Clash of the Titles Interview

» Posted on Jan 8, 2011 in Blog | Comments Off on Clash of the Titles Interview

Clash of the Titles Interview
With Lisa Lickel, January, 2011

Links:
http://www.clashofthetitles.com/index.html
The ultimate literary challenge where writers battle and readers judge
Visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74153076966&ref=search#!/pages/Clash-of-the-Titles/120898744628239?ref=ts

Two-sentence bio: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author who writes fiction with a Midwestern flavor. She and her husband live in a hundred and fifty-year old Great Lakes ship captain’s house and have two grown sons. Find her at http://lisalickel.com and http://www.thebarndoor.net.

What is Clash of the Titles all about?

Clash of the Titles is the brainchild of author April W. Gardner, whom I’m fortunate to know through our association at the group blog Reflections in Hindsight. The story goes, she was exercising one day while watching some foodie show and, like all good authors, wondered what would happen if there was ever a contest like that between authors? Since most grand ideas come from “what if” April took her idea to the next level and sought out a team of authors to work out the kinks. She then set up a website, we brainstormed the foundation for a genre contest that would involve readers voting for the excerpt that intrigues them most, an interactive interview with the excerpt authors, then the contest results, and a giveaway. The website has received some great endorsements from industry professionals. Right now we’re in the midst of holiday season as we feature best Christmas scenes.

How can readers benefit from visiting Clash of the Titles?

This website offers readers a chance to test their favorite fiction genres before buying a book, as well as an introduction to something they might not have thought about reading before. Readers get to vote on the excerpt that tickles their fancy, as well as enter a drawing for a free book. Then they get to interact through interview and comment with the author. Did I say Free Book?

How can writers benefit from visiting Clash of the Titles?

Writers are the “producer” part of the equation, but like any business endeavor, we have to unite the product with the consumer. Writers must connect with readers; readers who are not necessarily our best writing friends or our family members. COTT is a safe place to showcase your work. While there are “winners” and “losers” being on COTT is more of an arena to share your book than a place where a defeat means no sales or recognition. It could, in fact work the opposite for you in more sales. And you’re always welcome to resubmit. The week’s “winner” will get the “I conquered COTT” button for your website and blog. Conquering COTT is not a popularity contest. Excerpts will be anonymous. You tell your fans that you’ll be on, but not when.
And have fun…did I say have fun? That’s important.

So, how does Clash of the Titles work?
On Monday, two anonymous excerpts from similar genres are posted on the site. Check out the schedule that’s already posted on the website. Best contemporary, historical, western, best romantic scene…etc. Readers are encouraged to vote on which excerpt held their attention the best, which one made them sigh, which made them laugh the most. It’s different every week! Voting closes early Wednesday when the authors are revealed and paired with their excerpts. Wednesday and Thursday are dedicated to getting to know the authors in a variety of fun ways. On Friday, the winning author is announced along with two voters who win a copy of the featured books in a random drawing.

Each week at COTT “belongs” to a different host. It is her responsibility to collect the submissions for her week, read them all, and decide which two will final. It’s rather enjoyable getting a taste so many talented authors’ work. The only hard part is having to choose. It’s tough work, but somebody’s gotta do it! She does so not knowing which author’s work she’s reading. Great care is taken during the submissions process to keep the excerpts anonymous. This protects both the author and the host from possible personal interest conflicts.

FAQ
*Where do I go again?
Visit our website: http://www.clashofthetitles.com/index.html
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74153076966&ref=search#!/pages/Clash-of-the-Titles/120898744628239?ref=ts

*Are there any fees?
No fees; the only cost is to an author for a book donation and mailing to the drawing winner.

*How do I know it’s not a gimmick?
Our ultimate goal at COTT is to glorify Christ in all we do. We pray you’ll find COTT the enjoyable place we endeavor for it to be. And some of the best of the industry professionals have endorsed Clash of the Titles.