I really like hosting blog contests!
And I really, really like doodling!
And I really, really, really like the fact that some people like my doodles!
So it is time once again for my semi-annual
WIN A DOODLE CONTEST!
The grand (and only) prize will be a custom made, one-of-a-kind, Mike Allegra doodle of ANYTHING YOU WANT!
“Anything?” you ask.
Yes, anything—provided that “anything” isn’t perverted. I’m a children’s book author, after all, so get your mind out of the gutter!
Otherwise, yes. ANYTHING!
Past contest winners have asked for all kinds of doodles. Like exotic birds…
A caffeine gnome…
A raven shapeshifter (whatever that is)…
A woman doing yoga and holding a pen as the ghost of her dearly departed dog looks on…
And (of course) that freaking salamander.
How to Win
The wining name will be drawn at random from the Hat of Randomness. The draw-er is this guy.
He’s weird but fair.
How to Enter
To get your name in the Hat, all you need to do is leave an Interesting Tidbit about yourself in the comments section below.
I know “interesting” is a subjective term so let me give you some idea of what I’m looking for:
NOT Interesting: “I like ice cream.”
TOO Interesting: “I hunt Armenians for sport.”
Please look for a Tidbit that falls somewhere between those two extremes, okay.
How To Increase Your Chance of Winning
Want me to stuff the ballot box in your favor? Sure! I’ll add two more ballots if you announce this contest on your blog and link back to this page. That’s three chances to win!
Don’t have a blog? No problem. I’ll also give you one extra ballot if you announce this contest on your Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest page, or any other social media platform. (Be sure to post links in the comments.)
Want yet another chance to win? Dang, you’re greedy. Okay, if you’ve read one of my Prince Not-So Charming books (this one or this one), I’ll give you yet another extra ballot if you write a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Deadlines, Etc.
Your entry is due on or before Monday, September 10. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 12!
So that’s it! Leave an Interesting Tidbit below and get going!
Good Luck!
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 
‘Tis True: In order to establish residency (to avoid out of state tuition fees )I established a helium balloon bouquet delivery service thinking it would fill in the year quite nicely, and then I would merrily get on with my master’s program. It was dubbed Alligator Balloons, and I delivered the balloons dressed as an alligator on roller skates. *Yeah–this is probably longer than what you wanted, Mike, but it is interesting, you must admit.
That IS interesting! Pleeeeease tell me you have photographic evidence to back it up.
Indeed–but you don’t take it upon face value? Would I stoop to embellish just to win an Allegra doodle? Maybe. I have photos, newspaper articles, but no more t-shirts. If I win I will divulge the secret drawer of my Alligator past.
You got me wrong, Cricket. I’m not doubting you did this. I just wanna see it! Because I’m sure it would look hilarious!
The homemade alligator outfit complete with a tuxedo while roller skating holding a colorful bunch of balloons truly was an eye fest. Yup, those photos are available upon hearing the “Winner!” announcement.
But did it garner a drop in the hat? Where’s my confirmation? I’m feeling insecure. Oh, also linked contest to a blogpost and chatted up the preview to books with a link to Amazon. Sorry. Haven’t got your books-yet. Preview chat a half-ballot?
Relax, my friend! You have three votes in the hat! (When I decide to do half ballots, I’ll let ya know!)
Is this photographic evidence going to be on a more public platform: say, like your blog? 😉
Here’s hopin’!
Oh, oh. Feeling some pressure to fess up to my Alligator days. It all depends on that winning ticket…
The summers between my junior and senior college years, I was a short-order cook (and waitress) for a small-town golf club. My specialty was French toast (not waffles, sorry) and deflecting rear end pinches – this was way before the #metoo movement. Several “pinchers” received their French toast (heavy on the syrup) on their laps! 🙂
I admire and respect your early #metoo efforts. Though I would argue that butt pinchers also deserve a generous pour of piping hot coffee on their crotches.
And you’re in the contest!
You are absolutely correct, but my gumption was still in training back then.
Thanks for entering me in the contest. Umm, ahem, and I tweeted your doodle contest also….
And another ballot for you!
