Announcing the 2016 EWF Short Story Contest winners!

It all started here...

We received almost 100 entries to our contest this year, and our judges have spent the last six weeks reading, considering, evaluating and making their selections.

Finally, the decisions have been made and here they are, the winners of the 2016 EWF Short Story Contest:

In the YOUTH category (age 14 and under)

(Judges: Lisa Dalrymple, Lisa MacColl, Kira Vermond)

First Prize

Madeline Vukovic for Dear World

Second Prize

Becca Swan for The Journey

Third Prize

J. Zimmerman for The Most Colourful Climbing Tree

The final round of judging also included:

Jiya Gangwani Believe

Joshua Doupe I Am an Orange

Jonah Doupe One Cold Day

Benjamin Richards 240 Hours

Turner Duldhart Opportunity Knocks

Mariana Lalla My Family

In the TEEN category (age 15-19)

(Judges: Heather Wright, Heather Debling)

First Prize

Eric Bernhardt for October’s Storm

Second Prize

Candice Rubie for Gloves

Third Prize

Hunter Gutman for Itch

The final round of judging also included:

Cate Newman In Search of the Elusive Moonflower

Madeline Burgess It’s Not a Mistake

Sammy Beynon Stalemate

A.C. Franklin Reflections

Emma Chiera Advancements

In the ADULT category (age 20 and older)

(Judges: Bieke Stengos, Lisa McLean, Francis Baker, Michael Hale)

First Prize

Tammy Gilbert for If You’re Gonna Live

Second Prize

Vera Constantineau for Searching for Peace

Third Prize

Melanie Scott for Jump

The final round of judging also included:

David S. Cross White

Mary Steer Miracle at IKEA

Katrine Raymond Fifteen Minutes

Lisa MacColl A Day at the Park

Marion Reidel The Diagnosis

Kim Murray The School Bus Graveyard

Lori Twining Seashells, Swans and Ice Cream

Congratulations to the contest winners, and a special thank-you to our hard-working judges.

Thanks also to our two sponsors, The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington (Youth category), and the Elora Arts Council (Teen category), two organizations which join us in recognizing the importance of supporting and encouraging young writers.

During the intermission of the 2016 Elora Writers’ Festival on Sunday, May 29 (1-4 p.m.), any winners in attendance will receive their prizes – along with a big round of applause from the Festival audience and authors.

And speaking of the Festival authors, here’s our fantastic line-up, in case you missed it:

J.M. Frey – The Untold Tale (Fantasy and beyond – think “ComicCon goes wild”)

Dietrich Kalteis – The Deadbeat Club  (Gritty crime thriller of the noir persuasion)

Douglas Gibson – Across Canada by Story  (Behind the scenes with some of Canada’s favourite authors)

Pamela Mordecai – Red Jacket (Joyful Caribbean heart and voice)

Terry Fallis – Poles Apart (Feminism rules! But wait a minute….)

Please join us! You can reserve and pick up tickets at Roxanne's Reflections Book and Card Shop in Fergus (Phone 519-843-4391) or by ordering online through the Theatre on the Grand box office (find the link to their ticketing website, here.)

Festival 2016: Stay tuned!

The Elora Writers’ Festival Committee is hard at work lining up our usual fabulous line-up of authors for Festival 2016. Yes, we know that funny-guy Terry Fallis and Canadian publishing icon DouglasGibson will be joining us. And local Sci-Fi/Fantasy writer J.M. Frey. And all the way from Vancouver, noir mystery writer Dietrich Kalties. And – well, stay tuned for more news. Coming soon…!

We’re already looking ahead to Festival 2016 – and so should you!

Does May 2016 seem just too far away?

Not to us!

The Festival committee is already hard at work, talking to authors, looking for sponsors (Interested? Let us know!), making some changes and getting excited about what is going to be a fantastic afternoon of books, readings and schmoozing in literary luxury on Sunday, May 29 in Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. 

