Manuscript Format

On July 1, 2016December 29, 2022 By Sara WalkerIn For WritersLeave a comment

While other markets have their own guidelines for how they want manuscript submissions, here’s how to format your work to submit to Kawartha Lakes Stories.

Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

Spacing: double space between the lines; single space between sentences

Indents: indent paragraphs 1/2-inch

Breaks: indicate breaks in the story with # centred on a line of its own

Page One

Top Left Corner: your real name, mailing address, phone number, email address (single-spaced between the lines)
Top Right Corner: approximate word count (round up or down to the nearest 100 words)
Halfway Down The Page: story title, pen name
Story

Page Two and subsequent pages

Top Right Corner: last name / title / page #

Have a look:

Page One:

Page Two and subsequent pages:

File Format
Send manuscript as Word .doc file or Pages file.

Do not send .pdf or any other type of file.

Submit Questions in comments below.

Interview with Stefan Ellery, Kawartha Lakes Stories contributor

On June 28, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

What is your story about?

My story is about a cello player who is let go from an orchestra in Toronto. He heads up to the Kawarthas to find out where he and his music belong. While he is in the town of Lindsay he hears the sound of a flute playing which draws him to explore its source.

What inspired you to write this story?

I am a daydreamer and I often place myself in another world when I am walking. This idea occurred during a sunny day while I walked up Victoria Street. The day felt unreal and enchanting and I had music running through my head at the time. The story was drawn out of the senses I was using at the time.

How long have you lived in Kawartha Lakes? What attracted you to the area?

I came to Lindsay because of work. It was 2003 and SARS had it. I worked in a hotel and business came to a halt. Fear of loosing my job prompted me to look for work in the public sector. The job I found happened to be in Lindsay.

What do you like about living in Kawartha Lakes? What do you wish you could tell non-residents about Kawartha Lakes?

I enjoy the fact that there are lakes and rivers near by. It fulfilled my desire to kayak which was difficult to do when I lived in Toronto. Explore, there are many places to walk, fish and boat and sometimes the best spots are hidden. If you come up here make sure to bring your rod.

What else do you write? Where can readers find more of your writing?

I am a multi-genre author and I have written two YA paranormal novels, 3 short horrors and a children’s book. I am currently editing a Sci-Fi that I hope to have out this year. You can find a list of some of my works on www.stefanellery.com and you can also find my works on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks and Barnes & Noble. My work is available in electronic format and print.

Interview with Vivienne Barker, Kawartha Lakes Stories contributor

On June 26, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

What is your story about?

A couple from London, England who have lost the magic in their marriage, accept the offer of a free holiday in Toronto. Things don’t go to plan with their hosts and they relocate to a grand cottage in the Kawartha’s. The experience of city dwellers left to their own devices in cottage country might have been a challenge, but a visit from a strange man, claiming to be a Shaman brings renewed hope for their marriage.

What inspired you to write this story?

That has to remain a secret.

How long have you lived in Kawartha Lakes? What attracted you to the area?

5 years (3 full time, 2 as weekenders) Even though I lived in Ontario cities for over 35 years, I never felt at home and hated the hustle and bustle. Kawartha Lakes is accessible without having to travel the 400 highway!

What do you like about living in Kawartha Lakes? What do you wish you could tell non-residents about Kawartha Lakes?

Here people look you in the eye, smile and say hello, how are you, great/awful weather. The lakes are lovely and even if you can’t live right by a lake, they are always visible, especially in Bobcaygeon. Although Bobcaygeon is sleepy in the winter, its great to see the town come alive with visitors in summer.

What else do you write? Where can readers find more of your writing?

I have completed an historical fiction, somewhat based on the unusual life of my ancestors from 1905-1945. It is in the process of being published by Black Opal Publishers and I HOPE it will be available this autumn. I have completed a story about Pigeon Lake and the Osprey that nest there every year (anyone want to publish it???) and I often scribble story lines that I hope will lead somewhere eventually.

