NZ Writers’ College launched its fifth annual national short story competition today.

Closing 30 September 2014, entrants must submit their 2000-word stories based on a theme that draws from a line by Charles Dickens: “... it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”

The competition is judged by a panel of well known local writers, including award-winning Paul Smith, Philippa Werry, Rosemary Hepözden, Edwin McRae, as well as the acclaimed international short story writer Ginny Swart.

Sponsored by NZ Writers’ College, the prizes are as follows:

First Prize: $1000.00 and publication in an anthology of winning stories

Second Prize: $500.00 and publication in an anthology of winning stories

People’s Choice Award: $500.00

The writing competition aims to uncover talented aspirant writers, and past winners include Feby Idrus, Stephanie Attwood and Aaron Ure. All three writers have gone on to be finalists in other national writing competitions.

“We’re looking for a special winning 'presence' in the stories that we shortlist,” says Nichola Meyer, principal of NZ Writers’ College. “They must display originality, authenticity, unpretentious writing, believable characters and that hint of bitter-sweetness that runs through all our lives.”

Writers must submit their stories to Nichola Meyer at nichola@nzwriterscollege.co.nz by midnight on 30 September 2014.

The shortlist is published on 18 October, and the winners on 31 October on the website at www.nzwriterscollege.co.nz.

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