The hall in Port Sydney was quiet when Doppler stopped in to see how the Novel Marathon was going last Friday.
Some participants furiously typed on their keypads, perhaps trying to record their fleeting inspiration on their screens; some rested on cots, and others walked quietly while looking rather pensive, probably trying to organize their thoughts before returning to their keyboards.
Event organizer Karen Wehrstein said it’s been five years since participants gathered in person. This year, the event was held at Port Sydney Hall for the first time. Twenty-nine participants signed up in total, seven of them online and some from as far away as Hawaii.
The Muskoka Novel Marathon started with just five participants in 2002 and has grown in popularity, particularly among writers. Participants raise funds for the YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka to help with literacy, numeracy, computer skills, and ESL courses. Since its inception, the Muskoka Novel Marathon has raised more than $230,000 for adult literacy programming in Muskoka. This year, its goal was to raise $10,000 – a goal it has managed to surpass.
Wehrstein said she is delighted the Marathon raised more than $12,000 so far, and donations will continue until September. “I’m thrilled we’re getting that amount because even though it’s not the kinds of amounts we used to get in the 2010s, it’s going back in that direction.” Fundraising peaked in 2016 with an amazing $36,000. “To get back into the five figures is really nice,” she said.
The Marathon lasts 72 hours and has two categories: adult and young adult/ juvenile. Depending on availability, Wehrstein explained that publishers may also provide feedback on some of the works.
The Muskoka Novel Marathon began last Thursday at 8 p.m. and finished Sunday at 8 p.m. Some slept on cots tucked on one side of the hall separated by a curtain, others commuted to and from their homes, and some rented hotel rooms for the event.
A final tally will be announced at a later date.
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