Tomorrow begins yet another MUSKOKA NOVEL MARATHON! I’m writing this quick post to encourage this year’s writers to have the time of their lives and to encourage you, dear reader, to contribute to the fundraiser!
This annual novel writing marathon is so much more than a fundraiser. It has been the stepping stone I personally used to get into the world of novel writing. I wrote most of 17 or 18 novels at this 3-day writing event. I have lost track of the actual number of years that I have participated. Suffice it to say, this has been the one most important creative event of my life. It has changed my world.
Here’s the rundown, in case you’re not sure how the MUSKOKA NOVEL MARATHON works:
40 writers (give or take) gather in one building for 72 hours in Muskoka every JULY. Each one of those writers collect sponsorship donations up to and at the event. To date this event has raised well over $250,000.00. That’s a LOT of money! All monies raised goes directly to adult literacy programs in Huntsville and surrounding areas.
Fundraiser aside, each of the writers who participate attempt to write an entire novel during the 72 hour marathon. They can leave the building and stay in hotels overnight, OR they can stay in the building the entire marathon. I’ve seen us sleeping in chaise longues, in sleeping bags, and in little rolled up balls under desks through the years. It’s up to the writer how they want to spend their sleeping hours, or whether or not they want to even have sleeping hours.
The writers dine together for three meals a day, provided to them by donors and prepared for them by volunteers. Coffee is always on. The location is beautiful. Writers can step outside and walk to the lake for creative inspiration or a break from the madness.
At the end of the marathon, writers submit their raw un-edited manuscripts to the BEST NOVEL contest. There are different categories for this. Industry judges will spend the rest of the summer reading and judging the entered manuscripts. There is a BEST NOVEL AWARD for each category…awarded at the wrap-up ceremony in September. Winners have their novels forwarded to publishers for consideration and feedback.
After the money is collected by the participating writers, you could see how this event is about SO MUCH MORE than the fundraiser (even though the fundraiser is the most important aspect of the event). This is a life-changing creative event that has kick-started so many writers on their journeys! Until you participate in this event, you can’t imagine how mind-blowing it is.
I would like to wish this year’s writers a wonderful marathon experience! May all of your words be golden, and may your time together be memories to cherish! I am with you in spirit while my creativity takes a sabbatical.
All the photos shared here are from the 2017 Marathon.
Please consider donating to this worthy cause! All donations go directly to literacy programs. And all donations are tax deductible.
Here’s a link to the main marathon page: MUSKOKA NOVEL MARATHON
Here’s a link to THIS YEAR’S MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
When you click on a writer’s face on the above link, you will be taken to their own personal marathon page. Once you get to their page, you can click the green SUPPORT THIS WRITER button to make your donation. See the capture below:
Take a look at this little movie made years ago about the marathon. This was conceived by Sue Kenney and Bruce Pirrie and was created by over 12,000 photos. It’s quite an achievement!
This year’s MUSKOKA NOVEL MARATHON takes place Thursday July 16 – Sunday July 19, 2026 at the Port Sydney Community Hall.
HAPPY WRITING, MARATHONERS! May the force be with you!
KEVIN CRAIG 