Write Your Way to Owning a Bed and Breakfast, John Grisham
By now you’ve probably read about the Janice Sage, owner of the Center Lovell Inn in Lovell, Maine, who’s giving away her business to whomever writes the best 200-word essay.
If you haven’t read one of the many articles (the UK’s The Guardianeven covered the story), here’s the deal: Sage won the inn in 1993 when the previous owners held a contest to pick a new owner.
“I can’t reveal [the essay’s subject],’’ Sage said. “My copyright of the essay belongs to the former owner. But one of the judges told me the reason they all selected me unanimously was because they felt I conveyed I could carry this on as a successful business.’’
And now, after 22 years, Sage feels it’s time to move on.
“I’m taking a year off and not doing anything,’’ she said. “I’ve been working since I was 7. My father always told me I was born in perpectual motion—it never surprised him I took on a country inn.’’
But she’s not going to stop until she’s chosen the next rightful owner. And she intends to find that person the same way she was found, charging entrants $125 to write 200 words on “Why I would like to own and operate a country inn.’’ The lucky winner gets it.
If 7,500 people enter, as she expects they will, Sage will make more than $900,000, the inn’s estimated value.
So the question is: Who is Sage’s favorite author, the person she’d most like to get an essay from?
“I like mysteries,’’ Sage said. “I read them when I have the opportunity. I guess it’s between Nora Roberts and John Grisham. I really like him.’’
John, if you’re listening and you’re in the market for a bed and breakfast, here’s your window of opportunity.
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