In an era of hurried texting, 140-character tweets, Likes and “LOL’s,” a Vancouver businessman is sponsoring a writing contest about the city to encourage reflective, engaging writing. Ken Wyder, a Vancouver realtor and fourth-generation Bentall family member born and raised in the city, says he launched and is sponsoring the contest, called Why Vancouver? Why You? to support writers and writing at a time when attention spans are under siege.
“Are you a dog walker, lawyer, pedicurist, or activist?” He wonders: “What do you care about? Did you recently lose a loved one or just give birth? Why are you here? Did you graduate from school or check into rehab? What stirs your passions? Are you angry, happy, fearful or optimistic? Did you raise your red-mitten hands in 2010 or torch a cop car in 2011? You can dip into the dark side, but take us on a journey of hope.”
I love this I do think my writing skills have deteriorated thanks to social media and this is a great challenge to us all to take a moment and think about what Vancouver is to us perhaps?
PRIZES:
- First prize: $1000.
- Second prize: $500
- Third prize: $250.
CRITERIA:
The contest is open to amateur and professional writers of all ages who have a connection to Greater Vancouver. Submissions must be between 500 and 1000 words long. Authors can submit more than one piece. There is no entry fee. The deadline is July 15, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.
JUDGING:
Depending on the quantity of entries received, a certain number of qualifying essays will be posted on the site by September 15, 2014. Every qualifying entrant, his or her friends, family and network can vote online for their favourite essay until October 15. The 10 essays that receive the most votes will advance as semi-finalists.
Leave a Reply