Writers, judges, grateful YMCA officials and family members gathered at the Y office in Huntsville on Sept. 21 to celebrate and share happy memories of the first in-person Muskoka Novel Marathon since 2019—and to present the winners their trophies.
The Novel Marathon, which took place in mid-July at the Port Sydney Community Centre, is a creative hothouse/contest where writers pound out the best work they can for 72 intense hours, vying for the opportunity to send their manuscript directly to a waiting publisher. It is also a fundraiser for local literacy and related education through YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka’s learning programs.
“The YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the writers and volunteers of the Muskoka Novel Marathon,” says Danielle Neilson, Event Co-ordinator for the Y. “I had an opportunity to visit, and the atmosphere was creative and infectious and exciting and unique. There aren’t many events that give you an exclusive opportunity to spend 72 hours being creative while also fundraising. This is a designated three days to nurture the creative soul.”
According to Team Leader of Learning Services Ashley McGee, the Y has been able to expand its offerings in part due to Marathon funds. As well as literacy classes in Huntsville, Parry Sound and south Muskoka, the Y has been able to provide a robust English as a Second Language with a new instructor, give refurbished laptops to computer skills graduates, offer training in employability skills, reach learners in remote locations, and much more.
The final fundraising total for Muskoka Novel Marathon 2024 was $13,220—the highest total since Covid broke out.
Here are the award winners:
Judged Awards:
Best Novel in the Adult category: Cara Shiedel (Utterson – in her rookie year!)
Best Novel in the Young Adult/Juvenile category: now three-time Best Novel winner Jennifer Turney (Huntsville)
Quantitative Awards:
Most Prolific Award: Catherine Neal (Mississauga) who won this award last year by writing 26,559 words, but outdid herself this year by writing 30,340.
Remington Award (for the writer who raises the most funds): Paula Boon (Huntsville), who raised $1,255 – though a very honourable mention goes to judge Tracey Skochil, who isn’t eligible for the writer-only award but nonetheless raised $2,350.
Peer-Voted Awards:
Rookie of the Year Award: James Whitehill (Barrie), age 11, who wrote alongside his mother Tracey Lapham-White—who herself won this same award at the 2006 Marathon, aged 13.
Spirit Award, for the writer who best demonstrates the spirit of the Marathon: Jade Wilson-Watson (Toronto)
Bum-in-Chair Award, for the writer who shows the best dedication by time spent at the keyboard: Kevin Craig (North York)
Techie Award, for the writer who most helps other writers with technical problems: KM Wehrstein (Huntville)
Award for Marathon Volunteer:
Star Volunteer Award (given to the Marathon by the Y in 2021 to annually recognize a volunteer for outstanding service): Cheryl Stamper (Huntsville) – the Marathon’s long-time and steadfast Co-Judge Liaison, Manuscripts.