I saw this painting with a group of other Russian paintings pictured in a magazine. The painter was Konstantin Somov. The paintings were to be auctioned at Sotheby's, London. Something about the woman's face and manner intrigued me so much I knew I had to write a book with her as the heroine. I have written the first scene and given her a name.
To make the summer time interesting I am having a contest and anyone can enter. No entry fees. This is an opportunity to try your hand at writing an opening paragraph of a book featuring the Lady in the Blue Dress. Who is she? Is she interesting to you?
Here's what you have to do. Write an opening paragraph - 250 words - a few more if you require them to finish the scene properly. The opening paragraph has to hook the reader into turning the page and the next page.
Don't be shy. I am the only one who will read the entries. So everyone will be treated fairly, I won't be judging your entries for their brilliance. I will have a lucky draw and the winner will receive a copy of my historical romance, A Very Difficult Man. Send your entries to me at:
anita.birt@gmail.com I will acknowledge them. My promise to you - your name and e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else. I'll keep this contest going for three weeks. To-day is July 18. Lots of time to write your scene. Have fun.
Anita
8 comments:
Oh boy! I love a contest. You are right the lady in the portrait is intriguing.
There's an art show on in London right now of paintings by Wilhelm Hammershoi, a Flemish painter from around the same time as Vermeer. This painting reminds me of that, so I must look up Somov!
I love how the internet can let people share such interesting things!
Thanks for your comment, Allison. I await your entry.
Thanks, Meggie. I was thrilled to receive your entry. It is #1 entry so far. I hope for lots more. The contest will go on for three weeks.
Anita, I can't wait to read the story she inspired. I'll soon be heading to RWA's national conference, which means no time to write a submission, but I look forward to reading the winner!
Oops! I just re-read your post and saw that you will be the only person who reads the entry, so I guess you won't be posting the winner.
Lee, what I've decided to do is gather up the entries (only one so far) and post them without the author's name. I'm curious about how our creative minds work and how different the story involves. Please enter when you come home.
Great idea for a blog. You really are creative, Anita.
Sarah Richmond
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