Okay, let’s all start by agreeing: taking a bribe to do something dishonest is bad. Period. We’re not even going to discuss it further. However, offering a bribe to get someone to do something you want/need/really know in the long run is good for them is a lot more like telling your best friend/significant other/yourself, “nope, your butt definitely doesn’t look fat in those pants.” Just like that little white lie, some bribes are truly a win-win. You want it, they want it, they just don’t know they want it yet. It’s in their best interest; right?
For example, here you are, reading a blog that you probably didn’t even know existed until, like 30 seconds ago. Why are you here? Because you were enticed by the notion that you could possibly win a little slice of caffeinated Starbucks heaven (which you can – more on that, below). In the meantime, I want/need/really know it is in your best interest to read along with me.
Writing fiction is a lot like a legally approved form of bribery. As an author, I create characters then place them in situations that twist, tangle and thoroughly tease them – all for your amusement and approval. There is a pay-off for both of us, you see. It works like this: I endeavor to write the best piece that I can, then I turn it over to you, the reader. I bribe you with an entertaining story that keeps you engaged until you hit those two final words, “the end.” You have taken a short journey with me that I hope you have found worthy, and I have – for the moment, anyway – quieted the beast inside me that wants/needs/really knows it is in my best interest to write. Win-win.
Oh yeah, here’s the real bribe you came for: FOLLOW THIS BLOG and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks gift card. All followers – with the exception of contributors – will receive one chance at winning. Contest will remain open until midnight (EST), Friday, May 28, 2010, at which time Bijoux will randomly pick the winner. Good luck to all!
Didn't JK Rowling pen much of her Harry Potter series in a coffee house? Something about caffeine and alone-time just breeds creativity. You know, Beth, you could be offering someone the chance of a lifetime here with your Starbucks bribe. Get them to peruse the blog, leave a comment, and then gift them with the opportunity to take themselves out for coffee where, just possibly, grand ideas might take hold and they could find themselves hopping that train for their own fiction writer's journey! And they would owe it all to you and your little white bribe.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the chance. Caffeine has done my writing well so far :)
ReplyDeletesubscribe via google friend connect! thanks for the contest, loving the blog!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I believe you are absoultey correct about Ms. Rowling, and she's done pretty well for herself - ha!! That we should all do so well... As a writer, it seems some portion of my blood is actually comprised of caffeine, and a smidge of that is attributable to Starbucks! I have found that bribing myself often works just as well as bribing others :)
ReplyDeleteDG, glad to see you are a member of the "caffeine club" (just like myself!) So I lift my cup (of Joe) to you!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, WELCOME!!! Thanks for the positive feedback. We are going to be featuring different articles every day of the week penned by the various authors as contributors. You will get all sorts of perspectives, from writers of all different genres. Some of us are published, and some of us are on the way, so come along on our journey!!
ReplyDeleteFollowing your blog. (ccboobooy/charity) Starbucks & Reading...what a great combination.
ReplyDeleteThanks
charisscharity at yahoo dot com
Charity, welcome on board! Around about midnight tonight, Bijoux will select the winner. But regardless of whomever is picked, I sincerely hope you will enjoy the time you spend here. We've got lots of really neat things planned, so visit often :)
ReplyDelete