I haven't read this specific 'the canary short story' in detail. But generally, a short story about a canary might involve themes like freedom, captivity, or the relationship between humans and small animals. For example, it could be about a canary in a cage longing for the outside world.
Once upon a time at the wharf, there was a fisherman. One night, as he was preparing his nets, he heard a strange wailing sound coming from the deep waters. He saw a pair of glowing eyes beneath the surface. Suddenly, a long, slimy tentacle reached out and grabbed his ankle, pulling him towards the water. He fought hard but was dragged under, and his screams were muffled by the dark waves.
One possible plotline could be that the canary is a gift to a lonely child. The child forms a deep bond with the canary, and they keep each other company. However, something might happen to the canary, like it gets sick, which makes the child very sad and they try to find a way to save it.
The requirements for a short story competition can vary. It could be that you have to submit your story by a certain deadline, stick to a particular style of writing, and make sure your story hasn't been published elsewhere before.
Well, the idea of cursed objects at the wharf can be really spooky. Maybe there's an old chest that was salvaged from a sunken ship, and anyone who touches it is haunted by bad luck or strange visions. Another aspect could be the use of the wharf as a place for dark rituals in the past. The residual energy from those rituals could cause strange happenings like lights flickering, objects moving on their own, and a general sense of unease. And of course, the idea of a vengeful spirit of a pirate who was executed at the wharf and now haunts anyone who dares to set foot there at night.
To win, you need a compelling opening to hook the judges. Develop complex characters they can relate to. And, proofread carefully to eliminate any errors.
First, come up with an interesting idea. Make it unique and something that will catch the judges' attention. Then, focus on creating well-developed characters and a clear plot. Also, pay attention to your writing style - keep it engaging and easy to follow.