Melanie Watson’s Alone, a look at a couple that moves to the wilderness to escape a deadly and mysterious disease, won the first ever Timmins Public Library Write It to Win It short story contest.
“The first place winner is Melanie Watson,” called out Councillor Michael Doody, the MC for the event. "She wins for her short story Alone.”
“It is great to be recognized for something you really like to do,” Watson said. “I had a great time writing this and I hope you will get a chance to read it to and enjoy it.”
Melanie Watson is a teacher at Earl Miller Public School, in Timmins, who is off on maternity leave at the moment.
“I have always loved to write, but recently while on maternity leave, I have been able to write more, in between chasing after my kids,” Watson said.
“I have been writing in different genres including short story writing and poetry,” she added.
'Alone' is about a couple that moves to the wilderness to avoid a deadly infectious disease outbreak.
“The story takes place in Ontario, and focuses on the mental and psychological aspect of having to contend with a catastrophe that could potentially be fatal,” explained Watson.
Watson has also written children’s books and a collection of poems that she hopes to publish.
The second place prize went to Mike Bueller for The Boy, a story about the impact of bullying on a young boy.
“I want to thank the organizers, the Library and the sponsors, Goldcorp and the Daily Press,” Bueller said. “It’s fun to write and to have someone reading it is just a thrill.”
Councillor Doody announced that The Message by Laura Kelly was the third place winner.
The announcement of the winners of the Write It to Win It Short Story Contest was made on Wednesday, October 19 during Public Library Week in Ontario, which ran from October 17 to 23.
“Libraries across Ontario are celebrating the important role that libraries play in our everyday lives," said Carol Anne Churcher, Executive Director of the Timmins Public Library.
“Libraries are centres of our community, offering space for people to meet, learn, connect and grow,” she pointed out. “The tag line on our promotional poster for this event said ‘A visit will get you thinking’ ”.
Residents of Timmins are invited to visit the Timmins Public Library online or in person.
“In person, you will find youth and adult clubs, senior information sessions, genealogy research, children’s programming, computers and tablet training, 3D-Printing and a fantastic local history collection and so much more,” she said.
“You can also visit us online from work and home to borrow e-books, download audio books, to instruct your children with on-line story books and even to learn a language,” Churcher added.
“The Write It to Win It Initiative has been yet another successful endeavour we have embarked on for the first time this year,” said Churcher said.
Church also thanked the three judges and Councillor Doody, who is also chair of the library board, for being the MC.
Special thanks were sent to Feather Luke, who organized, and looked after the contest, but who was not present at the awards ceremony due to a family emergency.
“We put out a challenge and you responded,” Churcher said. “We are so pleased with the level of participation in the short story contest.”
“I congratulate each one of you on submitting your stories,” stated Churcher. “That in itself is an accomplishment.”
“No matter what the results I encourage you to keep writing and someday your name will be on the list of winners,” she added.
