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New Writing Marathon

4/21/2014

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Did you hear? There's a new 3-Day Novel Writing Marathon coming to Toronto. 

If you've never experienced a 72-hour writing marathon, you really should add it to your Bucket List. It is an amazing experience for a writer. I know, it sounds overwhelming at first, thinking about trying to stay up for 72 hours straight, but something happens to you...you find amazing strength, just like a superhero, and surprisingly, you can do it. You will write and write, until you hear the horn signifying the marathon has come to an end. It's all thanks to the little brain chemicals, called endorphins. Neurotransmitters send messages pumping through your nervous system, giving you the ultimate energy to keep going and going, like that little Energizer Bunny.
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I've had the pleasure of participating in quite a few 3-Day Novel Writing Marathons:
  • The International 3-Day Novel Contest (Vancouver)
  • The 3-Day Novel Marathon (Owen Sound)
  • The Muskoka Novel Marathon (Huntsville)
So, I was very excited to hear there was a new one that popped up within driving distance of Owen Sound. With all the writers scattered across South-Western Ontario, there is no doubt in my mind that this marathon will be successful. Seriously, if you have never experienced writing in a 3-day novel writing marathon, you must participate in one.

Check this opportunity out at: TaNoMa

PictureMartin Avery & Cynthia Langill
There is one very cool detail about the Toronto Novel Marathon (TaNoMa) that you may not know... the same guy, who is one of the co-founders for this new writing marathon was also a co-founder for The Owen Sound 3-Day Novel Marathon, The Muskoka Novel Marathon (MNM) and The Great Canadian Winter Novel Marathon in Pickering. 

The guy who gets all this credit is non-other than, Martin Avery! He has some amazing experience at organizing a writing marathon (and writing novels ~ check out some of his books HERE). This year, he has teamed up with an elementary school friend of his, Cynthia Langill, and together they are organizing a novel writing marathon to raise awareness and funds for Recovery from Addiction. 

Sponsors' donations will go to Renascent, an abstinence based treatment centre facility that treats men, women and families with addiction issues (a 12-step philosophy).

TaNoMa Details

  • Writing Marathon Date: August 1st - 4th, 2014
  • Place: Renascent’s head office at 38 Isabella Street in midtown Toronto. 
  • How many writers: There is space for 27 writers this year and they expect that number to double by next year.
  • Registration Fee: $100
  • Rules: Go to TaNoMa Rules and regulations HERE.
  • Prizes and Judges: Go HERE.
  • Charity and Fund-raising information: Go HERE.
  • Follow TaNoMa on Facebook
  • Follow TaNoMa on Twitter
  • To Register: Go HERE.
Think about it...this is your opportunity to participate in the FIRST EVER Toronto Writing Marathon! 

You'll even get a cool T-Shirt to wear while bragging to all your other writing friends. 


Just go ahead and do it...SIGN UP NOW!  :)
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A Writer's Bucket List

4/18/2014

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PictureEvery writer needs a Bucket List
I'm sure every writer walking this planet has a Bucket List, right? 

You know, a list of things you want to accomplish before you become incapable of doing the things on the list or in fact, you have actually 'kicked-the-bucket' and you are now six-feet underground and no longer have the opportunity to check anything off your list.

If not, you are procrastinating... but I think you will write a list one of these days, if you can find time. Biggest reason: it has a magical power to motivate you into checking off a few things on the list. 

Well, I have several Bucket Lists (because I am a List-Maker):
  • Immediate Bucket List
  • Short Term Bucket List
  • Long Term Bucket List
  • I want to do this, but if I die before I do, it's not a big deal Bucket List

Immediate Bucket List

PictureFinish my novel, so I clean off my desk
1. Finish writing/editing my current WIP (work-in-progress), also known as my novel...before I leave for the Ontario Writers' Conference in 14 days.
2. Work on my verbal pitch, so that I can present it to the Literary Agent at the Ontario Writers' Conference, smoothly, without sweating profusely and having my voice shake so much her glass of water vibrates off the table while I'm speaking. Ten minutes can be a very long time if you are unprepared.
3. Go clothes shopping, which I hate, so I can be photographed with cool authors at the Ontario Writers' Conference in something vibrant and memorable.

