We’re not really interested in reading Sarah Palin’s memoir (though after reading a recent article about her use of “facts,” we are inclined to classify her work as faux-moir). We do, however, like her title, Going Rogue–it sounds like it should be political thriller (another reason why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or title). The title does make us wonder about Sarah Palin’s grasp of the English language.

From Merriam-Webster

Rogue (n.):

1 : vagrant, tramp
2 : a dishonest or worthless person : scoundrel
3 : a mischievous person : scamp
4 : a horse inclined to shirk or misbehave
5 : an individual exhibiting a chance and usually inferior biological variation

Is Sarah Palin calling herself worthless or a misbehaving horse? Is this really how she wants to depict her political career?

We would like to remind all you writers out there that titles are important. Please, choose your titles carefully.

This has been a public service announcement from Terracotta Typewriter.

[Note: this contest has been extended. We are still accepting entries.]

Thanks to the folks at Other Press for donating a review copy of The Beijing of Possibilities by Jonathan Tel for our first contest. We have decided to tie this book giveaway in with our Get Over the Hump writing prompt.

Going with the title of the Jonathan Tel’s collection of short stories, we want you to write about the possibilities (or impossibilities) of China. Feel free to use a specific city. Remember, this is just a theme, you may stretch the (im)possible to however you see fit. We know there are a lot things that are (im)possible around China…like seeing a bear in a tutu riding a unicycle with a monkey on its back through the Forbidden City. Go ahead and use this theme in a story or poem–whatever form you feel fits your ideas.

Now for the contest specifics and mumbo-jumbo. Beginning today and ending at midnight EST on August 31, 2009, you may submit your story or poem. The best submission will win a copy of The Beijing of Possibilities and will be published in the next issue of Terracotta Typewriter. All other entries will be considered for publication. Only ONE entry/submission per person.

Send your submissions to tctype[at]gmail[dot]com. Use the subject line: [your name], Contest. And include a brief biography (in case we decide to publish it). Don’t forget to give your work a catchy title. All entries that do not follow the guidelines will be deleted.

The winning poem or story will be selected by Terracotta Typewriter. The decision of the publication is final. The winner and others chosen for publication will be notified via e-mail.

For those of you who don’t want to enter the contest or cannot wait to win a copy of the book, you can also order it online (there’s even a Kindle edition).