Do I Have a Golden Ticket?

I'm glad to say that for once I have news on the writing front.  Recently I got an opportunity that has really sent a spark into my creativity and has rekindled my ambition to become a novelist.  The Jim Henson company is having a contest to find the next author of a book that will expand the universe of the Dark Crystal and become canon for, hopefully, a series.   

Let me start out by saying that I've always either wanted to work for Jim Henson or Walt Disney.  Even though both brilliant, creative minds are gone from this world their legacy lives on through their companies, and deep down I've never really given up on my dream.  When I heard about this contest I felt like it was perfect for me.  

Even though I'm sure that it also seems perfect for several other people, I can't help but feel hopeful about it.  It made me think about the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Grandpa Joe saying in response to Charlie's chances, "You've got more, Charlie, because you want it more."  Even though I know that isn't the case for reality, it feels really nice to dream like I'm a child again, that I might actually have a chance to do something that is really just right for me.  Do I have a golden ticket?  I guess we'll wait and see.  Nothing is written yet...

On a more realistic note, this contest has made me realize something--I really like writing young adult fantasy.  The settings in "The Dark Crystal" source material in some ways are similar to the settings I've created for d"Blood Rain," in the way the varying races are living within sweeping deserts or traversing vast oceans.  I love fantastic settings and writing about young characters coming of age and learning about themselves in heroic adventures.  I think young adult fantasy might be my calling.  Hearing about this contest made me want to finish "Blood God," the last book in my series, just so that I could explore my universe further through other spin off books and other characters.

Long story short, I'm entering the contest.  If I could even just become one of the top five authors to be considered, it might be enough to launch my writing career.  Either way, it'll be a good challenge for me and will give me a project to work on for the next few months.  I love the thought of writing canon for "The Dark Crystal."  It was one of the movies I grew up watching and the settings they've added and the different types of Gelflings are wonderful.  It will be a very fun world to play in.  I intend to write a full length novel and send them the best set of chapters from it.  I have until December, so please be praying for me.  

Ring...ring..."Hello, Destiny?  I've been expecting your call."