Minute Maid Launches Romance Writer Contest

Posted on June 20, 1997

The Minute Maid Company is inviting the 30 million American readers of romance novels to create their own romance story for the chance to win an excursion to Paris, France, and become the heroine or hero of a real French fantasy.

To enter "The Minute Maid Sensational Romance Writer Contest," contestants must write a story in the style of a romance novel, up to 125 words, portraying two fictional characters as they experience the taste sensation of eating a fresh, ripe orange. Entrants should describe romantically how each sense reacts when experiencing this taste sensation.

Contest entries will be judged by best-selling romance author Nora Roberts, on the following criteria: originality, creativity, descriptiveness and likeness to the style of a romance novel.

Since 1981, Roberts has written and sold for publication more than 124 novels, 115 of which will be published by the end of 1997. There are now more than 35 million copies of Nora Roberts' books in print. Her most recent novel, Sanctuary, released in March 1997, has joined Montana Sky on The New York Times bestseller list. Her next book, Finding the Dream, will be published in August 1997.

"Romance stories intrigue readers with passion, sensation excitement and suspense," said Roberts. "This contest challenges novice romance writers to combine these elements in order to successfully describe the romantic sensation of eating a fresh, ripe orange."

"We are excited to offer consumers the opportunity to test their writing skills, share their passion for our orange juice and win a romantic trip to Paris," said Wayne Luciano, marketing director for The Minute Maid Company. "We want the sensation of eating a fresh, ripe orange to inspire our entrants, just as it inspired the new taste of Minute Maid Premium orange juice."

The contest grand prize is a 7-day/6-night trip for two to Paris, France, including round-trip airfare, double occupancy hotel accommodations and meal allowance of $200 per day. The approximate value of the grand prize is $7,000.

To enter, write and submit your story of up to 125 words to: "The Minute Maid Sensational Romance Writer Contest," 8400 Normandale Lake Blvd., Suite 500, Bloomington, MN 55437. Entries must be received by July 31, 1997. Entrants can also e-mail their stories to romance@shandwick.com or call 1-800-340-5443 for details. The grand prize winner will be notified by September 15, 1997.