We’ve already lined up two terrific authors. (Keep reading…)

And we’re talking about hosting our second annual Books & Beer event this winter too. Details TBA.

Okay, so, Festival 2016:

We’re changing up the format a bit. No more standing like wallflowers at a dance, gathered awkwardly around the perimeter of the hall, trying to juggle wine glasses, delicious snacks and a coherent Q&A with the authors during the post-reading reception. This year, our five authors will take over the stage – together! – for the last session of the afternoon.

Don’t worry – there will be food! But this year you’ll be able to sit comfortably and enjoy the fun. And yes, there will still be lots of opportunities to chat with the authors, up close and personal, throughout the afternoon.

As soon as last year’s festival ended, the committee was already talking about who to invite this year, and there was one name we all agreed on: a two-time presenter, a wonderful reader, and a terrific author too! Stephen Leacock Award-winner Terry Fallis will join us for the third time (apparently he loves coming to Elora as much as we love having him!). His latest comic novel, Poles Apart, comes out October 20.

We’ve also lined up Douglas Gibson, editor, publisher and author of the memoir Across Canada by Story: A Coast-to-Coast Literary Adventure (which, incidentally, is also a stage show) to share his insider knowledge of the Canadian literary icons he’s worked with over the course of a 40-year career in publishing. (Will he dish some dirt on his friend Terry Fallis? We shall see...)

Our committee said good-bye to long-time members Patricia Reimer and David Campbell, but new faces have joined us around the table, and new ideas are burbling. We’ll introduce our revamped committee soon.

Some things will not change, of course: our commitment to providing an afternoon of entertaining, thought-provoking readings by Canadian authors; our invitation to meet the authors face-to-face and buy their books at our on-site Festival bookstore (provided by Roxanne’s Reflections of Fergus); and our promise that you’ll have a unique and rewarding afternoon as part of the best little literary festival in Ontario (OK. Bragging a little….!)

And don’t forget the EWF Writing Contest! Some things are untouchable, and the contest falls into that category. Writers of all ages – get working on those short stories. We’ll kick things off later this fall.

It’s October and we’re already looking ahead to May 29, 2016. Hope you are too.

Feeling nostalgic? Here's a look back...

Author Brad Smith (right) on the Q&A hot seat with Festival quizmaster,
Dave Beynon at January's Books & Beer event at the Drew House in Elora.

Mystery writer Ian Hamilton in action at the 2015 Festival (later we surprised him
with a chorus of Happy Birthday and big, very big, cake...)

At Festival 2015, Kim Moritsugu left us laughing - during her reading,
and later in the Q&A.

In 2014, graphic novelist Scott Chantler wowed us with his tales
of war heroes.

Hey! Isn't that Terry Fallis (far right)? Yup. The year was 2013, and Terry
was making his second appearance at our festival. Here, he's joined
by fellow authors (left to right) Carrie Snyder, Robert Rotenberg and
Festival Contest sponsor, Ron MacKinnon.

Guess what happened during the Intermission of Festival 2015...! (Hint: Think "writing contest")

Festival 2015 was a huge success - but so was our annual writing contest, and we had an opportunity to recognize and honour our winners during the Intermission (to great applause from audience and authors!)

The results of this year's contest can be found here: 2015 EWF Short Story Contest Winners

Contest Chair Jean Mills with Anna Armstrong, who won an
Honourable Mentionin the Adult category for her story "To the Island and Back"
(Photo Dale Mills)

Melanie Scott is presented with Second Prize in the Adult category
for her story "The Surrogate"
(Photo Dale Mills)

But that list doesn't begin to describe the excitement - and sometimes astonishment! - of the accomplished writers whose stories were selected by our panels of judges.

And speaking of judges, let's take a moment to acknowledge their efforts in reading, considering and selecting the winners. They told me judging was a real challenge because of the many excellent stories to choose from.

