It was my pleasure to announce the 2006 Literary Idol winners at the 2nd Annual Clive Cussler Convention this year. You would have thought I was announcing the Pulitzer Prize with all the flashbulbs, tension, and excitment that was in the air.

I announced Keller Hackbus's win for his short story Rendezvous - what Keller doesn't know is as soon as I get his home address - I have a personalized (congratulating him on his win) signed copy of Polar Shift by Paul Kemprecos who will be providing him with the feedback and critique.

I then announced Pete Ragan as the full-length winner for Promises, Promises and shocked him (and the entire room) by presenting a signed ARC of Treasure of Khan by both Clive and Dirk. I think Pete was offered a small fortune by many in the room for the book - but I guarantee that it will be something he holds onto for the rest of his life. Pete got to spend time with Dirk - who will be providing feedback on his manuscript - and I'm sure that was something he will "Treasure" as much as the book.

I'm sure we'll have some photo's posted soon and I will share more as well. My plane was delayed and I got in at 1AM and had to be at work by 6AM - so I am exhausted.

I will also share some stories about Paul and Dirk and how excited they were to participate - I cannot express how thankful the entire Literary Idol team is for that. And I acknowledged Jack for his help last year. I will also post under a separate thread about the Grandmaster Fiction Writers Roundtable at the convention which was a HUGE success.

Sounds like everything went well, Ace! Congrats on organizing/coordinating a productive contest and event!

A huge congratulations to OL Pete for winning!!!!! It's so much nicer when you know the winner!

Great Job Pete!!! th: w:

Congratulation Ol Pete!!!! w:

Ol' Pete?!? Well why didn't you say so? Congratulations Ol' Pete! th: :)