This weekend is Labor Day weekend. For most people, this means the last BBQ of the summer, or maybe just a relaxing three days off work. For me, though, it means the annual 3-Day Novel Writing Contest is upon us—a roller coaster thrill-ride attempt to create a passable masterpiece in only three short days. Yikes!
I’ve never participated in the 3-Day Novel Writing Contest before, so I’m pretty pumped about competing this year. In fact, I’ve already got a title and a story idea in mind for my 3-day novel: Escape From Montreal. I figure it will be a science-fictional work, set in the near future, with current-day Montreal serving as a reference point.
While I love Montreal and have enjoyed many parts of the city over my seven years here, there are certainly places that strikes me as rather post-apocalyptic, which is part of the reason the idea for this novel seems to fit. While the films Escape From New York and Escape From L.A. are about trying to escape cities that have passed their prime and turned into burnt-out shells, my idea for Escape From Montreal is more about finding beauty in the rough spots.
Farine 5 Roses by Flickr user Turbulentflow
From graffiti and abandoned buildings to empty lots and jumbled architectural styles, Montreal is unique because of its grittiness and chaos mixed with classic European style. I would characterize the city’s overall vibe as gamine, the French word for “street urchin” or “naughty child.” Additionally, the Wikipedia definition of this word points to mischievousness, or being sexually appealing, and lists Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of the style. Montreal is definitely both mischievous and sexually appealing, with its red-light district in plain view on the main drag, Ste-Catherine. However, it’s also very urchin-like, with its sooty streets, bohemian fashion sense, and the urban decay you’ll find in many major cities.
"I Stood Staring" by Flickr user h-e-d
Down by the water in the Old Port, for example, there are plenty of beautiful cobblestone streets and French buildings dating back to the 18th century, but there’s also the garish grain silo that formerly belonged to the Farine Five Roses flour company. Silo #5 has been rescued from demolition (and the Farine Five Roses sign has even been made into an art project), but it’s not exactly picturesque on first glance.
"Long Arm" of Silo #5 by Flickr user h-e-d
On the other hand, it makes a great place for urban exploration—if you can evade the Port Authority guards that will fine you for trespassing. And let’s not forget about the fantastic views one can get of the city, seen from within (or atop) this hulking structure.
"UN window reparation crew" photo by Flickr user Speleo Perdido
"Attention à la marche" photo by Flickr user Speleo Perdido
Sometimes, when you stand in just the right spot, Montreal can sparkle like a jewel. And that’s when I never want to close the door and leave it all behind.