** Immediate Bucket List should all be done in 14 days or less.

Short Term Bucket List

PictureStart a new novel.
1. While waiting for Literary Agents to respond to my awesome novel submission, start the next novel, or in my case finish writing one of my other novels in progress.
2. Read 100 books a year with at least 30-40 in my genre that I write in... Young Adult (YA ~ 12-18+ years old) or New Adult (NA ~ 18-25 years old).
3. Attend writing groups and workshops to educate myself on the things I'm doing wrong.
4. Attend other Writing Conferences to meet other writers (networking).
5. Network with other writers and authors in social media (Facebook, Twitter and the Blogosphere).
6. Write a blog at least once a week.
7. Help fellow writers by commenting on their blogs,  tweet about them or retweet their tweets or comment on their Facebook status. Basically, share their news. 
8. Attend a 3-Day Novel Writing Marathon. The experience of writing for 72 hours straight is unbelievable. No responsibilities at all, all you have to do is write. You can find several writing marathons in Ontario and there is an International one on Labour Day Weekend, held in B.C., but you can participate from home.
9. Start searching for a mentor.
10. Inspire yourself by experiencing life...skydive, play a new sport, volunteer and meet new people.

** Short Term Bucket List should all be done within the next year.

Long Term Bucket List

PictureExperience life...volunteer to be a clown
1. Search for a writing critique group and join.
2. Search for a Book Club and join.
3. Start a third or fourth novel.
4. Write some short stories and submit them to contests... or collect them to publish a short story collection.
5. Write an article for the newspaper, blog or magazine and GET PAID.
6. Self-publish something for people to read, like a newsletter, a blog, pamphlet.
7. Finally find that mentor and stalk her, research her and finally ask her questions as to what she would do differently...this will save you time in the long run. Writers love other writers to converse with them.
8. Offer to help edit someone else's manuscript or short story or novel.
9. Give up Television and read and write as much as you possibly can fit in your day.
10. Take a writing retreat vacation... 10 days in Italy or Costa Rica...and do yoga on the beach and write your ass off the rest of the time between slurping margaritas.
11. Start a writer's resume including all your accomplishments, no matter how small they are...then write an Author's Bio.
12. Apply for writer's grants with the Ontario Arts Council.
13. Apply to take some writing courses with Humber College or a University...maybe work towards your Masters in Creative Writing?
14. Attend as many writer and author events as possible... hand out your business cards, so people will start to know who you are. Then when your novel is published, people will already know you and will want a signed copy of your book.
15. EXPERIENCE LIFE. I can't stress that enough. People who stay inside their house and write, will eventually run out of things to write about. The more life you experience, the more interesting characters you will run into, the more fascinating events you will take part in and the more intriguing novels you will write. Be unique. be yourself.

** Long Term Bucket List should all be done before you take your last breath in this world.

  • 'I want to do this, but if I die before I do, it's not a big deal' Bucket List

1. SLEEP AFTER YOU DIE.
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Sleep after you die...or at least sleep in very small increments of time, until you die. There's too much to experience in life & you can't do it if you're sleeping.
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Being Shortlisted Feels Great!

4/17/2014

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PictureWayson Choy at 2013 OWC
This is my first time to ever be shortlisted...and I'm going to tell you, that it feels pretty damn good. The Ontario Writers' Conference have just announced the Shortlist for the Story Starter Contest, and I made the cut! Woohoo! 

