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In our attempt to bring something new to the conference for the attendees, last year (2007) we offered what we called "The 2 Minute Slush" and it was very well received and requested that it be offered again this year. So, what is a 2 minute slush? Well, it is not some icy treat.

When you, the writer, submit your work to the editor, it normally ends up landing unceremoniously on the SLUSH pile! Yes, that horrendous towering mish-mash of offerings by other writers wanting to be published. There you are, just another collage of papers in an ever-growing pile of submissions.

How do you get out of there? The editor reaches over, grabs one, slips it in front of him or her, scans the query letter, cover page and then starts to read. Within those first few minutes you need to make an impression on the editor; there is no second chance or "Oh, I can correct that" moments. The product must stand on its own merits.

Hence the name "2 Minute Slush" for this session. If you can grab the editor's attention and get him or her to read beyond the first two minutes, you have a chance.

So what does this entail? Submit the opening segment of a novel, short story, article, or whatever. No poetry since that is very subjective.

Guidelines:

• Submission to be read not to exceed more than two pages, double-spaced.
• Courier or Times Roman type, 12 pt -- NO funky fonts, please!
• One (1) inch margins all around.
• Include a cover page with the title, your name and the following text "Two-Minute Slush Submission" to assure proper distribution.
• Include a one (1) paragraph synopsis -- double spaced, not to exceed one (1) page.
• On the two page submission, place only the title -- DO NOT put your name on those pages. This is to keep things totally anonymous for the reader and judge.
• Can be submitted with registration or under separate cover AFTER registering.
• Must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2009 to assure delivery.
• The cost is free. Only one submission per attendee, please.
• Limited to the FIRST 40 submissions.

Each session will consist of approximately 9-10 attendees and an "editor" moderator. The submission will be read aloud, not to exceed two minutes. Then the moderator will offer what s/he thinks of the submission, much like an editor would, in other words, would they continue reading or toss. Other attendees of the session may voice their opinions and suggestions. Total time for each "slush" item will be no more than five (5) minutes.

You will be notified of which session you are in and it will be your responsibility to attend. Attempts will be made to avoid conflicts with workshops or critiques but if you sign up for two workshops, if offered, there just won't be a work-around and we'd suggest you seat yourself close to the door for a very quiet exit.

These sessions might be considered harsh. In the long run, it could make your opening a tad bit better when you re-write it before submitting. This gives you an idea of what will happen when your submission is read from the slush pile.

Bottom line is: No one will know who wrote what, unless you tell. Please do not consider this as a bypass option to having your document professionally read. The one on one session will be far more revealing.

Remember, this is available only to the first 40 requests. Those that don't make the first pass will be put on a waiting list to see if anyone cancels at the last minute.

Mail entries to:
NWOWC
5834 Monroe Street, Suite A
PMB 130
Sylvania, OH 43560