How Mad-Libs Save Sanity

Recently, I've come to the crazy realization that as September rolls around, it'll have be three and a half years since I decided to become an English major and devote my time to make writing less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. We'll ignore the fact that I haven't completed another novel since my first God-awful one because of the mass of shiny new ideas surging my brain.

Still, I can't help but reflect on how far I've come. Of course, there have been the occasional writing hiatus here and there, but there isn't a moment that passes where I'm not thinking about my characters and what plot twists would go with which book, etc...

And sometimes, that constant buzzing in my head drives me up a wall.

So here's how I soothe it: I play Mad-Libs. You know, that game where you have to fill in the blanks with adjectives, adverbs, names, nouns. Make it the most random, twisted, and/or creepy kids story possible.

I know it doesn't sound like much, but for some reason, it helps. I'd create my own short, messy stories and play along with friends. It's almost always hysterical.

So...here's the deal: Leah is throwing her first contest! Woo! *throws confetti*

Here's how it works. Search for a Mad-Libs of your choice (as I love reading them all). In the comment section, copy and paste the story you chose with your own words filling in the blanks and asterisks or italics around the words to let me know which ones they are.

Make it funny, sweet, twisted, random--whichever you want! There will be a first and second place winner for the two I enjoyed the most.

The Prizes: Funny and witty teen/MG books

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

Teen Angst? Naaah...A Quasi-autobiography by Ned Vizzini

First place winner: two books of their choice and a book of Ad-Libs. Just for fun!

Second place winner: A book of their choice

Only open to U.S residents this time (sorry!!).

The contest will close August 11th and winners will be chosen August 14th.

Good luck to everyone. Can't wait to read :)