Our absolute favourite writing weather is when there is a steady rain falling outside, not unlike today. Wasn’t there a song about that…Writers on the Storm?
Here are three marvellous opportunities for budding and mature wordsmiths alike to grow their writing practice for kudos (and some big cash prizes).
First up, it’s the National Flash Fiction Day. All you have to do is craft 300 words and submit them by 30th April for your chance to win a first prize of $1,000. Entry is free if you’re under 18 years old; adult category is $10 per entry or three for $24.
Read more here.
Next up, we have the New Zealand Society of Authors inaugural Te Tauihu Short Story Awards (deadline 31st May). They are inviting entries of up to 1,500 words, written in either English or te reo Māori. Open to all writers living in New Zealand for a $20 entry fee. It’s an awesome chance to get your work published on www.topwriters.co.nz with the bonus of $1,000 first prize (plus $125 in book vouchers from Page & Blackmore).
Read more here.
Finally, we have the prestigious Sargeson Prize Short Story Competition (deadline 30th June). To celebrate the revered New Zealand writer, Frank Sargeson, writer Catherine Chidgey, who lectures in Writing Studies at the University of Waikato, came up with the concept.
Free entry to both divisions.
Open Division:
- Up to 5,000 words of original, unpublished works
- First prize of $10,000
Secondary Schools Division:
- Up to 3,000 words or original, unpublished works
- First prize of $500 plus one-week summer residency at the University of Waikato
Read more here.
Get your quills out and good luck, folks!