Photo from Vivienne Barker’s website: www.vivsbooks.com

Interview with Altaire Gural, Kawartha Lakes Stories contributor

On June 22, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

What is your story about?
“Unreasonable” is both a ghost story and a social comment, exploring which fears truly drive us, and what we learn from them.

What inspired you to write this story?

Very loosely based on an event that happened in my house years before I lived in it, “Unreasonable” came about as an entry in the New York City Midnight Short Story Challenge (an international contest that saw over 2100 entrants). My submission qualified as a semi finalist and moved on to the second round of 300 competitors.

What else do you write? Where can readers find more of your writing?

I am a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada and am currently expanding one of my plays, Forgotten, into a YA novel.

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https://www.facebook.com/FORGOTTENtheplay/

Interview with Jean Booker, Kawartha Lakes Stories contributor

On June 20, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

What is your story about?
My story is about cottage memories and how they lead to romantic possibilities.

What inspired you to write this story?
My love of cottage country

How long have you lived in Kawartha Lakes? What attracted you to the area?
We owned a cottage on Sturgeon Lake for 12 years then a home on Pigeon Lake for the last 16 years. Originally it was an escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto but we gradually came to love the peace and tranquility of the Kawarthas and decided to retire here.

What do you like about living in Kawartha Lakes? What do you wish you could tell non-residents about Kawartha Lakes?
I love the slow pace of life, the beauty of the area and the friendliness of the people.

What else do you write? Where can readers find more of your writing?
I’ve had three novels for 8-12 year olds published, Mystery House (translated into French, Italian and Swedish) Keeping Secrets ( translated into Japanese) and Still At War. I’ve also had many short stories and articles published in newspapers and magazines.
My books are available in public libraries, book stores and through Scholastic book clubs.

Interview with Clint Cummings, Kawartha Lakes Stories contributor

On June 17, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

What is your story about?
“A Prom to Remember” is a story about the consequences of lust in a small town.

What inspired you to write this story?
I wanted to try something a bit different from my usual path and dabble my feet in the waters of Bodice Rippers. As Lindsay literally has a river running through it, I could think of no other place to use as the set piece.

How long have you lived in Kawartha Lakes? What attracted you to the area?
We were transplanted from Toronto 4 years ago when we had enough of flooding. We were looking for a great place to raise our kids and so far the town has delivered.

What do you like about living in Kawartha Lakes? What do you wish you could tell non-residents about Kawartha Lakes?
Our lifestyle here is busy but it does not feel overwhelming which is what we needed. The city of Kawartha Lakes has everything you need when you really think about it plus if you need the big city fix, you can be there and back with ease.

What else do you write? Where can readers find more of your writing?
I keep moving my style around but inevitably, I end up writing about dragons again. There is one story that just keeps lurking in the back of my mind so I have a feeling that trend will continue until I can find a way to release it. I do dabble in sci-fi, mysteries, horror, poetry, action and the like. A collection of these can be found in my first book, Jigsaw: Pieces from a Concussed Mind. Jigsaw: Pieces from a Concussed Mind REDUX is available via Amazon. My website is clintcummings.net and that will be the place to find all my updates.

Kawartha Lakes Stories: press release

On June 11, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local author publishes anthology of Kawartha Lakes Stories by local writers

June 11, 2016

Kawartha Lakes, ON – Local author Sara C. Walker has edited and published an anthology of short stories that are set in areas around the city of Kawartha Lakes and written by authors residing in Kawartha Lakes.

The collection is comprised of tales from a variety of genres, including contemporary fiction, romance, fantasy, and horror, while also offering unique perspectives on the Kawartha Lakes experience.

This anthology takes readers on a journey of unexpected and innovative views of the city of Kawartha Lakes using a mix of genres, ranging from sweet romance and contemporary fairy tale to soft horror and edgy humour.

With settings from Bobcaygeon to Woodville and various locations between, Kawartha Lakes Stories are at once startling and familiar, as local writers explore some of our everyday places through a variety of voices and styles.