There were over 200 entries and I'm still hanging on by my fingernails, as one of the remaining 8 writers still in line for one of the winning spots (there will be three spots available, but I'm only entered in one of the categories, so my chances are still slim... 33% chance of making it through). The actual prize is a secret, and it might just be a new pencil with the Ontario Writers' Conference logo stamped on the side, but it's all about letting yourself be judged IN PUBLIC...letting everyone read your words...and trying not to make excuses for your work sounding silly, stupid or just plain ridiculous. Basically, in my opinion, it is an award for being BRAVE and submitting your soul to be judged. Ha!

Here are the top eight writers who have made it to the final round of judging, from the 22 longlisted pieces submitted to accompany the art of Ingrid Ruthig, Allyson Latta and Gretel Boose.

Marie Arthur-Beswick
Joe Balevi
Mona Blaker (2)
Kristy Leigh Logan
Alicja Merifield
Claire Sylvan
Lori Twining
Caroline Wissing


Final voting will take place on Friday, May 2nd at the Festival of Authors and on Saturday, May 3rd at the Conference. There are still some tickets available for Friday night, so see the Ontario Writers' Conference website for more information on how to obtain them. There are also a few days left to register for the writing conference, provided they haven't sold out yet.

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Muskoka Novel Marathon Writing Buddies at OWC 2013

There is something magical about attending a writers' conference, so, if you haven't experienced that kind of inspiration yet, you should really think about attending one. I love meeting up with all my writing buddies and discussing their successes, buying their newest novels, attending writing workshops and meeting new writer friends, etc. 

Seriously, it is money worth spending. This year, I've signed up for a Master Class with Wayson Choy, called "Live Dangerously: Write What Matters"...oh yeah, I'm going to be so inspired coming out of that classroom, I won't be able to sleep for a week...only write! 

So, if you are a beginner writer, and you are reading this, I want to share some writerly advice with you, which is something I've just started doing FINALLY...

Write. Submit. Write More. Attend Writing Events.

I hope to see you at this year's writing conference. If you are going, please find me and introduce yourself...I'll be wearing a cool name tag. ;P
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Owen Sound's A-Scribe Writing Group attending OWC 2013
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My cool OWC name tag
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I'm a Longlist Finalist!

4/10/2014

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Picture
Are you going to the Ontario Writers' Conference in Ajax on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd? I'm looking forward to attending the event...especially now, that I have been notified about being included in the 2nd Annual Story Starter Longlist Finalist!

This is the second year the conference was allowing the writers to participate in the Story Starter Contest.  During the months of January, February and March, the OWC's website posted a piece of artwork encouraging writers to use their imagination and come up with something unique that would go along with the artwork. To enter, you were to write a short piece of 100 words (maximum) inspired by the artwork featured. It could be any form of writing (poetry, prose, dialogue, haiku, etc.) as long as it was original. Just for the record, 100 words is difficult to achieve...for a novelist, anyway. It's not very many words to tell a story. I spent ten times longer editing, than I did writing the original piece.

How it worked: The judges selected the top ten entries for each month and sent them off to a final-round judge, who will in turn, chose the top 3 to be displayed at the 2014 Ontario Writers' Conference for final voting by the attendees. There were over 200 entries, and they had to narrow it down to thirty. Sounds like a very tough job. There were so many great entries.

On Saturday, at the conference, delegates will review the artwork and the writing pieces together, and vote for their favourites by ballot. The winning entries will be announced at the conference and each winner will be awarded a prize (unknown at this time). Considering the contest was FREE, I'm not expecting to win a car or anything. Ha! Maybe a coffee mug? You can never have too many coffee mugs.

Check out these names... maybe, you know someone on the list? If so, wish them luck. 

