Seventy-two-hour marathon will raise money for adult literacy initiatives in Huntsville
By Gillian Brunette
By Gillian Brunette
On Friday, July 20 at 8 p.m., a bell will be rung at the Adult Education Centre on Centre Street, marking the beginning of the sixth annual Huntsville Festival of the Arts Muskoka Novel Marathon (MNM).
Over 72 hours, a diverse group of writers will pound out as many words as possible in the hope that when the closing bell rings at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 23, their manuscript will be one of three chosen to be sent to a publisher for review and possible publication.
The organizers have decided this year that with so many participants it will be difficult to choose just one winner from manuscripts that are intended for diverse audiences. To that end there will be awards presented in three categories – adult, young adult and juvenile.
WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Muskoka Novel Marathon veteran Paula Boon (left) gives some advice to rookie marathoner Tracy Nita Pender. Both Forester staffers will be writing away at the Adult Education Centre this weekend as part of the Muskoka Literacy Council's annual fundraiser.The marathon’s rules are strict. Writers may bring a one-page draft outline only. It is not a time for writer’s block. As noted last year by participant Karen Wehrstein, caffeinated beverages are crucial, while sleeping and eating are optional.
What began five years ago with just three writers has blossomed into an event with 30 participants. Muskoka mystery writer Mel Malton, one of the original three, launched her novel for young readers The Drowned Violin (which was conceived during the first MNM) on the eve of last year’s event. To date, several novels begun at the MNM have been published.
This year’s opening ceremonies are being held at the Hideaway Pub and will celebrate past and present MNM writers and their writings. A Muskoka Novel Marathoner’s Bookstore will offer their books for sale.
As well, there will be a special screening of Flipbook, a four-minute film based on last year’s event, co-produced by writers Sue Kenney and Bruce Pirrie with a Bravo/FACT grant supported by Bravo! New Style Arts Channel. Copies of the DVD will be available for purchase.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the evening is open to the general public. There is a cover charge of $5.
Each marathon participant will be collecting pledges to benefit programs offered by the Muskoka Literacy Council (MLC) in Huntsville to adults with educational barriers.
“The numbers are staggering – more than 30 per cent of adults nationally and higher in the Muskoka region are considered to have literacy barriers,” said Susan Lowe, MLC president.
“Our organization provides a safe and sensitive learning environment for adults over the age of 19, or teens younger who have been out of school for a year.”
MLC programs provide adults with confidential, one-to-one and small group learning in numeracy, literacy, computers, pre-employment and life skills. Volunteer tutors are committed to ensuring that their students acquire the life skills and knowledge necessary to participate fully in their workplace and community. A recent partnership with Georgian College enables adults to access academic upgrading at MLC for community college entry.
For more information on the MNM, call 789-1850 or e-mail literacy@vianet.ca.