The incredible line-up of judges this year included Kitchener-Waterloo writers Sharon Blomfield, whose travel articles have appeared in many Canadian and international publications, Lisa MacColl, a busy freelancer and blogger, and Heather Wright, author of a series of fantasy novels for kids as well as three writing guidebooks, including Writing Fiction: A Hands-On Guide for Teens. Also among the judges were Guelph’s Kira Vermond, whose books for young readers, The Secret Life of Money and Growing up Inside and Out were nominated for the OLA’s Red Maple award; short story author LisaMcLean; Guelph poet and author Bieke Stengos; playwright and author Heather Debling; Wellington Advertiser award-winning columnist Kelly Waterhouse; and Fergus’s Lisa Dalrymple, author of the children’s picture book Skink on the Brink. 

Oh yes - and let's not forget another valuable member of our judging panel: 2015 Elora Writers' Festival author Barbara Kyle!

Our sponsors also deserve a round of applause. The Elora Arts Council has sponsored our Teen writing category for many years, an indication of how much creative writing matters to our local arts community and its leaders. And every year, the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington shows its support for youth literacy and creativity by sponsoring our Youth category. We are grateful for the generosity and support from these two organizations.

In the week before the Festival, I had the opportunity to visit a school in Waterloo Region to meet three young writers who had won prizes in the Youth category. Yes, three writers from one school, all in the top five!

And in the week after the Festival, a teacher at another school contacted me to ask if her class could read the winning entries - so that they could have a better idea of what to work on for next year's contest. (After receiving approval from some of the winning writers, I sent those stories along. One teacher who helped facilitate the process said: "The girls were beaming with pride!")

Creative writing is important. That's what our little contest is all about. Thanks to everyone who contributed in some way - writers, teachers, parents, judges and those of you who applauded so enthusiastically while the winners were announced and prizes presented. 

Stay tuned for news of our 2016 contest!

Have you got your tickets for the 2015 Elora Writers' Festival, Sun. May 24?

It's time to buy, reserve or pick up your ticket to the 2015 Elora Writers' Festival featuring authors Barbara Kyle, Michael Hale, Clifford Jackman, Tasneem Jamal, Ian Hamilton and Kim Moritsugu. 

It's all happening on Sunday, May 24, 2015, 1-4 p.m., at Aboyne Hall, Wellington County Museum and Archives. Tickets are $25 and include the readings as well as a wine-and-nibbles reception afterwards, which offers a Q&A with the authors -- and a chance to schmooze one-on-one, too.

You can reserve and pick up tickets at Roxanne's Reflections Book and Card Shop in Fergus (Phone 519-843-4391) or order online through the Theatre on the Grand box office (find the link to their ticketing website, here).

Come and be read to! Please join us - and these six outstanding Canadian authors - at the 2015 Elora Writers' Festival.

We join forces with Wellington Brewery for Books & Beer, featuring author Brad Smith

Coming in January: Our first evening of Books & Beer!

It’s a go!

Author Brad Smith, who read at our 2014 Festival, will make a return visit to Elora to share some dark, dry, “country noire” mystery writing with us at The Drew House on Thursday, January 22.

And yes, there will be beer, thanks to Wellington Brewery.

What to expect? A reading and some schmoozing with Brad, and perhaps a little interactive fun for anyone who’s keen, all in the intimate setting of the historic Drew House. In other words, books, beer and people who enjoy both.

Tickets $15, available at Roxanne’s Reflections, 152 St. Andrew St. West, Fergus (519-843-4391). Contact elorawritersfestival@gmail.com for more information.

We hope you can join us to support the 2015 Elora Writers’ Festival.

Questions? Email us at elorawritersfestival (at) gmail.com

Announcing the 2014 EWF Short Story Contest

We're back!

     After taking a year off, the 10th EWF writing contest returns to welcome local writers of any age or experience to win prizes for their unpublished short stories exploring the theme Home.

