THUNDER BAY - Writers from around the world have an opportunity to put their name on the literary map of Northern Ontario, but they will have to bring their best work to the table.
The Northwestern Ontario Writer’s Workshop launched its 19th Annual International Writing Contest on Jan.1 and this year’s judging panel includes some big names in the Canadian literary scene.
“I think that by having these big name judges we are going to be noticed, not only locally but it is also bringing a lot of national and international attention to us, which is evidenced by the Giller Prize and the Griffin Prize taking notice that our judges are so big,” said contest committee chair, Jodene Wylie.
This year’s judges include Governor General Award winners, Ann-Marie MacDonald and Jane Urquhart, judging the short fiction and Bill MacDonald Prize for Prose categories respectively, along with Jayne Barnard judging the novel (speculative fiction) category, Stephen Kimber in the creative nonfiction category, and recent Griffin Poetry Prize winner, Liz Howard judging the poetry entries.
“It’s very exciting that our judges are excited,” Wylie said. “They are looking forward to seeing what we can produce in the north.”
The contest is open to writers around the world. Wylie said on average, the annual writing contest sees more than 100 entries submitted across all five categories, but Wylie is anticipating that number will grow this year.
“It’s really exciting for NOWW members,” she said. “There’s been a lot of excitement. People are already starting to write and I think we can anticipate a lot more entries this year simply by having high caliber of judging. I think our writers are going to bring their best when they are having their work read by the best.”
Despite having such big names attached to this year’s contest, Wylie doesn’t think it will intimidate writers who may be thinking of entering the contest for the first time.
“I think it’s going to excite and encourage people,” she said. “It is an opportunity to have someone you look up to notice you. That excites people more than it scares people away.”
The contest closes on March 31, 2017 and winners will be announced at the NOWW Literary Gala on May 13, 2017. For contest rules, visit the Northwestern Ontario Writer’s Workshop website.
“It’s important to know that this contest isn’t just for seasoned writers,” Wylie said. “You can be somebody at home who has never tried to publish something or never tried to enter something and this is the contest for you.”
