2nd Annual Postcard Story Contest
The 2010 contest is now closed and we have selected the winners. We received over 70 enteries and we thank all our participants.
The 2010 Winners are:
First Place Winner: One free 2010 Women’s Words course and your entry published in Other Voices: Journal of the Literary and Visual Arts – www.othervoices.ca
Canned by Dorene Redshaw of Edmonton, AB
“Original and quirky, Canned is a brave little piece that “imbed[s] a dinkie car into the middle” of our expectations about making berry jam. Dramatic and engaging, the writer challenges us to accept her story on a whim -- to soak it up like the sun on her strawberry patch without sticky fingers. Her writing is controlled, the story risqué, and the results dazzling. You won’t forget this one.”
Second Place Winner: $100 coupon towards a Women’s Words course
Picking Berries by Audrey Shield of Barrhead, AB
“An evocative weaving of voice, memories and time, with poetic specificity, the story conveys an entire lifetime. Simply lovely.”
Third Place Winner: $50 coupon towards a Women’s Words course
My Turn by Paddy Chitty of Hamilton, ON
“Clarity, precision, artistic detail, and honesty are the qualities found in My Turn. A winning combination.”
A high-ranking "Honourable Mention":
Family Ties by Catherine Lepard of Edmonton, AB
A unique take both thematically and structurally. It sounds so innocent and clear – the tone is right. Nice ironic twist. Lots of implications in this story.
To hear the winning entry pieces being read by the authors, and meet the judges – please join us during Summer Writing Week at our evening event on Thursday, June 10th.
What can you do with 250 words?
Using this painting as inspiration:
write a postcard story (maximum length: 250 words) and email it by March 22nd 2010 to womenswords@extn.ualberta.ca.
The ability to distill one’s prose is rarely easy. But when every detail is essential, every word irreplaceable, that is when your writing excels.
The Postcard Story is the quintessential example of distilled prose. The concept is simple: write a story that can fit on a postcard. And like a postcard, the postcard story is a snapshot of life: infinite in possibility, limited only by space.
- First prize: one free Women’s Words course
The story will be published in the fall 2010 issue of Other Voices Magazine: Journal of the Literary and Visual Art - Second prize: $100 towards a Women’s Words course
- Third prize: $50 towards a Women’s Words course
Include the following information with your story:
- Your name
- Story title and word count
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- How you found out about the contest
Email your entry to womenswords@extn.ualberta.ca by March 22nd. Entries can also be mailed to:
Women’s Words Postcard Story Contest
Liberal Studies, Faculty of Extension
2-200 Enterprise Square
10230 Jasper Ave
Edmonton, AB
T5J 4P6
“It is with words as with sunbeams. The more they are condensed, the deeper they burn.” ~ R. Southey
2009 Contest
We had 55 entries, and are delighted by the thought and creativity that went into each of them. Thank you to all who participated. And congratulations to our 2009 winners!
2009 Winners:
1st place (1 Women's Words course)
—Claire Russell, “Iris’s Writing Group”
2nd place ($100 towards a Women's Words course)
—Neha Sonpar, “Not Made in Canada”
3rd place ($50 towards a Women's Words course)
—Judy Walker, “WWW”
2009 Judges:
• Lynn Coady, Writer in Residence, U of A Department of English and Film Studies
• Shirley Serviss, Writer in Residence, Canadian Authors Association AB Branch
• Conni Massing, Writer in Residence, Edmonton Public Library