Harry Potter/ J K Rowling Writing Competition

[Sundae]

In case you haven't seen it:
From here (Amazon)

Calling all Harry Potter fans!
Want to get your hands on J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard? Amazon.com wants to send you and a friend to London to spend a weekend with the rare and delightful book of fairy tales handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling herself (security guards included, of course). Open to Muggles ages 13 and older in 24 countries, the Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest challenges you to creatively answer one of the following three questions in 100 words or less:

• What songs do wizards use to celebrate birthdays?
• What sports do wizards play besides Quidditch?
• What have you learned from the Harry Potter series that you use in everyday life?

English-language submissions will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. PDT April 22, 2008. An Amazon.com committee will select 10 semi-finalist submissions (based on creativity and writing style) from each of two age categories: 13-17 and 18-and-over. Amazon.com customers will determine the two finalists and Grand Prize winner by voting for their favorites. The Grand Prize includes transport to London, two nights lodging at a London hotel, as well as an expense allowance. Plus, each of the finalists from the two age groups will receive an Amazon Gift Certificate in the amount of $1,000.

Key contest dates:

• April 9-April 22, 2008: Call for submissions.

• May 5-May 11, 2008: Semi-finalists are revealed and customers vote for their favorites.

• May 13-May 19, 2008: Finalists in each age group are revealed, and customers vote for the Grand Prize winner.

• May 22, 2008: The Grand Prize winner is announced.

For more information, view our Frequently Asked Questions, or read the official rules.

[Cloud]

for kids, though, right?

[Sundae]

I only know what is shown on the website, but this gave me hope:

English-language submissions will be accepted ... from each of two age categories: 13-17 and 18-and-over.

As 18 is effectively adult in most countries, I assume this means it is open to any age in the upper category.

[Cicero]

A very good time to write yourselves in folks! This is your opportunity!! Cloud totally needs to write herself in...You could be a teacher there cloud, think about it! (teacher that also happens to be sports related)

Oh yea...

I'm not a muggle so I can't join. Plbbt.

[Flint]

• What songs do wizards use to celebrate birthdays?

Shake: Well kiss that snooze-fest goodbye, because I wrote a new one, and from now on whenever someone blows out candles or unties a ribbon, THIS is what their waitresses will be singing (turns on tape machine):

Deep within the wall of time a creature thus be born.
See the mighty united with the egg of tyranny.
Check this force within the womb of life for three-quarter and nigh a year,
The creature thus be born. The creature thus be formed.

(guitar solo)

Shake: This is Zakk Wylde.

Meatwad: This is Ozzy’s old guy?

Shake: The man knows his way around five strings.

Frylock: You’re telling me that THIS is the new birthday song?

Shake: Gee willikers, it must be Obvious Day at Camp Stupid. What it’s called is “Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary.” It came to Geddy and I in a dream.

Frylock: Geddy?

(song continues in the background:
And every year raineth down the celebratory tears.
A celebration of the years from the immortal sky.)

Shake: Geddy Lee, lead singer of Rush.