Dec 3, 2015
Vancouver, BC – With the December 20 deadline fast approaching, Langara College’s English Department is seeking final submissions for the third annual Postcard Story Contest. Current Langara students are challenged to write a concise yet evocative 250-word postcard story—fiction or non-fiction—accompanied by an illustration or photo to complement the story. A $100 prize is awarded for first place while the runner-up receives $50.
While cash prizes are an obvious perk, many contestants are motivated by the opportunity for exposure.
“Perhaps the most enticing prize for aspiring writers is the opportunity to have their work published across so many platforms,” explains Caroline Harvey, Langara English instructor and coordinator of the annual competition. “Contest winners will see their work featured on the Langara website, in the library, and in The Voice and W49th Magazine, Langara's journal of award-winning student writing. There is even an opportunity for the winners to be part of a student reading at The Railway Club.”
According to Harvey, past submissions have been as diverse as the students who participate. Story subjects and images have ranged from road trips to alien customers to boxed surprises.
“Most writing is inspired by visions, whether they be glimpses from a coffee shop window or something conjured on a sleepless night,” says Harvey. “This contest taps into that creative process. Nowadays, with all these camera phones, I know 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.”
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 something about life – and about how to communicate one’s vision about life.”
The deadline to submit stories and images is December 20, 2014. Winners are announced on January 20, 2015. For more details, including full contest rules and information about previous winners, visit www.langara.bc.ca/postcard-contest. For the next two weeks, email submissions will also be accepted; please send your entries to Caroline Harvey at charvey@langara.bc.ca.
A four-judge panel from Langara’s English Department determines the winning entries. If there are ties, the department brings in a tie-breaking judge.
Above: 2014 Postcard Story Contest winners. The winning images and stories from this year’s contest are available online at www.langara.bc.ca/postcard-contest.
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:
Geoff Smith
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5014
geoffreysmith@bc.langara.ca