Copies will be available to purchase at the book launch, happening with the writers at Boiling Over Coffee Vault, Thursday, June 23 at 6:30pm. The book is priced at $10 and will also be available from Sara C. Walker at the community events listed below. In the meantime, if you’d like to request a copy, please email kawarthalakesauthors@gmail.com.

Community Events

Find me at these community events to purchase a copy (and get it signed.)

Sunday July 10 – Classics on Kent

Thursday August 18, 7pm – Local Author Evening

Saturday & Sunday August 27 & 28 – Dromoland Indie Authors Festival

Kawartha Lakes Stories

On June 11, 2016September 17, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Kawartha Lakes StoriesLeave a comment

An all new anthology of stories set in Kawartha Lakes as told by writers living in Kawartha Lakes.

With settings from Bobcaygeon to Woodville and various locations between, Kawartha Lakes Stories are at once startling and familiar, as local writers explore some of our everyday places through a variety of voices and styles.

Purchase a copy:
Amazon: Kawartha Lakes Stories
Kent Bookstore in downtown Lindsay
Grr8 Finds Market in downtown Fenelon Falls
send an email to kawarthalakesauthors@gmail.com

or in person at one of these events:
– Classics on Kent
– Local Author Evening
– Indie Author Festival at Dromoland Orchard & Stables

PRESS

Kawartha Lakes This Week: http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/6755780-new-anthology-showcases-kawartha-lakes-stories/

The Real Sam McGee is from Kawartha Lakes

On May 26, 2016December 21, 2022 By Sara WalkerIn For Readers, PoetLeave a comment

You’ve probably heard of the poem, “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert W. Service. If not, enjoy this version read by Johnny Cash with paintings by Ted Harrison:

Here’s what you might not know: the titular character, “Sam McGee” was from Kawartha Lakes.

Robert Service was a clerk for CIBC in Whitehorse, when a form crossed his desk with Sam McGee’s name on it. The rhythm of the name captured Service, and he knew it would fit a ballad. So he wrote to Sam McGee, a prosperous builder of roads in the Klondike, to ask about using his name. McGee said yes, and the rest is poetry. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/139140)

Now here’s the history.

“Sam McGee” was born William Samuel McGee on August 28, 1868 on a farm just outside Lindsay. In fact, that farm was in (at the time) Fenelon Township, just up the road from Cameron, and registered in his mother’s name, Ellen McGee. (http://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/william-samuel-mcgee_168378630; http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/countyatlas/vic-m-fenelon.htm)

William Samuel McGee married in Peterborough in 1901:

William Samuel McGEE, 32, miner, Cameron – Victoria Co., Whitehorse Yukon, s/o Joseph McGEE & Ellen McCULLOUGH, married Ruth WARNER, 20, Liverpool England, Harvey twp., d/o James WARNER & Betsy JENKINSON, witn: George WARNER & Mrs. Annie EARL, both of Harvey twp., 5 June 1901 at Peterborough (http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maryc/peter01.htm)

More about Sam McGee (with photo): http://virtualwalk.ca/index.php/Lindsay-Ontario/Famous-Residents-Lindsay.html

Borrow The Cremation of Sam McGee from the library.

Dromoland Indie Authors Festival

On January 26, 2016January 26, 2016 By Sara WalkerIn Events3 Comments

Dromoland Orchard & Stables is hosting an Indie Authors Festival.AUGUST 27 & 28 , 2016

INDIE AUTHORS FESTIVAL

Dromoland Orchard & Stables

598 Elm Tree Road

Little Britain, Ontario

Canada

AUGUST 27 , 2016 9-5 pm

AUGUST 28 , 2016 10-4 pm

SELF- PUBLISHED AUTHORS

BOOK YOUR SPOT TODAY for this two day Fabulous Festival. Present and promote your Book(s) to Readers at your Booth, Readings and Signings. Network with fellow Writers, Book Clubs and Media.

A Table /Chair & Lunch Provided.

Only $ 99.00 per Vendor.

Call 1-800-979-2913

Email :

info@indieauthorsfestival.org

For more information, visit their website at http://www.indieauthorsfestival.org