Thank you, she says modestly. ❤
THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about! 🙂
I founded a national support organization for individuals with eating disorders in the 1970s, when people were just becoming aware of anorexia and bulimia. I launched the organization through nationally syndicated columnist Helen Bottel, of Kings World. Traveled the country working with individuals, parents, and doctors, appeared on national tv shows, consulted on a movie and held the first national conference on eating disorders in 1984. My organization merged with two other organizations and today is known as the powerful National Eating Disorders Association.
Published on twitter, FB and will review your new books on my blog at some point this fall.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your incredible efforts to help those with eating disorders, Patricia!
I always knew you were awesome, but this information takes your awesomeness to a new level.
Good luck in the doodle contest, my friend!
I love learning this about you, Patricia. Wonderful. xo
There are SO many interesting tidbits about me… so uhm…..hm? Oh wait! I know! I saw Elvis Presley in concert the year before he died. YEP, I am THAT old! It was amazing and I can remember well the emotional response I had to a very surreal experience! It ranks right up there with skydiving! Which I have also done! 😉 ❤
Reblogged and shared on Facebook! 😉
Awesome titbit! Was the Elvis concert in Vegas or was he still touring at that time?
I’ve always wanted to skydive, but none of my friends would ever agree to go with me. I need braver friends.
Good luck in the contest, Courtney!
I saw him in Marion IL at Southern Illinois University. It was incredible!
I have been skydiving several times! You sooo need to go! And you need to find braver friends!
Well, we’re friends, right?
Yep!! So when ya wanna go??? 😉😎
The next time I’m in Texas!
Okey dokey!! Sounds like a plan! I would totally go!
Yay!
Darn doodle delights! I dangled my doodle on Facebook and lived to tell. Thanks for reminding me to have fun Mike. When I was young I loved to sketch and doodle. Other tidbits about me; I love to travel, photograph and be in nature. My first formal job was working at McDonald’s and I actually liked it! May all your doodles be dandy! 🙂
My first job was at your arch-rival, Burger King. The people and management were all really nice, but the job was hell on earth. (I’ll hafta blog about that job someday…)
Aaaand yer name goes in the hat!
I actually like BK’s burgers better. 🙂
I was always a bigger fan of Roy Rogers, but they weren’t hiring.
Ride em cowboy!
And mine was Der Wienerschnitzel…I think we have a first job theme. 😉
Asking as a fellow of proud German heritage, where would I find a Der Wienerschnitzel, Mrs. P?
Mine was in California but your closest one would be Illinois.
Reblogged this on Blog Me This…. and commented:
This guy totally rocks!! Check him out!!! It is an honor to know a published author and have an opportunity to win a Doodle from him! ❤
Attagirl! FOUR ballots for you!
Woohoo!!
Can I triple like this post? Moving on to about me: I once played Bunny the sleeping hooker in a production of the Neil Simon play, CALIFORNIA SUITE. It wasn’t exactly my breakout dramatic role, but it was interesting because I had to listen to every line so I could fling an arm or leg out from under the covers at the correct dramatic moment.
Reblogged this on Dear Writers and commented:
Dear Writers:
If there possibly is anyone who knows me who doesn’t know my rather shady past as self-appointed fan club prez (some rude people have brought up the “S” word, but I think that’s totally uncalled for, and part of the proof is that a recent post of his linked to a post of mine, which means we’re sort of friends, so there) of that Writer Fellow Mike Allegra’s doodles . . .
I kind of lost track of that last sentence. Anyhoo, the esteemed doodler is after a long hiatus hosting another doodle contest with fabulous incentives. Plus you don’t have to do much at all to enter. Go on his blog and talk about yourself. Who doesn’t love doing that? Hit a couple share buttons or write a book review if you are a readerly sort. And in return, you get to be in a drawing to win a super-amazing doodle, which if you want could be a doodle of a pal for a certain salamander I know. Head over to Writer Fellow’s site to get the details!
XO Laurel Leigh
I knew this post would pull you out of bloggy hiding!
May you win this contest fairly (and, if need be, lose it graciously! Please?).
