SUMMARY: 2010 in Vancouver, B.C. is the setting where this exciting new literary novel portrays the turbulent rivalries and relationships among three adversarial poets competing for the position of poetic ambassador for ZeitGeist (ZG) Publishing House. A group of six ZG executive board members, led by their CEO Rudy Sorenson and his able secretary, Ms. Stephanie Nolan wrangle with each other as they frame just the right poetic portfolio assignment designed to test a controversial shortlist of poets. After an eventful initial interview with the enigmatic Pamela aka Ms. Felicity Traviss (aka Misty), Zachary Speller is shortlisted along with two other young contenders-the psychosexually manipulative Cynthia Davison and the heady intellectual Trevor Upton. As these three dynamic Gen-Xers have been given each other's relevant contact information in order that they may fine hone each other's skill set, all manner of intrigue takes place, with a variety of family and friends whose involvement complicates the quest and challenges our readers to figure out who will win as well as just who the different narrators really are from chapter to chapter in this thrilling, highly allusive and often edgy novel. Mysteries within mysteries about character and their choices abound as these three adversaries get to know each other and compete with one another for the elusive prize: the position of poetic ambassador. At times steamy and seductive and just as often bracingly intellectual, this novel is chock full of cultural references ranging from music and movies to poetry and hockey. These characters' make surprising choices and create some inspired original professional poetry, while vying for ZG approval. The action culminates in a Halloween gala at the Red Robinson Show Theatre, where everyone in the novel makes at least a cameo appearance in costume as comedians and poets try to outdo each other while making presentations for the applause of the audience and the approval of ZG executives and editors. While the tension ratchets up a notch or two after executive decisions once again figure prominently in the twisting plot, readers will find themselves scrambling to catch up with all the new character developments, clever jokes and simmering conflicts-and with a denouement that leaves them wanting more, but nonetheless satisfied with the steamy finale. STRUCTURE: This novel is organized into four parts. Part One (From Shortlist to Celebration) has 9 chapters; Part Two (Executive Decisions) has 4 chapters; Part Three (Liaisons) has 20 chapters; and Part Four (The Gala and Beyond) has 8 chapters. FEATURES TO CONSIDER: Ever wonder what goes on in an executive meeting behind closed boardroom doors? Or how the relationships between emotional intensity and intellectual acuity pumps passion through the veins of a professional poet? Or how the vicissitudes of personal or familial history can influence one's personal relationships and determine the extent to which sexual promiscuity influences those choices, either for good or for ill? Read The Poetic Ambassador for insights into these features and many other intriguing questions.