A reporter from the LA Times and I were having lunch at Tulio’s in Seattle. Over the course of several subjects, he mentioned his wife was working on a non-profit project in Seattle that’s also nationwide.

Teen writing workshops…and how to get the word-of-mouth and buzz humming about it in Seattle particularly.

Yes, you could have businsess speakers like myself, Nelson DeMille, or Seattle celebrities for fundraisers. Money is necessary, but as too many big brand advertisers know (sometimes) all too well…money can’t buy you buzz.

The idea?

Similar to American Idol, it’s American Author…but only for teens.

Three writers as judges (myself…hey it’s my idea, and two others).

The twist…we have authors like Nelson Demille, read a 2 minute excerpt of what they’ve written. Nelson Demille reads Bobby Jones’ work. Judges judge. Backstory video b-roll shown…you know the Idol formula.

The payoff? A Borders or Barnes & Noble contract for premiere placement (100,000 first time print run) using under the “American Author” imprint. And most likely the start of an amzing literary career for the next American Author.

Cecile, if you’re reading this…any thoughts? Richard at Endemol…any thoughts?

Crazy, yes. But so was “Dancing with the Stars” with John O’ Hurley’s Peterman