Canada Writes Blog
Kaveh Mohebbi (Toronto, ON)
Eastern Finalist 09
(April 27, 2009) I've learned now, that life is what happens to a writer between writing contests and drafts. Alas, as the sun sets on Canada Writes, I bid adieu to the cast and crew of GO! and feel an array of emotions: happiness and bliss for making it to the final round, yet humble sadness for not being crowned Mr. Canada Writes (ha ha ha). But I feel an overall sense of pride and accomplishment for having made it as far as I did, and the endless support from friends and family doesn't hurt either.
Congratulations to the other finalists (/rivals, ha ha), Laurie Schwartz and Margaret Beach, and an extra congrats to winner Katie Sanders.
As for me, it's on to the next leg of my journey as I continue on the path of the aspiring writer. What does the future hold for me? Who knows, perhaps a career as a writer on a hit television show, or feature film...or if all else falls through, I have eleven practice months until the next Canada Writes contest. Oh yeah, you heard write (not a typo), I'll be back! And to all aspiring writers out there, never put down that pen.
(March 16, 2009) My first visit to the Maritimes and it’s all thanks to CBC and the great people at GO!
The excitement leading up to the show was only further intensified when I saw the incredible hotel accommodations. I had a great time! (You're beautiful Halifax.)
First, I would like to congratulate all the other Semi-Finalists. Charlie, Sarah and Margaret, you all rocked and it was a blast meeting all of you. My first day meeting the Go crew was incredible too, walking into the CBC offices, nervous at first, but finding everyone was incredibly nice. The two hours I was given to write the challenges went by instantaneously. Fortunately I felt confident with my work by the time I was done.
Later, the overwhelming pressure of being live-to-air only increased with the packed theatre of fans watching us as we performed. The lights, the magic, the sound effects, it was all so neatly crafted together. I must admit though, the sixty-seconds challenge was certainly the toughest one of all. With literally zero time to proofread, I put it all on the line with one shot to advance.
Thank you to everyone involved, from judges to technical crew. See you all in April!
(March 6, 2009) The timing, the thrill, the tension, the tedious typos. I just can’t get enough. I first heard about the contest when my mother came trumpeting into the room with the news of a writing contest she heard on CBC Radio. I enthusiastically submitted my writing and waited. When I heard I was short-listed, the thought “it all comes down to this” harmoniously strummed through my mind like a broken record. The audition went by smoothly enough. Once I got over my initial nervousness, I grasped the metaphorical bull by its horns and just calmly answered the questions presented. I had a fun time with the initial writing challenge, but found myself more critical about my writing than I would have liked.
As I practice for future challenges, thoughts and words mingle over cocktails and Sinatra, dancing together as if entrapped within a helium balloon, soaring higher and freer than ever before. Every word is crucial. No sentence structure unassembled and no conjunction overlooked. The delicate adjectives all take their place as every adverb patiently waits her turn. I love this stuff! Now I must go practice to the Rocky theme song.
