While several dozen authors toil away at the Muskoka Novel Marathon, members of the public are invited to take part in the first-ever Story Relay.
From July 11 to July 14, you can add your touch to one of three online collaborative stories and help support the Muskoka Literacy Council.
“Traditionally the marathon has been for writers and they have invited the public to come and see what’s happening and to support them, but there hasn’t been a way for them to be really involved,” said novel marathon committee member Paula Boon, who is the mastermind behind the Story Relay.
“As a writer, I found the marathon so much fun that I wanted to think of a way to let others have that experience. The novel marathon is a fundraiser, so I thought this would be a way to bring more attention and hopefully funds to the literacy council.”
Although the Story Relay was Boon’s idea, those who sit on the novel marathon committee brought something to it that Boon noted “is fantastic.” They invited three celebrity authors to write the beginnings to three different stories. These include Mel Malton, who has contributed the beginning of a mystery set at the novel marathon, Roy MacGregor, who has written the beginning of a more historical story, and Robert Munsch, who has provided the beginning of a children’s story.
“It’s exciting for people to be collaborating with these writers,” said Boon.
“People don’t have to be incredible, fantastic writers or storytellers to take part, they can just add a word or a phrase and there is also a place on the site that offers suggestions if you want to contribute but you’re stuck for ideas. People can contribute more than once if they want to.”
Go to www.huntsvilleforester.com and click on “Story Relay” to see the stories and/or contribute.
