short
story contest
honours first Canadian mystery writer Wolfe Island's Scene of the Crime Festival is launching its 2006
short story contest in time to mark the birth date of Canada's first
crime writer.
The contest opens February 24 - the birth date of Grant Allen, born
on Wolfe Island in 1848 - and is open to writers who are previously
unpublished in the mystery or crime genre.
Organizers say the contest, introduced four years ago, has seen
entries from across the country.
"Last year we were delighted to see Canadians from the Maritimes
to British Columbia turning to crime," jokes contest co-ordinator
Violette Malan. "Since Canadian crime writing started with a
Wolfe Islander, it seems fitting the Island be a centre for promoting
new writers from across the country."
Deadline for entries is May 15, 2006. (You can read the contest
rules.)
Winners will be announced June 30 and presented with their prizes
at the annual Scene of the Crime Festival on Saturday, Aug. 19.
First prize is $50 and publication in Kingston Life Magazine. Second
and third prizes are $25 gift certificates from Kingston's Novel
Idea bookstore.
The Scene Of The Crime Festival was launched to honour Canada's
first crime writer, Grant Allen, born at his family home on Wolfe
Island, the manor of the Baron de Longueuil family. The first Canadian
to write crime stories, Allen invented one of the most popular plot
conceits of the genre and was a good friend of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Allen went on to become one of the
most prolific writers of the Victorian period and invented a plot
staple, the thief who is actually the hero of the story.
For more information about the short story contest, contact Violette
Malan by telephone at 613-272-3591.
Information and tickets for the Scene of the Crime Festival are
available by email at [email protected] or by contacting Maureen
Lollar at 613-385-2540.
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