I am totally practicing being gracious and non-unseemly. Sort of. I wanna win!
Oh, dear. I can see where this is going.
In a handbasket, lol. If you weren’t such a fab doodler, we wouldn’t all be hounding you!
Aaaand two more ballots for you!
Yippee!! I have a good feeling about this one.
I volunteered with the police department and served on a domestic violence crisis help team
Such good causes. You are awesome, Paulette. And you’re in the contest!
Reblogged this on and commented:
Check out Mike’s super fun doodle contest.
I’m not a fan of frogs. And of course, my son has caught his fourth frog this week. It’s not staying. Reblogged and tweeted.
I am not a fan of frogs either, but they don’t bother me. Snakes on the other hand…
And FOUR ballots for you! Good luck, Robin!
Hmmm. Something interesting…. I learned how to ski in a dream. Oh, here’s another one – when I was three, I saved my mom’s arm from an old-fashioned wringer/washer while all the adults stood around screaming (I unplugged it). Will reblog and review too!
It doesn’t surprise me that you’re a hero, D. Wallace. But you be a hero at such a young age. Well done!
I do think you’ll need to elaborate of that dream skiing thing, however.
Ha! I learn to do all kinds of things and solve lots of problems in dreams. I had a skiing dream where I experienced the balance and shifting pressure of the ski edges on snow, the way the hips pivoted and how planting the poles helped with lift. Then I went out and copied what I did in the dream, exactly. Weird, huh?
Dang, that’s really efficient.
Hmmm…
When I was a kid, we raised ducks and geese. After reading the seagull chapters of James and the Giant Peach one too many times, I borrowed some yarn from my Mom and rounded up the duck flock.
If James could use gulls to achieve flight, then I could do it with ducks!
And that’s how I ended up tied to the fence along with five unhappy ducks, who flapped and whacked and pinched and made an unholy racket until Dad came out to see what the ruckus was about.
After extraction and clean up (and a lecture on gravity, the tensile strength of yarn, and the care of livestock), he locked himself in his basement workshop (to spare my feelings) and laughed himself hoarse. Mom didn’t bother to spare my feelings at all, but did have to dash to the bathroom at one point.
And thus, my curious relationship with (and considerable respect of) ducks was launched. Or, you know. Not.
After I post this, I’ll share the contest on FaceBook!
Now that’s a doodle I’d like to see!
Sarah! Oh, how I’ve missed your bloggy presence—and comments like this one is a big reason why. That is perhaps the finest, funniest, most snarf-in-your-coffee Interesting Tidbit I have ever read. Win or lose, I might hafta draw this little adventure. Just ’cause.
Here’s hoping all is well with ya. And Good Luck in the contest!
Can we vote on each other’s comments? Because Sarah’s is top notch!
You may! (But it won’t change anything.)
Thanks so much, Mike! 🙂
I miss blogging, though right now my energy levels are still a bit low (I doubt anyone would want to follow my new napping career) but I am writing daily again, so that’s something.
Thanks, heyjude! Thanks, Mrs. P.!
That’s awesome! Rest, recover and, when you’re ready, return to blogging!
This is a hilarious picture and I admire your dad’s restraint. I probably would have laughed myself silly before getting you untangled. 🙂
Frowning at Mikey. Then what’s the point? lol
I once ran through a school bus chasing away a multitude of yellow jackets that decided to take up residence while we were all out on an afternoon hike.
Wait. You chased the yellow jackets? I though yellow jackets were supposed to chase you!
They were in my bus, dammit!
Well, I’m impressed!
Wow, when I edited my posting it reblogged it twice. Feel free to delete the duplicate. Also linked it on FB. 😁
Got rid of the duplicate. And thanks! FOUR votes for you!
YAY!
I toured the never-built SSC tunnel near Nacogdoches TX and the Tevatron tunnel near Batavia IL. Few can claim that.
Ooh! What didja see?
The SSC tunnel was just that, a partially completed tunnel. Nothing hi-tech. The Tevatron was a fully operational particle accelerator, the most powerful at that time. Huge electronic detectors, powerful super-conducting magnet, and hundreds of scientists from around the world.
