The Read More in March initiative, which began as the brainchild of ^lovetodeviate, asks deviants to focus on a new activity or area of emphasis for every week in March. We have a lot of momentum going from Crit Month, and there are some amazing things coming up in April and May, so we want to see that community participation continue.

In fact, conversations are already beginning! Get in on a poll and say your piece. It's time to talk about Literature.

What's your absolute favorite book or genre? by *twilight-apple
What was the last book you read and enjoyed? by `Beccalicious
What do you read for pleasure? by ^GeneratingHype
Who is your ideal reader? by ^lovetodeviate


However, we're not just concerned with discussion! Ohhh, no. You are charged with a very important task during this murderous month, should you choose to take it.


Week One: New Faces


During the first week of March, we strongly encourage all deviants to look for one new writer. This person doesn't have to be new to dA or new to writing, they simply have to be new to YOU. Browse through the galleries, look at your friends' lists, peruse collections and favorites, start paying attention to journal features and news articles--just do yourself a favor and treat yourself to someone new.

Once you've found a new face, let someone know about it! Feature him/her in your journal, write up an interview, one or two of his/her works and feature the writing somewhere, or even suggest a new DD. As long as you try to recognize this deviant in some way and encourage others to read his/her work, you'll be hitting the mark and helping others find a new face, too.

After you've featured this deviant, please send ^GeneratingHype a note entitled "FEATURE" with a link to the feature you created. Deviants who find one new face (and send a link) will be entered for a drawing to win a print, sub, or devWEAR. All entries must be received by 8 March to be considered for the drawing.

Ah, but that's not all! Maybe you can't find someone new just yet. That's okay. Did you happen to notice dA's new Collection option? We're looking for the best thematic Literature collection to include in a future feature, so if you've been caught up in the Collection Addiction sweeping dA, we'd love to see your ideas!

Please send ^GeneratingHype a note entitled "COL" with a link to your new collection. Deviants who create a new collection (and send the link in) will be entered for a drawing to win a print, sub, or devWEAR. All entries must be received by 8 March to be considered for the drawing.


Month-Long Contests

Well, what would a reading initiative be without a few contests? This month, the Literature Gallery is introducing three contests to encourage you to read better (and read more).

Best Book Review

Projects such as *ClassicCrit and ~PoetryLibrary have long been encouraging dA writers to turn to more "academic" or formal ventures, asking folks to read and review books, analyze poems, and really get down to the nitty-gritty of deep literary discussions. In a similar vein, we'd like to introduce the Book Review Contest. That's right: we're charging you with writing an insightful, entertaining book review.

Deviants may choose any published book (nonfiction, fiction, old, new, poetry collections--you name it) and review it. Sick of hearing that Ulysses is the greatest book of the previous century? Think J. K. Rowling is under-appreciated? Want to tell other people just how awful (or wonderful) that novel from class was? Well, here's your chance!

For those of you who might be having some difficulty getting started, feel free to read a review or two at The New York Times Book Review. Websites such as Booktribes are also a great place to gain some perspective.

Entries will be judged on their craft and style, as well as for the insight they provide. A mastery of persuasive techniques will also be commended. Book Reviews should be no longer than 1,500 words and need not be excessively formal.

Please send a note entitled "REVIEW" to ^GeneratingHype with a link to your entry. Book Reviews should be uploaded to Prose-->Nonfiction-->Reviews. All entries must be received by Sunday, 30 March, 2008. The book review should be a new deviation in your gallery.


"How to Read..."

In the interest of promoting better reading, we'd like to see how you can finish that phrase. Consider this a guide, of sorts, for how to approach certain texts. It can be serious or satirical, or even a little silly; it can be broad like How to Read Poetry or specific like How to Read Moby Dick (as long as it doesn't "call out" specific deviants, of course), or it could even make a statement like How to Read About Blood Tears. Regardless, it should be designed as a "How To" that is both entertaining and helpful, whether tongue-in-cheek or sincere.

In 600 words or less, act as a guide for a newcomer to a certain type of literature by addressing the issue of "How to Read...".

Please send a note entitled "HOW TO" to ^GeneratingHype with a link to your entry. All entries must be received by Sunday, 30 March, 2008.


Show Your Inspiration

People find inspiration in all sorts of places, but it's no secret that many writers are inspired by--other writers! Have you found yourself rushing to get the words out after reading an excellent story or teeming with new ideas after a certain turn of phrase? Do words--others' words--inspire you? If so, this is the contest for you! It's your chance to pay homage, or even rebel, against that author who never (or always) lets you down.

Compose a poem, no longer than 30 lines, that is directly inspired by (or shows inspiration from) a published poet, author, or work of literature. The level of inspiration is up to you. Please mention which work you are working from in your artist's comments in order to be considered for the contest. (If you can provide a link to the original work, that would be helpful, too!)

Please send a note entitled "POETRY" to ^GeneratingHype with a link to your entry. All entries must be received by Sunday, 30 March, 2008.

"Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in!" And because a poetry competition wouldn't be anything without him, please thank `PoeticWar for agreeing to help judge the "Inspiration" contest. Our former poetry GD and resident genius is a busy, busy man--but he just might have a moment or two to spend on you. Be sure to thank him for his efforts!



All deviants who suggest a poetry or prose DD during the month of March will be entered for a drawing to win devWEAR, prints, or subs.


For information and updates on these contests, please check this link. Keep an eye out for "Week Two" activities beginning 9 March!