Julie R. Neidlinger: Lone Prairie Blog

Blogathon 2006: Here's the final plan.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 1 comments link this post

I have my Blogathon idea planned out.

Out of 13 votes (as of this posting, and yes, 13 isn't exactly a huge pool to choose from), the choice seems to be Bob.

What's In Store for This Year
This year's Blogathon, then, will feature a new Bob story. I think I have a pretty fun one planned, although I don't actually plan the story until the moment I begin. I have picked a general theme, or direction, for this year's story so that I can build the little sets for Bob and company to "live" in as the story unfolds.

The process during the actual event is simple in theory. I set up a card table in my room, assemble floor lamps and flashlights for dramatic lighting purposes, collect the miniature props and sets I create, and then just start shooting the digital photos and letting what the photos end up looking like direct where the story goes. I also, during the desperate hours, love it when readers leave comments in posts as to what they think should happen next, or what they'd like to see introduced into the story. Last year, it was Christopher Walken and cowbell references. This year? Tune in and share! It should be a fun story and I'd love for your input.

All in all, I think you'll like what Bob's going to do this year. I hope.

Right now I have three sponsors, and I am really, really asking you to consider sponsoring me - it doesn't have to be a huge amount, but the charity is good. Sponsoring is simple: sign up to sponsor, and when the Blogathon is over and if I've successfully completed the event, donate via the internet. Plus, if you sponsor me, you'll get some stuff.

Sponsor Stuff
Like last year, all sponsors who are verified as sending money to the charity I have chosen get to choose from three of their favorite "stills" from the Bob story. I will print them on cardstock with a color laser printer, including the writing that accompanies the still as well as signing my name to the bottom, and send it out free of charge. This is optional, of course. If you wish to remain anonymous you aren't obligated to participate in this.

But this year there's something new. If I get at least six sponsors*, I'll enter the names into a drawing and the winner will get one of the sets I make for the story. These are usually 2D backdrop facades that I create to give the illusion of background. They aren't "high art" by any means - you'd probably be surprised what they look like in "real life" as compared to how they appear on camera - but it'd be yours.

So, please, sponsor me for a good cause and I'll make it worth your while with a guaranteed freebie plus the chance to win some more.

Seriously.

I think you'll get a kick out of this year's Bob story. I'm excited for it myself, and I'm in the dark as much as you as to how the story will go.

::The above photo is from chapter 17 of last year's Bob story. Just to whet your appetite and induce you to sponsor me.::

*There are now six sponsors, so this drawing for one of the sets will be held!