I worked in the education office in the summers and was a physics teacher at a local school during the year.
Well, that is cool! And your name goes in the hat!
I thought you were already sending me a ‘raffe in a red plaid scarf at Edinburgh Castle? hmmmm.
Books are on their way. Thanks Mike!!
Well, if you want that ‘raffe you better leave an Interesting Tidbit!
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
well then….go check it out and check MY page….
I did. And I blogged/pinged/danced around a Mexican hat. Do I get three votes? LOL!!
Yes. For the blogging part. The Mexican hat—though festive—does not increase your chance of winning.
wait……………..WHAT????
Okay, so you have some really interesting friends, Mikey, and I’m feeling particularly dull and boring right now.
So, do I go the established route of reciting some of my jobs? Hobbies? Weird dreams? Celebrity encounters? Odd facts that would make you think I’m even more weird than you first thought? Near death experiences? Childhood illnesses? Cue the annoying jeopardy theme that takes all thoughts of anything out of your head…
Okay, how about this? My humor has gotten me kicked out of a school library, and almost out of a movie theater. Evidently, you can have “too much fun.”
oh and btw the salamander doodle was great.
https://judyrules.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/re-blogging-mike-allegra/
https://www.facebook.com/judy.seefeld
I would also name my next child after you, but that ship has sailed. ha ha
No sweat. Just go ahead and change one of your existing children’s names.
This is *almost* interesting. I need to know what you did to get thrown out!
Making my friend laugh by making frog noises. Ribbet Ribbet. For some reason, we thought the librarian looked like a frog.
*almost interesting, just became boring*
And the theater was from laughing too much too.
Would you rather I told you I ate dried flies once when I was a child? Turtle food. People laughed at me but they are now selling insects as people food. I was just a little ahead of my time. Like 50 years?
Eating dried flies! Now, THAT’S interesting! FOUR votes for you!
I accidentally hit Bruce Springsteen in the head with a tripod backstage at a Duran Duran concert.
I believe that’s a capital crime for a Jersey Girl.
And your name goes in the hat!
I desperately need a ferret doodle. Ferrets are woefully under represented. Just sayin.’
But are they really?
I am related to Susan B. Anthony and I LOVE waffles!!!
There ya go! Three ballots for you!
I was getting worried yanno………………
I startled my better-half by hoping on a camel and making believe I was riding away.
(There’s GOT to be something else – the camel is right “up-there” with liking ice cream, isn’t it?)
Oh, I think this qualifies for a ballot!
And in what place were escape camels so readily available?
You won’t believe it – West Palm Beach, Fl!!
Now that makes your tidbit even *more* interesting!
Good luck in the competition!
Thanks, I’ll need it. I haven’t won anything since the $2.25 I won in an elementary Easter Egg decoration contest!!!!!
Another interesting tidbit! Tell ya what, buddy, because no one should have a losing streak that long, I’m giving you another ballot.
Thanks! See – I won something already!!
Well, congratulations, then!
The due date for this contest happens to be my birthday! However, it’s my 39th birthday, which is probably the most uninteresting birthday there is.
Since it’s your birthday, I’ll bend a little and call it “just interesting enough.” So your name goes in the hat!
And happy almost birthday! Do enjoy those last few remaining months of you thirties.
Phew, by the skin of my teeth! Thanks.
Wow. What a lot of interestingness! I posted a link to your blog on my Twitter feed with this comment: “Your chance to win a doodle by world-famous #author Mike Allegra:” and a link. 🙂 Interesting things about me: I once was in charge of creating a complete human-size version of the interior of the Gnome house in the “Gnomes” book by Wil Huygen and illustrated by Rien Poortvliet, complete with live animals. I also fostered more than fifty cats and kittens in my home over a period of three years, and I only kept ONE!
Despite your alarming interest in cats, you get two ballots. Good luck, Virginia!
It’s not exactly an interest … more like a genetic obsession. A least three generations old and going strong. I suspect if you went back a little further my ancestors might’ve been referring to their cats as “familiars.” 😉
I understand.
