Hotel Commonwealth Suites & Deals 2019
A new contest gives you the chance to win a two-week writing retreat
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Have you ever thought about being a writer? Maybe you've dreamt of becoming a modern-day J.D. Salinger and penning the next great American novel. Or perhaps you're a budding J.K. Rowling, envisioning entire worlds of colorful characters and daring pursuits. But if a classic case of writer's block has been holding you back, you're about to find help in an unlikely place: Boston's legendary Hotel Commonwealth.
The hotel recently unveiled an entire suite takeover in partnership with New York Times bestselling author Ben Mezrich. The famed wordsmith and native Bostonian is known for successful books that have been made into major motion pictures, such as The Social Network and 21. To celebrate his latest release, Bitcoin Billionaires, the two icons have teamed up to discover the next bestselling author with the Writers in Residence Contest.
One lucky winner will get to spend two full weeks in the new Ben Mezrich Reading Suite working on their passion project without any distractions or disturbances. The suite has been fully transformed, outfitted with things that help Mezrich find inspiration and overcome those inevitable mental blockages. According to Mezrich, it's all about the little touches. "A backgammon board, which I use as part of my ritual for getting into the writing mode," he says. "Simple pleasures, like my favorite snacks and libations; the movies based on my books running on the flat screen TV; and my favorite detail, an antique typewriter." There's even an idyllic reading nook.
To enter, simply submit a 500-word (or shorter) manuscript along with a 100-word proposal explaining your big idea through the online contest portal by October 1. There are no fees associated with participating, but only one submission is allowed per person, so make it count. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of Mezrich, key personnel from the Hotel Commonwealth team and select representatives from the revered Boston Book Festival. In addition to the complimentary stay (spanning December 15 through December 30), the grand prize winner will also receive the opportunity to present their manuscript at a fall reading of select authors.
Don't fret if you can't write a haiku to save your life. Anybody—winner or not—can experience the Ben Mezrich Reading Suite now through November 30. The special package includes an overnight stay in the space along with plenty of perks, such as a welcome gift with Mezrich's preferred writing munchies (like Oreos and Fritos); an autographed copy of Bitcoin Billionaires; $100 in-room dining credit; reams of paper and sharpened #2 pencils; and more. The offer is based on availability and some restrictions apply, but it's certainly guaranteed to be an unforgettable stay.
The best part? According to Mezrich, "Hotel Commonwealth will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Boston Book Festival, an event that is such an important gathering for the community."