Karin Lacroix works on a novel she is attempting to write in three days, Sunday afternoon. In only 36 hours, Karin Lacroix has killed three people… in her book.
Karin Lacroix works on a novel she is attempting to write in three days, Sunday afternoon.
In only 36 hours, Karin Lacroix has killed three people… in her book.
At 12:01am Saturday morning, in a small cabin on Lake Nipissing, Lacroix started her attempt at writing a novel in 72 hours.
“I didn’t know what first line would be,” Lacroix said.
“I was walking into this totally blind.”
Lacroix is writing the novel as a participator in a contest hosted by Book TV. Nearly 400 people have entered the contest, which asks its contestants to write a novel in three days. The grand prize of the contest is publication of the story, but Lacroix is using her marathon of writing to raise money for North Bay’s Literacy Council.
Although she can’t reveal her stories plot, she explained the main character’s name is Agatha, and she has not been taking her medication.
“It’s psycho. It’s sick and it’s twisted,” Lacroix, who sits on the board of the North Bay Literacy Council, said about her story.
Lacroix explained that she is aiming at writing 30,000 words by the Monday night deadline. She said she works well under pressure, but is worried about the finishing the story in time and making sure the book is readable.
“I’m worried about the public embarrassment of not finishing, or writing crap,” she said.
“I want to write something that will turn people’s heads, and make them remember what it is like to have creative writing in their life.”
Lacroix also hopes to raise one cent for each word she writes, in the three-day time span, which will go towards the Literacy Council. As of Sunday afternoon, she had raised $120. She also hopes to organize a similar contest for North Bay, to help promote the council.
“Writing and reading are the foundation of communication,” she said.
Lacroix said she was unaware of the number of people who are unable to read or write in North Bay, until she became involved with the Literary Council. She explained she believes it is sad there is a need for the Literary Council, but is glad it’s around to help those who are illiterate.
“These people are learning to read, and I want my book to be on their coffee table.”
To help Lacroix raise a penny per word, call the North Bay Literacy Council at 494-9416 and leave a contact name and number, and the amount of money you wish to donate. Donations over $20 earn a charitable tax receipt.
