Life's Eclipses

A month ago I let loose an unofficial Vocal Challenge. It combined several (to me) cool things:

• Matthew McConaughey
• storytelling
• eclipse
• writing

You can read about it here:

Now, I had all the intentions in the world to announce the winner (Prize= acclaim and inclusion in a wrap up piece. spoiler alert: this is the wrap up piece. please heap your praises on the entrants)

Life got very life-y, and recently I've been keeping the plates around me spinning, dipping in to read when I can, dashing off a poem when possible, and sleeping all-to-few hours.

TLDR: I didn't write the wrap up and I am sorry.

Entries in the Unofficial Vocal 60 Second Writing Challenge

^ Rene Peters and Mariann Carroll cowrote the first entry^

^Mike Singleton's entry was entered next.^

^ I am sorry to say that our next entry came from a writer that departed Vocal. ^

^Lamar Wiggins submitted the next entry^

^Leslie Writes submitted their entry next.^

^Paul Stewart's entry arrived on Vocal next.^

kp sent in their entry after the (figurative) buzzer, so is not in the running for the Challenge .... but man, ya gotta read this one and I said it would be included in the round-up. You ARE following kp, aren't you?

Jud(e)ging [ this is a made up word, which I created with a hurried typo, and I've decided it means 'Judging by Judey' You are welcome. ]

Here's a reminder of the deets of the unofficial challenge. I am including them because that's what real, official, challenges usually do. Also because I suspect I will need the assist re: wordcount in order to publish this:

• Write an elevator pitch that could be spoken aloud within 60 seconds. (1-25 points)
• Use the structure (note: described in the original post jk) above to do so. (1-25 points)
• The product is something associated with the upcoming Solar eclipse. It can be something that already exists or something you make up. You do you. (1-40 points)
• Link to this prompt somewhere in your post, and add it as a comment to this post. (5 points for each). If it isn't linked here I won't for sure know you've done it.
• It can be posted wherever you like, based on Vocal's standards of wordcount within the various Communities.
• All entries to be completed by (ummm- checks calendar...) midnight your time on April 8, 2024.
• If you record yourself and include it in your post you will delight me to no end... and I'll give the entry 20 additional points automatically to reflect the going above and beyond.

Judege's Results:

Challenge Winner: Leslie Writes

This entry included not only a recording of the pitch, but a self-made video with an 'after the credits' cameo. I laughed out loud and here's the video (although you should also go back and read the content)

^Leslie Writes' video^

There was only one first place, but Lamar's entry needs to called out for the attention to detail (even includes disclaimers, entry-specific images, custom-font, and a Trademark) makes me want to hire Lamar for an advertising campaign asap!

Although kp's entry was 'unofficial', I want to say that it reminded me of a new-to-me phenomenon of renting people just to exist within your space. There's a brand new book:

and this video:

and this website:

(Note: I strongly advise AGAINST you using a work computer to search for information about 'rent a person legal?' This could lead to uncomfortable conversations, unexpected unpaid time at home, and written documentation regarding your 'attention to detail', 'work/life balance' and 'this isn't why you get a pay check'. But; you do you.)

My sincere Thank You! to those that entered this. Your stories are all wildly original and could totally make at LEAST as much money for you as I receive writing on Vocal.

Comment on this story, as well as lauding the entries, are all very appreciated.

(Now: back to keeping those plates spinning......)