Latest Press Release
1/15/2010 | MrsP.com Announces Winners of First Nationwide Kids’ Writing Contest
Future bestselling authors from North Carolina and New York
January 15, 2010 - MrsP.com announced today the names of the two Grand Prize winners in its first annual “Be a Famous Writer” contest. Gabrielle Fuller, 8, from North Carolina, takes top honors in the 4- to 8-year-old category with her comic fairy tale, “Pretty Princess and Funky Frog.” In the 9- to 13-year-old category, Isabella Penola, 12, from New York, charmed the panel of famous judges with her poignant tale of an elderly gardener, “Spattered Mud and Crushed Petals”.
“Like everyone, I’m concerned about the state of education in America. But based on the quality of writing for my contest, I’m happy to say a lot of teachers out there must be doing a wonderful job,” said TV star Kathy Kinney, who portrays Mrs. P and is one of the creators of the website.
The Grand Prize winners will have their stories produced as videos featuring Mrs. P, which will be presented on her popular free, interactive digital website. Original artwork by award-winning illustrator, Robin E. Kaplan, will help bring the stories to life. The videos will be posted for a limited time on the website (www.MrsP.com) beginning in March for viewers all over the world to watch and enjoy. In addition, each winner will receive an actual bound copy of the story and illustrations as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Powell’s Books (www.Powells.com), the largest independent bookseller and the sponsor of the contest, will provide the Grand Prize winners as well as the 8 other finalists with gift certificates to its store.
The judges for the writing contest included four top professionals in the writing field: Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and author of dozens of bestselling books; Andre Bormanis, writer and producer of the popular fantasy series, Legend of the Seeker and author of Star Trek: Science Logs; Craig Ferguson, host of the CBS Late Late Show and author of the acclaimed novel, Between the Bridge and the River; and Diana Leszczynski, author of Fern Verdant and the Silver Rose, a comic adventure recently selected as a Smithsonian Notable Children’s Book and currently being developed as a motion picture.
The MrsP.com writing contest is an annual event and runs every September. It was created along with the website to encourage a love of reading.
About Mrs. P Enterprises, LLC.
Mrs. P Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 2008 by Hollywood team Clay Graham, Kathy Kinney and Dana Plautz. After having built successful careers in television and New Media, the three creators of MrsP.com were brought together by a love of reading and a desire to help spark that same passion in young people everywhere. The company endeavors to expose young people to great books and stories through a celebrity storyteller and to spark their imaginations and creativity with on-line games and writing contests. Its production offices are located in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California.
Bios
Clay Graham, co-president, was born in Phoenix, Arizona and was the head writer and Executive Producer of “The Drew Carey Show” for seven years. The show aired on ABC for nine years and is now syndicated throughout the world. Clay studied Journalism at the Cronkite School at ASU, where he won the Eugene C. Pulliam Journalism award. He wrote for Mad Magazine while still in college; wrote and produced the sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” soon after; and is currently writing his first novel. He lives in Portland, Oregon and loves playing piano, books, hiking and more books.
Kathy Kinney, co-president, was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and achieved international fame playing Mimi Bobeck on “The Drew Carey Show” for nine years. (Kathy is the only member of the Mrs P team who has had a doll manufactured in her image.) Before playing Mimi, Kathy had guest starring roles on “Seinfeld” and “Grace Under Fire,” as well as portraying Miss Goddard, the town librarian, on “Newhart.” She also appeared in the films “This Boy’s Life” and “Stanley and Iris,” among others. She currently can be seen in recurring roles on “My Name is Earl” and "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". She lives in Los Angeles, enjoys traveling, puttering and books.
Dana Plautz, co-president, was born in New York and raised in Southern California. She began her career working for producer Norman Lear, creating new markets for entertainment properties. She later worked as a worldwide marketing executive for Hanna-Barbera Studios, which produced such animated classics as “The Jetsons,” “Scooby-Doo” and “The Flintstones.” Dana became involved in the Internet and New Media when she accepted a position at Intel. She also has a strong philanthropic, community and government board service record, with a special interest in supporting arts and education. Dana lives in Portland, Oregon and enjoys swimming, rhyming, and watching her husband cook gourmet meals.