2011 will mark the third and final release from Joshua Patrick Dudley in the Lost in Oz trilogy. The stories follow modern teenagers Tamara, Joshua, Tommy and Laura as they make their own history in Oz after destroying the original story of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, simply by existing in Oz.

The stories have gained quite a following from middle-schoolers across the country, some of whom have even had Joshua teach in their classrooms! Joshua promotes his novels by visiting middle schools and teaching creative workshops with children from grades 3-10. The classes then create their own stories with Joshua’s guidance.

Now the author is holding a contest, he says, “to give something back to all of my young readers.” The contest is a chance to win a cameo role, by name, in the final Lost in Oz novel. The contest is open to any age.

To enter the contest, you must write a 200-500 word essay explaining who your character would be in Oz. All entries should be submitted with your name, age, email address, mailing address and essay, and should be sent to LostinOzCameo@yahoo.com. The winner will be selected by the author and will be notified by email January 1, 2011. The winner will also be announced on the books’ official website: www.LostinOzBook.com.