Let the Voting Begin...

We're off and running: HarperTeen's first ever FanLit contest. We've had a fantastic first day, with votes and comments galore. So far, it looks like Paranormal is poised to win, but it's only the first day so, really, all of the premises are still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top—oh, wait, that's different. But you know what I mean: the winner isn't the winner until the last vote is counted. So if you're like Tigerlily707 and are crossing your fingers for Romance, or like Beed311 and are hoping for Chick-Lit, don't give up! There are still hours upon hours of voting time.

Meanwhile, if you're like Chelsea (aka, Cabot~Dessen~Fan247), who wrote that she can't wait to find out how the story turns out, I can't help but remind you (and her) that you have control over how the story turns out! Whether you want to try to write it yourself or hang out on the sidelines and vote vote vote, this story really is in your hands.

And for those of you who've noted the Heroes similarity in the paranormal plot,

1) It's not exactly the same. Heroes' hot blond woman's mirror image may or may not be a deadly killer, ours. . . not so much. (Unless of course you turn her into one. Because you have that power! The story is in your hands!)

2) It just goes to show that sometimes you think your idea is totally original and then it's totally not. BUT it's all in the execution, people. Two stories might start from a similar place but can end up pretty different. Like, to use an example from television, Studio 60 and 30 Rock. Both shows take place behind the scenes of a show not unlike Saturday Night Live. Both are on NBC. Both even have a number in the title! But the shows themselves are different because they sprang from the minds of two unique people. So remember (say it with me): The story is in your hands. You want it to be different? You can make that happen.

3) Given how far ahead it is in the polls, it seems most people already know that the story is in their hands and they can make of it what they want. (Yay!) So there's that.

4) Story. Your. Hands.

So keep checking back. The winning premise will be revealed on October 27. And then the fun really begins.

Farrin Jacobs, HarperTeen Editor & FanLit Moderator