I also understand that The Bloggyverse is, in general, a very cat-centric place. This can sometimes be vexing to a pro-rodent (prodent) person like myself.
I’ve read through your comments so far and think you’ve a mighty strange and interesting talent show so far! Good thing you’re doing a random draw and not a favorites pick!
Something interesting about me is my abnormal toes. Odd genetic mixing granted me a long second AND third toe. I practiced writing with them as a child -you know, for when I was tied up during a spy mission and had to get word out to the other agents looking for me.
You know, it’s a shame that long toes aren’t a prerequisite for getting hired at the CIA.
That was interesting, Chelsea! Your name goes in the hat!
Woohoo!
I was stranded on an island while rafting the Green River with my family. We were rescued at twilight by an amazing man who overloaded the raft to get us all off the island before dark. He put us ashore where were promptly chased by a moose. Excitement!!!!
A shipwreck and moose chase! Now, that was one eventful day!
And you already plugged me on FB, so you get two chances to ask for a raven-related doodle. Good luck!
Reblogged this on Word Shamble and commented:
This is a fun way to have a chance of winning a doodle by the very talented Mike Allegra. Do read the other entries – some are truly jaw dropping!
When I was a teenager, one of my first jobs was working in a privately run department store made up of two Victorian town houses joined together – on the first floor – by a specially built bridge with a glass roof that groaned and creaked when the wind blew and leaked when it rained. One of my jobs in the ‘women’s fashion department’ was measuring ‘mature’ ladies for corsetry – flesh coloured corsetry – where I discovered the affect years of gravity have on the female anatomy. My boss was a young man with a glass eye and I used to read The Time Machine by HG Wells in my lunch breaks.
And a reblog, just for you, sir.
https://lynnmlovewords.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/win-a-doodle-hooray-and-huzzah/
Wow. You just painted a weird little picture there, didn’t ya?
So! For the comment, reblog, and Tweet, you get FOUR ballots! Good luck!
I rather liked Mike’s work and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to own an original artwork – doodle or not 🙂
Oops, that comment was meant for someone else, Mike – sorry! At least there was a compliment in there, eh! Apologies
There’s never a need to apologize when you say such nice things!
My pleasure 🙂
My pleasure – thank you 🙂
I was literally lying in bed last night thinking about what I’d want my doodle to look like. If I win, I hope you’re good at drawing kittens… 🙂
There are lots of Cat People in the Bloggyverse, so, yes, I have experience doodling kittens.
Reluctant experience.
Haha.
What if I asked for capybaras instead?
I’d be a much happier doodler, that’s for sure! But what I want is irrelevant. My job is to give you what you want.
If you win, of course.
Hmm… interesting..?
Bob and I are currently in Idaho Falls heading to Yellowstone, then to Grand Titons in Wyoming then off to Jackson Hole for a few days… after which we will take a sharp left and turn the car towards Utah, eventually visiting Moab, Canyonlands, Zion, Park City and Mona Utah… eventually to return back to Jersey and back to NJCU. What’s this all for, you ask with a curious lift to your left eyebrow..? We are celebrating our 31st anniversary! We were planning to go last year for our 30th… but life got in the way. 🤠
Hopefully interesting enough…? 🤔😳😬❤️
It’ll do! And you got in just under the wire, Ella!
My treasure trove of strangeness is overflowing so I will pick a short one. I am living as an alias. I was adopted when I was 16. When I received my new birth certificate my birthdate was incorrect and my name was spelled incorrectly. When I told the “parents” about the discrepancies they firmly stated that I must be mistaken and that the government would never make such errors. Now I have to birthdays to celebrate and all legal documents are signed twice with an AKA: in the name.
You have officially been tweeted on two accounts and facebook posted on two accounts. Double, double.
That’s amazing. Not only the two name thing, but also that your adoptive parents had such faith in the government. Simpler times…
I shall give you two ballots for each of your identities. FOUR ballots for you! Good luck, Michelle!
I’m afraid they just didn’t want the hassle of going back there. Thanks for the entries.
Superb doodles..@star16creations.com
Thanks!
Your domain name is interesting