Story Starters Longlist Finalists:

  • Marie Arthur-Beswick
  • Joe Balevi
  • Linda Bleser
  • Mona Blaker
  • Jean Burbidge
  • Agnes Burro
  • Priya Chhabraughs
  • Val Crowley 
  • C.D. Finley
  • Francine Fleming
  • Kristy Leigh Logan
  • Robin Martin-Duttman
  • Mary McIntrye
  • Alicja Merifield
  • Teri Prince
  • Leena Rahusaar 
  • Shari Simpson
  • Claire Sylvan
  • Dale Synnett-Caron
  • Lori Twining
  • Barbara Wackerle Baker
  • Caroline Wissing



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January ~ Art by Ingrid Ruthig

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February ~ Art by Allyson Latta
Picture
March ~ Art by Gretel Boose

Pictures are the perfect way to help start a story, especially for writers experiencing Writer's Block. In fact, before I start a new novel, I search through magazines, catalogues and weekly flyers, trying to find an interesting person. I cut it out or scan it and then I start developing the character. This way, when I begin to write the first draft of my novel, my mind already has someone in mind for my main character and secondary characters, making it is easier for me to decide what those characters will say and do throughout the novel. 

Therefore, it makes a three-day novel writing marathon a doable task. :-)
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Perfect Time to be a Grey-Bruce Teen

4/1/2014

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Are You Interested in Watching Films, Reading, Writing or Being an Artist?


Grey Bruce Youth Film Festival Screening

On Monday, April 14th, 2014, the youth from Grey-Bruce can attend a FREE event at the Owen Sound Galaxy Cinemas. The fourth Annual Grey-Bruce Film Festival is presenting many different films created by youth from across both, Grey and Bruce Counties. It is open to the public and the films will run from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Following the film presentation, awards will be presented to the winners in the festival.
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Creative Writing Club

Do you like to write in your spare time? Is it something that makes you smile? Check this out:

Youths in grades 7 - 12 are invited to join the local Creative Writing Club at Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library. Each meeting provides the young writer with the opportunity to share their own work, network with other young writers and work on creating new ideas for short stories, poems, novels or any other creative writing challenge they are interested in. The Creative Writing Club is meeting on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in Youth Services.

If you are interested in The Creative Writing Club, please email Nadia Danyluk, Youth Services Librarian at ndanyluk@owensound.library.on.ca or call her at 519-376-6623 (ext. 4).
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FREE Comic Book Day!

Tons of activities will be taking place at The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library and The Tom Thomson Art Gallery, including a comic book swap, comic book sale, workshops, gaming, prizes and a cosplay competition... oh, and most important of all, a FREE Comic Book! At 10:00 am, Saturday, May 3, 2014, stop by the Youth Services desk at The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library and pick up your FREE Comic Book while supplies last. There is a full schedule of events listed on the Library's website at www.owensound.library.on.ca.
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Creative Writing Contest

While you are at your Creative Writing Club above, you can practice for this contest: 2014 Write @ Your Library Contest.

The Grey and Bruce County Public Libraries are seeking poetry and short story submissions for their teens' creative writing contest.   Obviously, you MUST be a teenager... and you can submit your work, in either English or French. Winners will receive cash prizes, PLUS have their work printed in the "Write for 2014 Anthology". All first place finishers will also be published in the Mosiac Magazine (July edition). To download the submission requirements, please go to www.owensound.library.on.ca. Email submissions to Nadia Danyluk, Youth Services Librarian at ndanyluk@owensound.library.on.ca by May 12, 2014.
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Artist Contest

Designs for the cover of the "Write for 2014 Anthology" are being sought. Submissions MUST be on an 8.5"x11" piece of paper and include the words "Write for 2014".

To read more information on the contest or download the submission requirements, please go to www.owensound.library.on.ca. 
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...if the above activity list didn't interest you, then possibly, you should visit your local library and borrow a book.

Guaranteed, it will be one of the cheapest adventures and greatest experiences you ever have
                                  ...AND very memorable too!

**Reading is the new COOL!**

I wish they had these kind of activities when I was a kid...I might be a Nobel Prize Winner by now... or at the very least, an author of 100 novels. :P
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    Lori Twining

    I love reading everything... books, magazines, blog posts and even manuals. I believe if you want to improve your writing skills, you MUST be a voracious reader.

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