Powell River Writers Conference

And the winner of the 2010 “So You Think You Can Write” Contest is Ernalee Alde!

Eighteen
By Ernalee Alde

 Alison slipped into the elevator and glanced at the young man wearing the bright yellow tee shirt.  Across it’s front were printed the words, ‘Taking It To The Next Level!’ 
He smiled at her. 
Alison looked away.  She didn’t feel like smiling.  Her job was making her miserable, but she couldn’t afford to quit.
 “Which floor?” 
 “Eleven.”
 “Are you sure?”
 Alison blinked at him.  “Excuse me?”
 The young man shrugged.
“The magazine on eighteen is looking for fresh writing talent.  I used to work there.  Great place.  You’d love it.”
 “How’d you know that I’m …?”
 The elevator doors whooshed open. 
The young man stepped out.  “Remember, eighteen.  Tell them Scott sent you.”
“Wait!”  Alison cried.  “If you liked it, why’d you leave?”
Scott’s grin widened.  “I got a great job offer that I couldn’t turn down.”
The eighteenth floor was like a different world for Alison.  Lively music enveloped her in a warm, cozy blanket of sound.
“I’m here to apply for the writing job,” she informed the receptionist.  Alison paused and then added, “Scott sent me.”
Eighteen – Page 2
“Scott?”  The woman’s eyes widened.  “Well, in that case, Mrs. Taylor’s office is the fifth door on the right.”
Alison was greeted by a white-haired woman, clad in crimson.
“Come in, dear!”  Mrs. Taylor gestured.  “Lucinda’s called me with the good news.  Scott’s amazing.  He always comes through.  Can you start tomorrow?”
“Wow … yes,” Alison blinked.  “But don’t you want to interview me?”
“No need.  If Scott sent you … you’re hired.”
“You must know Scott very well.”
“I did indeed.  He was my son.”
“Was?”
Mrs. Taylor nodded.  “Yes, Scott died seven years ago after a lengthy illness.  He teased that it was a job offer he couldn’t turn down.  He said he was, taking it to the next level.” 

*******************************************************************************

Ernalee did an excellent job of following the guidelines as listed below. When entering a contest, it is important to pay attention to them as ignoring them will get you disqualified no matter how good your writing may be.

 Writing Contest Guidelines

Story or poem will use this theme:
Taking it to the next level

#1. All entries to be submitted in standard format:
* * Times New Roman 12 pt. font
** Plain white 8 ½” x 11” size paper, one side only, double-spaced.
** Entries of more than one page require page numbers.

#2. Entries must not have been previously published.
 
#3. Entries may be submitted in the following genres:
**  20 lines of poetry  or
**  300 or less words of prose, word count noted on manuscript.
     Contestants may enter both poetry and prose, however a $5 entry fee
     must accompany each manuscript.

#4. Contestants name, address and phone number must appear on cover letter only. Contest entries containing contestant names or other identifying information on other pages will be disqualified.

#5. Enclose $5 with submission. Cheques payable to: Powell River Writers Conference. For further information email: prwriters@shaw.ca

#6. By accepting a prize, winners authorize Powell River Writers Conference Society to post winning entries and use winning entries for the purpose of promotion. All contestants retain copyright and all other publication rights to their work. Contest is open writers of all ages.

#7. 1st prize: Registration to 2010 conference or $100 cash. 2nd prize: $75 cash. 3rd prize: $50. Prizes and readings in front of an “American Idol” style panel April 30 at the opening ceremonies

#8. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 10/10

#9. No email entries. Mail entry(ies) and fee(s) to:

Powell River Writers Conference
#14- 7624 Duncan St.
Powell River, BC
V8A 5L2