Imagine for just one moment that you are a boy, born on September 1, 1991, given the first name of 'Harry' and the last name was 'Potter'. In 1991 the first Harry Potter book was still being written. It wouldn't be published in the U.K. until 1997 and in the U.S. until 1998. And even when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was published, absolutely no one could have predicted the cultural icon that J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter would become. So think about the effect on your life, if during your childhood and teen years, the ages where we all struggle with our own identity, you had one of the most famous names in the world. But when people hear your name, they don't actually think of you.

Fifty-two writers stepped up to the task of crafting a story with this plot in the My-Name-is-Harry writing contest sponsored by Aboon Books and today the winners were announced. The My-Name-is-Harry writing contest is not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by J. K. Rowling, her publishers, Warner Brothers or any other copyright or trademark holders. Contest creator, Anne Emerick, said the contest was meant as a tribute to J.K. Rowling's stories and as an entertaining look at the enormous impact they've had. As runner-up, Christina Beal wrote in her story, "I was 'Aren't you Harry Potter like The Book?' That's how they said it too. The Book in the same way you say The Bible. You don't have to say any more than that, because everyone just knows."

Aboon Books will distribute the winning entry of the My-Name-Is-Harry Writing Contest with each copy of Poster Girl purchased directly from AboonBooks.com.

Why Distribute These Two Stories Together?

I've been asked why I'm distributing these two stories together, what's the connection?

My Name is Harry and Poster Girl are both stories unlikely to be published by a large corporate book publisher. Aboon Books was established because of the belief that a lot of good stories are never distributed and read, because they don't suit the tastes of big book publishers. We want to see people read such stories.

I consider My Name is Harry and Poster Girl a bit like two sides of a 45 RPM record. People will generally make the purchase wanting to hear one, but will listen to both.

Get Your Copy of the Winning Entry and Poster Girl Now

The winners in the My-Name-Is-Harry Writing Contest are:

First Place: Nancy Sharpe of Lakeland, Florida for her story about a Harry who was able to find an upside to his name
Second Place: Christina Beal, new writer for a very funny story about a Harry who tries to legally change his name.
Third Place: Kirstin Herrin, from Asheboro, North Carolina for the story with the most twists and turns
Fourth Place: Kimberly Morrisette, aspiring children's book author from Strafford, NH for her story about a Harry who tries several different approaches to eliminating the confusion between himself and the character J.K. Rowling created.

There are several honorable mentions. These include:
Storm Brest author of "PONDER RINGS of LOVE"
Lisa Dallessandro of New York
Annie J., of Texas, an as yet unpublished author, and a Harry Potter fanfiction writer

Disclaimer: This contest and the winning story are not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by J. K. Rowling, her publishers, Warner Bothers or any other copyright or trademark holders. All references in the contest or story to copyrighted or trademarked characters is done for the purpose of commenting on the impact those characters have had on today's society. The works of J.K. Rowling referenced are publications of Scholastic Books (U.S.), Raincoast Books (Canada) and Bloomsbury Publishing (U.K.). Readers are encouraged to buy and read these books.

Order Your Copy of the Winning Entry and Poster Girl Now