Port Coquitlam residents can dream up a mystery story and see it told — and professionally illustrated — along a downtown pathway this year.
PoCo scribes are invited to take part in the May Days Flash Fiction Contest, which opens on Friday (April 15) and runs until May 15.
A partnership between the City of Port Coquitlam and Terry Fox Library, the initiative will see the grand prize-winning story displayed along the Donald Storywalk.
As well, the Top 3 winners will also get gift certificates from Western Sky Books that are sponsored by the PoCo Business Improvement Association.
Here are the contest rules: Entries must be a mystery story — up to a maximum of 750 words — that’s set in Port Coquitlam and contains a secret passage.
To enter, you're encouraged to visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays. The Donald Storywalk has its own link on the city's website as well: portcoquitlam.ca/storywalk.
Meanwhile, for literary inspiration, the city and library staff have also teamed up to create the following writing programs:
- Saturdays, April 16 to May 14, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Deep Dive into Short Fiction is a five-session registered program led by author Christina Myers that explores the basic elements and building blocks of flash fiction for new and emerging writers. The program includes learning materials, generative exercises to practise new concepts and techniques to help foster and grow your writing. Registration required at portcoquitlam.ca/register.
- Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Virtual Visit with Author Christina Myers. Myers will be doing a reading and an audience Q&A. Myers is a writer, editor and former journalist. She teaches creative non-fiction through SFU’s continuing studies creative writing department, and is the co-host of a reading series called Words in the Burbs. She is currently at work on a novel, a collection of essays and a picture book. The event is free. Visit https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/events to register.
- Saturday, May 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: Flash Fiction Contest Writing Workshop. Looking for inspiration and practical ideas to write or polish your Flash Fiction contest entry? Join Christina Myers for a free writing workshop focused on tips and tricks to help you complete your short story. Suitable for all experience levels. Register at portcoquitlam.ca/register. The event is in the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (small multi-purpose room).
