Sep 11, 2015
Vancouver, BC – Calling all storytellers! Langara College’s English Department is now accepting submissions for the 2015 Postcard Story Contest.
If you have a skill for keeping it short and sweet, we want to hear from you. Tacky romances, creepy mysteries, an ironic slice-of-life-moment or a vapid urban adventure - we want them all!
In its fourth year, the Contest is open to any current Langara student. The challenge is to write a concise yet evocative 250-word postcard story. It may be fiction or non-fiction, and must be accompanied by an illustration or photo that complements the story.
"Most writing is inspired by visions, whether they be glimpses from a coffee shop window or something conjured on a sleepless night," says Caroline Harvey, Langara English instructor and coordinator of the annual competition. "This contest taps into that creative process. Everyone seems to have a camera phone these days, and people are taking an astounding number of photos that reflect an astounding number of untold stories. With this contest, perhaps students will be inspired to tell one of those stories."
A panel of four judges from Langara's English Department will determine the winning entries.
A $100 prize is awarded to the first place entry; the second place winner will receive $50. Both winners will also be featured in future editions of various Langara-produced publications, including W49, Langara's award-winning magazine of student writing. In this way, the contest brings together collaborations with other Langara programs such as Journalism and Creative Writing.
According to Harvey, submissions over the years have been as diverse as the students who participate. Story subjects and images have ranged from apocalyptic road trips to haunting heirlooms to sinister closets. In particular, Harvey remembers one clever entry that had a line of shoes set against a wall and the story was about parking. Ultimately, Harvey hopes the contest reveals something to the student:
"Whenever a student commits to telling a story, to crafting and creating, to hours of meditating over the right word and the right phrasing, it's always a journey that helps the student discover someething about life - and about how to communicate one's vision about life."
The deadline to submit stories and images is December 20, 2015. Winners are announced on January 20, 2016. For more details, including full contest rules and information about previous winners, visit www.langara.ca/postcard-contest.
For more information about the 2015 Postcard Story Contest, contact Caroline Harvey at charvey@langara.ca.
About Langara
Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path.
Media Contact:
Carly Barrett
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5176
cbarrett@langara.bc.ca