the odd bit of writing

Odd Books #3: Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop

/ Jo Danilo | Odd Bit of Writing / Leave a comment

If you are writing a book and want it to stand out amongst the stiff competition, you could do worse than give it a really bizarre title.

The Diagram Prize is an annual literary award which recognises and rewards unusual book titles. It started originally as a sideshow at the 1978 Frankfurt Book Fair, and is now a much-anticipated competition, decided by public vote. Occasionally there have been years when no winner has been announced, due to the entries not being ‘odd enough’!

Past winners include:

Strangers have the Best Candy by Margaret Meps Shulte (2015)

Managing a Dental Practise: The Genghis Khan Way by Michael Young (2010)

The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America by Julian Montague (2006)

Bombproof your Horse by Rick Pelicano (2004)

How to Avoid Huge Ships by John W. Trimmer (1992)

But my personal favourite has to be Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop by Reginald Bakeley (2013)

from the Amazon description:goblinproofing2

Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop is the only complete manual on how to identify, track, defend, and destroy those bothersome brownies, goblins, dwarves, scheming flower-fairies, and other nasty members of the fairy realm.

The Editor said of the triumphant win: “Reginald and I take this as a clear sign that people have had enough of goblins in their chicken coops. Our campaign against the fairy kingdom continues.”

A very deserving (and useful) winner! 🙂

#2 ‘I didn’t write today because…’

/ Jo Danilo | Odd Bit of Writing / 2 Comments

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… I had a scary visit from the Dark Lord and his mini-me!

He found out I wrote a book about him and wasn’t a happy bunny. Luckily my light sabre was on full charge and the force was with me 🙂

When you have limited spare time, the slightest thing can put you off your writing!

#1 ‘I didn’t write today because…’

/ Jo Danilo | Odd Bit of Writing / 2 Comments

chicken.jpg

… for some reason there was a little chicken in my house.

I don’t have chickens :-/

When you have limited spare time, the slightest thing can put you off your writing!

Odd Books #2: Are you Hungry Tonight?

/ Jo Danilo | Odd Bit of Writing / 3 Comments

areyouhungrytonightAt the risk of being disrespectful to ‘The King’…

If there was a guy who, according to his doctor, suffered from arthritis, gout, a fatty liver, an enlarged heart, migraines, constipation and a colon swollen to twice its normal size, would you seriously consider buying his recipe book? It might make me think twice.

Flicking through Elvis’s favourite recipes you can see why he might have had a health problem or two. There are a few questionable entries, like the Fried Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich, and Biscuits with something called Red Eye Gravy – essentially bacon dripping mixed with a cup of coffee.

But at least the Elvis fans are happy with the recipe book, judging by the reviews:
  • “If Elvis thought it was good that’s all I need to know.”
  • “I love having it and used it on the altar honoring Elvis last year for my Day of the Dead party.”
  • “I‘ve tried several recipes and they are great, just like the King!“

Are you hungry tonight? Errmmm… salad anyone?