True Tapestries: Threads of Stratford Stories
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What’s your story?
We’re inviting residents of Stratford and surrounding communities—ages 10 and up, from all walks of life—to share a true story of 500 words or less, in prose or poetry, for True Tapestries, a live storytelling event that brings local voices to the stage.
Your story could be funny, moving, reflective, sad, bold—or all of the above. Stories should reflect the lived experiences, quirks, joys, challenges, and truths that shape our lives here. If it’s real and meaningful to you, we want to hear it.
Each story should respond to one powerful word—choose from themes like:
Roots · Risk · Change · Home · Secrets · Hope · Loss · Firsts · Belonging · Dreams
Stories selected by a panel of local writers, poets, and artists will be brought to life by Stratford performers—enhanced by live music—for two special evenings of storytelling at the Stratford Perth Museum.
This community storytelling initiative is a collaboration between the Provocation Ideas Festival, the Stratford Perth Museum, and the Stratford Public Library.
Submission Details:
- Submit your story via Submittable by September 8, 2025 [Link]
- Formats: Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF
- Submissions are blind-reviewed—please remove your name from the file
- Previously published work is eligible
- Multiple submissions are welcome
- Writers retain all rights to their work
- We accept simultaneous submissions but please notify us by withdrawing your manuscript on Submittable immediately if it is accepted for publication elsewhere.
- The top 10 submissions will be featured in an anthology.
Be part of the tapestry. Tell your tale.
For inspiration, here are some 100-word samples:
New York Times 100 Word Personal Narrative Contest 2025
Teen Tiny Memoirs: The Winners of Our 3rd Annual 100-Word Narrative Contest - The New York Times
Ramsay Writes 100 Word Memoir Writing Contest
OG Version of Writing Contest Submissions FINAL PUBLISH VERSION 3 13 2025.docx