Added 4/26/13: The response to this blog hop has been, well, extremely under-whelming. I’m reposting in hopes that you’ve been taking this time to write and edit. Why a Blog Hop? Because it helps us all find new readers, to share our writing, to discover new writers. Join in and have fun! I hope to hear from you all soon!
Original Post:
In anticipation of the release of my new book, Unforgettable Roads, coming soon from Martin Sisters Publishing, I’m hosting a photo/essay contest & Blog Hop. This is not to be confused with an essay told through photographs, but one photograph paired with one essay.
The theme? You guessed it. ROADS.
Pretty roads, sunlit roads, dirt roads, city streets, cozy neighborhood roads, lanes, boulevards…anything goes. The essay can take any format: poetry, fictional, memoir, steam-punk or urban fiction…whatever your heart desires, where ever the picture takes you. (Keep it decent though, folks. No erotica or extreme violence.)
Email me two things: 1) a picture of a road (one you took with your camera – let’s not infringe on copyright laws here…or anywhere!), and 2) the link to your blog/website with your essay. The winning entry will recieve a copy of Unforgettable Roads and Gateways. My email: JessicaSchaubWrites@gmail dot com
Photo and essays will be judged by bloggers – so this is where you come in. I will post all the entries. Followers (mine and yours) can vote for their favorite. All entries should be to me by May 1st, 2013. The Contest will match the release date of Unforgettable Roads – that date will be announced soon.
Why this is a good idea:
– As you tour the roads, taking in the breathtaking scenery and reading about the journey of others, you’ll discover new writers, new ideas, and new connections.
– Any networking Indie Authors can do to help each other is valuable.
– Traffic to your blog will increase.
– Free books. What’s to lose?
There is no obligation to purchase anything. Of course, I hope you do 
I will include a link to preview and/or purchase Unforgettable Roads in paperback, Kindle, Nook, or any eReader.
FAQ’s:
What’s in it for me?
If you are a writer, public speaker, photographer or anyone looking to build a platform (a base of readers and followers), this is a great event to help you with that. In terms of writing, the publishing world is transforming from one dominated by a few big publishing houses to a beehive of Independent and Small Publishing houses. The need to ‘get your name out there’ falls on your shoulders. Participating in Blog Hops is an effective (and fun!) way to do that. I will share this will all my followers and on all my social networking plugs. You and every other participant can – and should – do the same. Your writing will reach hundreds of new readers. If they like what the read, they might follow your blog.
Is there an age limit for participants?
Nope. I only ask that the person who takes the picture also writes the essay. It is necessary that all entrants have a blog or a website on which to post their essay and photo. That page will be the link you send to me to connect to the Blog Hop.
What is a Blog Hop?
A Blog Hop is just like it sounds – readers can ‘hop’ from blog to blog, reading posts related to a similar topic. It’s a great tools to share book releases, discuss current events, or compare writing styles and voices.
You said no extreme violence. What if the road I’ve been on recenlty was overseas in the war?
By all means, share your story! Our veterans are a great treasure to this country. I look forward to reading your essay and seeing where you’ve been. Just keep in mind that I have many young followers/readers of this blog.
Is there a word count limit?
The recommended amount for a blog post is between 300 – 700 words. Nothing too long or too short. Going along with the statement, “A picture is worth a 1,000 words” let’s keep it under 1,000. If you want to really crank this up to improve your writing, after you finish your first draft, try to trim the word count by half.
Why would I do that?
Every word in excellent writing packs a punch. Knock your readers out with a highly concentrated essay.
What is Unforgettable Roads about?
