Established NZ writers are invited to apply for two writing opportunities in 2008: the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship and the International Writing Program residency at the University of Iowa in the United States.

The $100,000 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship is the largest writing fellowship in New Zealand. Previous recipients include Owen Marshall, Vincent O'Sullivan and CK Stead.Neville Peat, who was awarded the 2007 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship to write a non-fiction work about the Tasman Sea, said the Fellowship provided him with the time that was needed to research and write this major work.

A three-month residency, participating in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, is also available to a New Zealand writer. As well as time to work on his/her own projects, the recipient will be expected to take part in literary activities, excursions and field trips. Applicants need to be interested in interacting with writers from diverse cultures.

The 2007 recipient was Dunedin writer Penelope Todd. "It was a great opportunity to meet a fantastic group of writers from a variety of cultures and work in a really stimulating environment," she said.

A partnership between Creative New Zealand and the University of Iowa, the residency runs between August and November 2008. Creative New Zealand supports the residency with a $10,000 grant, which is administered by the International Writing Program, and covers the cost of airfares and accommodation in Iowa House on the university campus, and provides a daily allowance of $US30 to the writer.

The closing date for both opportunities is 5pm Friday 21 March 2008.