Name the Kiwi Mascot contest
As the new kid in town, I was given the opportunity to interview the hard-working 'Spokes-Kiwi' from Affinity eBooks NZ, Ltd.
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B: Ms. Kiwi, thank you for agreeing to the interview.
K: It's lovely to be asked questions, I love to talk, Ms. Barrett.
B: It would seem that you were the spokesperson for Affinity e-Book press, what are your job responsibilities?
K: Were? I still am, do you know something I don't? I know the owners of the company can be a bit reticent in coming forward, if you know what I mean, but sacking me, ah it will never happen. I'd whack them with my beak first. Only teasing, JM.
My job responsibilities are to ensure readers are aware of what we have on offer for the coming month. Plus, any innovations the Honchos dream up. There are three of them, you know. And, I'm going to whisper here, because they might be listening. They can all be rather trying at times. I swear, if JMD didn't house and feed me so well, I'd be pecking at her ankles. For all the extra work they give me, all I really want to do is read one of our lovely books in my cozy little nest.
B: Do your corporate officers compensate you appropriately for your hard work?
K: Hmm, well I'm like the majority of folks, who wish they could have a gilded house instead of a wooden one. However, there are side benefits. I meet lovely people like you Barrett and our readership, so I manage!
B: Thank you. I understand that at the New Zealand Headquarters, you often have to fraternize with a large flock of chickens. Do you all get along, or are they threatened by your high-profile job?
K: What, that silly flock? Hardly. I'm an Endangered species and they are ten a penny. Trust me there are Nine roosters in that
flock, so needless to say, the patter of little chick feet are a constant. I, however, have yet to find a mate. Sigh. (Is this when I flutter my wings???)
B: Is it true that you can really outrun a human?
K: Well…let me whisper this, since it's just between you and me. Although, JM Dragon tries very hard to catch me for silly meetings, frankly she doesn't have the moves. You have to remember that with dragons it's all smoke and mirrors, pussycats really. However, Molly is really the head honcho around these parts, and she is a pretty tough feline.
B: What is your long-term vision for Affinity? Do you think e-Books will become the primary source for readers in the next five years?
K: Barrett, they don't tell me everything, of course, but I listen and see what's going on in the world. Perhaps not five years, but certainly ten years, in my humble feathered opinion. There will always be a niche market for printed books, not just for readers but authors too. Holding the book you have written in your hands is a delight, at least, so they say. I've yet to write my memoirs I'm far too young.
B: What types of authors are you looking to recruit?
K: That's rather a loaded question Barrett. As it's you, I'll answer anyway. We are looking to recruit authors who feel passionate about writing. We are not limited to genre; we love all types of stories.
(I'm particularly fond of a good romance and some Sci-Fi. Yes, well, they do call mean odd bird.) Ultimately, Affinity is available to anyone who writes fiction in any form. Our people are good. Give them a chance to prove it, and showcase your work to the world.
You know that better than anyone, I suspect, Ms. Barrett.
B: You're right about that. I've enjoyed marvelous support from you and all the "A-Team" with my first published manuscript. Now tell me, is it true that one of your eggs can actually be 15 to 25% of your body weight? If so, I can see why you only produce one each year and have your mate incubate it. Smart.
K: Smart is right. It's probably why I've declined a few proposals from suitors. Hey, I have work that is far more important than hatching an egg. Can you imagine the agony!
B: Is it true you may have your own web site soon?
K: You achieve fame when you have a personal website, right? Fame. What a lovely word. Do you think I will make it as the new 'Shrek' in town?
B: Oh, I think you're far more attractive. Thank you, Ms Kiwi. In appreciation for your time, the Corporate Honchos have offered to hold a little contest to find a suitable name for your awesome little self.
K: OHHH I'm so pleased! At last, an identity of my very own, thank you honchos. And thank you, Barrett for the interview. Do you think I'll make the front cover of Time magazine or maybe Vogue?
B: I think that will depend a little on the contest response and, of course, what the Honchos decide.
So, Readers, for the next week, we will be holding a contest. "Name the Affinity Kiwi" on my web site: http://wordsofbarrett.wordpress.com
The Affinity A-Team will judge all entries and the winner will be entitled to their choice of ANY book published by Affinity. Send your suggestions to: affinity@affinityebooks.com.
The contest will run from Sept 3rd through Sept. 10th and the winner will be notified by email, so please include one..
Some helpful information: Kiwi bird is the national symbol of New Zealand
Physical Features: Kiwi birds are odd-looking birds, which lack most of the characteristic features of birds. These birds are the
smallest among the flightless birds, like, emu, and ostrich. Kiwi birds resemble domestic chicken in size and almost all species are endangered. Kiwis have coarse, hair-like feathers and whiskers and most of them are grayish-brown in color. These birds have no keel (an extension of the sternum, which provides an anchor to attach a bird's wing muscles) and tail. Even though they have two vestigial wings, which are covered by feathers, these appendages are useless. Female kiwis are larger, as compared to the males. These females lay very large eggs, in fact the largest eggs, in relation to their body size.
Another interesting kiwi bird fact is that they have external nostrils at the end of their bill and most of them possess great sense of smell. Their legs are very strong and are adapted for burrowing. The small eyes of kiwis do not work properly in full sunlight and the ear openings are well developed. (Aren't they adorable?)
Remember: It's a female and she's quite young. Let's find her an proper name.