     Writers in Wellington, Waterloo, Dufferin, Grey-Bruce, Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth counties/regions are encouraged to submit their short stories to the new and revamped 2014 EWF Short Story Contest, a feature of the 20th annual Elora Writers’ Festival taking place on Sunday, May 25 in Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.

The winners will be announced here, on the Festival blogsite at noon on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Prizes will be presented to any winners attending the Elora Writers’ Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2014.  Attendance at the Elora Writers’ Festival is not required in order to win a prize.

Contest judges include Kitchener-Waterloo writers Sharon Blomfield, whose travel articles have appeared in many Canadian and international publications, and Heather Wright, author of Writing Fiction: A Hands-On Guide for Teens. Also among the judges are Guelph’s Kira Vermond, whose book for young readers, The Secret Life of Money was nominated for the OLA’s Red Maple award; short story author Lisa McLean; playwright and author Heather Debling; Wellington Advertiser reporter and columnist Kelly Waterhouse; and Fergus’s Lisa Dalrymple, author of the children’s picture book Skink on the Brink.

Why this year’s local focus? Past EWF writing contests attracted submissions from writers across North America and around the world, but this year – the Festival’s 20th Anniversary – the focus is on celebrating the community that has faithfully shared in the annual afternoon of readings by such diverse Canadian literary stars as Nino Ricci, Louise Penny, Terry Fallis, Thomas King, Priscilla Uppal, Jean Little – and so many more. This year, The Elora Writers’ Festival welcomes readers and writers Home.

Contest Details

Eligibility: Residents of Wellington, Waterloo, Dufferin and Hamilton-Wentworth counties

Deadline:  Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 4, 2014  Thursday, April 17.

Categories:  Adult (20+) 2000 words; Teen (14-19) 2000 words; Youth (13 and under) 1000 words.

Theme: Home (whatever that means to each individual writer…)

How to Enter:  Mail your story – typed, double-spaced (double-sided is acceptable) – to EWF Short Story Contest, c/o Elora Arts Council, PO Box 3084, Elora ON N0B 1S0. Include a title page with name, contact information including email, and title of submission. To ensure blind judging, the author’s name should not appear anywhere on the story manuscript. Writers of shortlisted stories will be asked to send an electronic copy of their story for final judging.

Entry Fee:  Please note that submissions to the Adult category (20 and older) must include a $15 entry fee.

Prizes:  Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. 

Adult: $200, $150, $100

Teen: $200, $150, $100

Youth: $150, $100, $50

Contact:  For more information, contact Jean Mills, the Contest Chair, at EWFwritingcontest@gmail.com

Update:

The deadline has been extended. Go here for details!!http://elorawritersfestival.blogspot.ca/2014/04/wake-up-ewf-short-story-contest.html

We need you...

Illustration: Michael Hale

Dear friends of, and strangers to, the Elora Writers' Festival.
     It's a new year (for me, the year really starts in September) and now is the time to embellish your connection to this blog spot—and to the Elora Writers' Festival.
     Have you read a wonderful book lately—or a really disappointing one? And need to share your feelings and thoughts about it with the rest of the world?
     Why not post a review of it, here? On our blog spot. What readers think—regular, book-buying readers—is very important to us; you are our audience!
     And if you are a budding writer the formal demands of such a modest project go a long way in improving you writing skills. You will be amazed at what you're really thinking about, what your true opinion of a book is, once you put the Muse into top gear.
     Try it.
     If you don't like it, remember: It's the "shitty first draft" and you should let it get "cold" for a day or two and come back to it later.
     There are no deadlines here. But keep in mind that successful writers learn to impose their own deadlines.

When you're ready, get in touch with us through the blue-framed "Contact Us" box below.

Independent bookstores... value added

The staff members of our our local bookstore always go out of their way to know exactly what's on their shelves. Especially all the books by the authors that will be reading at this year's Elora Writiers' Festival.

Find out more about the Festival and Robert Rotenberg here...

And get The Guilty Plea, and all of Robert's other books here...