Competition opens for Queensland young writers

Queensland’s aspiring young writers are invited to get their entries in for the State Library of Queensland’s 2008 Young Writers Award.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the prestigious award had the potential to launch a young writer’s professional career.

“Over the past decade the Young Writers Award has been a real stepping stone for many writers in gaining recognition, professional experience and publishing opportunities,” said Mr Welford.

“Queensland writers aged 18 to 25 can enter a short story for the opportunity to receive a prize of $2,000, professional development courses and invaluable industry exposure.”

Mr Welford said the list of previous winners was a virtual who’s who of the young literary world with novelists Alasdair Duncan (Sushi Central), Tara June Winch (Swallow the Air) and Christopher Currie (Dearly Departed) making names for themselves nationally and internationally.

“The 2006 winner, James Halford, has recently been published alongside the likes of Kate Grenville, David Malouf and Frank Moorhouse in Black Inc’s Best Australian Stories 2007,” Mr Welford said.

This year’s judging panel is comprised of celebrated author John Birmingham (He Died with a Felafel in his Hand); former senior editor at UQP Rosanne Fitzgibbon; The Courier-Mail Arts Editor, Suzanna Clarke; and former winner, Alasdair Duncan, who has a tip for potential entrants.

“As a judge, I will be looking for a story with a clear voice. I enjoy stories with distinctive and interesting characters and plots,” Mr Duncan said.

Mr Welford congratulated the State Library on the Young Writers Award, which has been nurturing Queensland talent since 1996.

The Young Writers Award closes at 5pm on Friday 1 August 2008. For more details visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/youngwriters or phone 3840 7768.

Media contact:
Minister’s Office – Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
State Library of Queensland – Alexia Saeck on 3840 7784