Wanted: story ideas

The Florida Center for the Literary Arts invites aspiring writers to Pitch-o-rama during the Writer's Institute this weekend. From 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday May 10, writers can pitch their ideas to a panel of literary agents and other industry professionals. For free. You'll get instant feedback and free advice and please, listen to it. If they say your idea stinks...it does. Move on with your life.

You get 30 seconds to make your pitch, so don't ramble. Think Hollywood. Comparisons work. I don't know this for a fact, but I would not be surprised to learn Boca writer Steve Alten sold his first book Meg on the basis of two really great words: "Jurassic Shark." (The concept, alas, was better than the actual book.)

The fun begins in Room 2106 at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave. in downtown Miami. It's first come first served and sign up begins at noon.

For a list of do's and don'ts at Pitch-o-rama, click here.