Muskoka Novel Marathon

At 8 p.m. on a Thursday in July, a maximum of 40 writers will sequester themselves at the Port Sydney Community Hall, as well as more writers on Zoom, to begin a 72-hour literary blitz. These participants in the Muskoka Novel Marathon will work until 8 p.m. on Sunday, and then many of them will submit their manuscripts to a panel of judges who will choose the best stories in two categories. Winning submissions are sent to a publisher who has agreed to read the manuscripts and provide feedback. Since the event began, some 15 manuscripts started at the marathon have gone on to be published, including one that became an international bestseller (_Still Mine_ by Amy Stuart.)

The event's broader purpose is to raise funds for free programs in Muskoka for adults who struggle with literacy barriers, providing much-needed support the diverse educational programs offered through the Simcoe-Muskoka YMCA. Over the years we have helped the Y provide literacy, numeracy and computer skills classes, hire instructors and upgrade their IT equipment, and in recent years we've done much to enable the Y to meet a burgeoning demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, empowering new Canadians to enter and help sustain and build the local and national economies. With our help, the Y program grew from offering services only in Huntsville to adding Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Parry Sound.

To register to participate, donate, sponsor or volunteer, visit our website and use "contact us" if necessary.