Book Writing- A spectator sport!

I will admit that I did not find this on my own. A friend who knows my obsession with reading as well as my active pursuit of enlightening others to read and write sent me this link.

Peru makes book writing a spectator sport

After reading this article I was ecstatic. I have been recently researching an editorial I wanted to write about the lack of literacy campaigns for adults in the US. It seems to me that children are constantly told to read and there are all these programs to cater to this including special bargains and clubs at local libraries, school libraries and bookstores. But what about adults? There is a rapid decline in adults reading after high school. It seems to me there is no one advocating about the advantages of reading such as increased brain activity, advancing critical thinking and decision making skills, as well as generally relaxing and relieving stress. But most of all, reading can be incredibly fun and there are so many amazing novels out there and to ignore that only enables ignorance.

So here is a unique way to get people more excited. In Peru it seems they are now having active competitions for writers. They are given designated words and a certain amount of time, and must come up with a short story. The most interesting part is there desire to play off the popularity of lucha libre, the Mexican wrestling sport, by having the writers wear masks as well (and it is called lucha libro).

For the winner, you advance to compete in the next week. And at the end, they are given a book contract.

So this new sport has a number of cool side affects: It promotes interest in reading and writing. It allows writers to use their skills as well as work on their craft and it even helps create a great opportunity for the writers to get their words heard.

I don't know about others, but this would definitely be a spectator sport I would follow :)