Local teacher’s short story inspires writing journey

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A North Peace Secondary School teacher and author has placed in the top ten of a Canada-wide short story competition, inspiring her to begin her writing journey. 

Rebecca Pimm, a grade 10 literature teacher, entered the Alice Munro Short Story Contest to see how her writing skills compare to those of other writers across Canada. Her entry ultimately placed her in the top ten. 

Pimm’s story follows Evelyn, a woman grieving and processing the loss of her daughter and gaining solace from her partner and friends.

“I wanted people who read it to relate with the character, to maybe understand that you aren’t totally alone, you’re going to have to fight the battle yourself but there are other people in the world that have gone through the same thing and you can get through it,” Pimm said. 

Since writing her entry to the contest, Pimm has begun working with a writing coach and writing her own book.

“I’m excited about the book, I mean it’s a lot of work, but that’s my ultimate goal, to finish this book,” Pimm said. 

Pimm explained she is excited and motivated to write her stories and hopes her book will be published after she finishes writing her first book by the end of the year. 

“It’s vulnerable and a little bit intimate because it’s showing a little bit of who you are, in one way. I would say the words that come to mind are vulnerable, a little bit intimate,” Pimm said. 

Rebecca Pimm’s entry to the competition, Emptied, can be read below.