So the deadline for our first annual Audio Competition is drawing near, and, to be perfectly honest, we still need more submissions. As with all beginnings, this one is tenuous, touch-and-go, and we need your support to make it a success. All of us here at TMR think this competition has tremendous potential, and, for that reason, many of us have been working hard (with limited resources) to spread the word in any way possible.
So here’s the word once more (and rather like a blunt implement): SEND US YOUR WORK ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15th!
If you’re new to digital recording, don’t let that dissuade you from entering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. It’s surprisingly easy to do, so take a look.
Here are the competition guidelines, including specifics about each of the four categories: Voice-Only Literature, 10-Minute Play, Narrative Essay, and Documentary.
The prizes are generous, and, statistically speaking, you have a better chance of winning this year than any other. Aside from the prize money, winning entries will be featured on TMR’s website, as Podcasts, and made available to subscribers of the print version of the magazine. This is some serious exposure - and well worth the price of admission.
To my eyes, the audio competition is at this early stage similar to Baudelaire’s Albatross: “he cannot walk because of his great wings.” I would say that these “great wings” are the contest’s vast potential - a potential which, because it is tied to a new technology, is also a temporary impediment to flight. But this bird is meant to fly - that much I believe. We need your help to get it off the ground.
So send us your best work. The possibilities at this junction of voice and text are limitless and yours to be explored.
7 responses so far ↓
1
davidwberner
// Sep 3, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I will soon be sending in a couple of audio submissions, and hope that this “bird” - as you have suggested - does fly, and fly well. I am a firm believer in this competition, and audio narrative in general. I believe there is a vast empty space waiting to be filled with very talented writers and producers.
If you are new to this, may I suggest at least giving it a shot. Listen to material on public radio to get a sense of the pacing and delivery. It will help. Bring your good words off the page and into the air, and let the bird fly.
2
davidwberner
// Sep 3, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I plan to submit two audio pieces, and I suggest even if you have never done this kind of thing before, try it anyway.
I am a believer in this competition, and want to see more words come off the page and into the air. The medium of audio can be so powerful, and the spoken word, so impactful.
Don’t lose this opportunity to give this medium a shot - it will improve your writing, and develop new talents.
Let the “bird” FLY!
3
Tim Hayes
// Sep 4, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Thanks for your support, David. We look forward to hearing what you’ve put together.
I think you make a good point regarding the nature of the challenges that this competition presents. Instead of thinking of the new medium as an obstacle to be overcome, one could more constructively understand it as an “opportunity” to “develop new talents” and explore new possibilities.
This is how I see it, at least. I hope others feel the same way.
4
mrkrgnao
// Sep 5, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Whoa! Cool idea for a contest, and I totally support the idea of audio work, but a $24 entry fee for a $500 prize? That seems really high. I’m sure that you probably won’t get the volume of submissions that you do in the other genres, but still, especially since it doesn’t come with a subscription or publication in the magazine proper or anything, I hope the contest generates enough interest to make it worth your while!
5
Patrick Lane
// Sep 5, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Well, do consider that you get a one-year subscription to the magazine with your entry-fee (which by itself has a $24 value).
–Patrick
6
mrkrgnao
// Sep 5, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Ah–missed that. Well, that seems more equitable then.
7
JR Jordan
// Oct 19, 2007 at 3:58 pm
This has been an exciting and extremely challenging endeavor for me — moving from the printed word to voice. I am anxious to see if this goes anywhere … professionally as well as in the depths of my spirit.
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