etc., may not wish to include this contest.
I have, unfortunately received some harassing emails, etc., from some people – you know who you are – so if any of you enter, your entry will be disqualified. If you have enabled these people, your entry will be disqualified.
By entering this contest, you warrant that you abide by the rules of this contest, the name included is your actual name, that you are an adult in the jurisdiction you live, and that you, whether using your real name or an alias, are not one of those people giving me unwanted attention. If this last part of the requirement applies to you, you either know it or are in denial.
Entry Dates:
You may enter from today (December 6, 2012 to February 8, 2013). The entry period may be lengthened. I will post an update if it is.
How to Enter:
You may enter once per contest you qualify for.
You may email me (eugenam AT gmail DOT com). Please have as your subject: “Megami Pandora Contest Entry.”
How will the Winner be Chosen?:
For each contest with 9 entries and under, I will choose the winner. I will post the winning entry by February 15, 2013.
For each contest with 10 or more entries, I will put up a poll for readers to vote. Voting will begin by February 15, 2013 or sooner and end on February 28, 2013. Winners will be announced by March 8, 2013.
This may change if the contest is open beyond February 8, 2013.