Ground Rules
How Deadline Works
Once Upon a Deadline transforms writing into a public event, transports readers into the writer‘s space and embeds the writers themselves into the fabric of the city. It‘s a truly collaborative effort, demonstrating that inspired prose stems from an inspiring world.
The traditional starting pistol is replaced with a starting poem, setting the tone for an electrifying day. Then it‘s up to the writers to bus, train and ferry around the city on public transport (or hail the occasional cab when the clock closes in) to nine undisclosed locations, which in the past have included animal shelters, train stations, swimming pools, Parliament - and 45-minute stints in a writer‘s cage. The sequence is different for each participant and all work is done in full public view.
The Editor’s Inbox
As twilight nears, the writers reconvene at a large table and shape the day‘s labour with their editors. Spectators become insiders to the collaborative writing process as they witness how stories are polished, tweaked and tightened. This is truly exciting because the literary stakes are genuine, with the Read Off only an hour away...
The Read Off
This is where the audience gets to witness - and subsidise - the potential of laptop literature. The door takings become the Peoples‘ Prize, with other cash winnings donated by various patrons and sponsors.
Typically, selected writers are invited through their publishers and agents, however the field is open to novice writers as well. For more details, please contact us.
The Starting Poem
Long is the distance And mighty the day, Word warriors we hath chosen And it’s time for their say. Proceed without distraction, Focus with stealth Deliver a compelling story For five thousand in wealth So open your hearts, Spark up with minds bright Reach out to your best story For it is time to type"right". Expand and reduce, Treat your words as a brew Once Upon A Deadline is with us And it knew about you. Author your journey, For eleven hours straight Use twelve hundred words wisely Shape your prose to be great Turn East and West Flee South and North Bus, ferry, taxi, Google! Apple Laptops-flow forth.