WNY gives Buffalo author staying power in contest

By Joyce Kryszak

Buffalo, NY – A Buffalo author is getting closer to a publishing deal. Madeline Smyth has advanced to the third round in a national, online viral voting contest.

Madeline Smyth isn't shy about her talent. She'll tell you flat out she's a good writer. Evidence of that is online at RT Book Reviews' contest web site. There you can read the back cover blurb Smyth wrote for round three's competition.

In the first two rounds, Smyth already beat out four other finalists - including two e-published authors. But Smyth said her success probably has more to do with the unfailing loyalty of her fellow western new yorkers. Smyth said she has approached total strangers at colleges and bookstores who rallied to support her.

Smyth said she has survived elimination so far in the five-round contest against writers who live in much bigger cities and should be able to pull many more votes. But Smyth said Buffalo is always eager to pull for the under dog - especially ehen its one of their own.

Smyth said the contest has been as much a testament to the spirit of western new york as it has been about her own talent. Voting in round three is open until January second at RT Book Reviews.