Big prizes for local writers

THOUSANDS of dollars and a spot in a prestigious literary magazine are on offer as prizes in a local writing competition, but entries close soon.

The Peter Carey Short Story Awards, named after the two-time Booker Prize winning, Bacchus Marsh-born author, closes for submissions at 6pm on Thursday 14 March.

Entries must be between 2000 and 3000 words, and can be submitted by anyone who resides in Australia.

The winning entry will receive $2000, and the runner-up will win $1000, with both entries also being published in the Spring 2024 edition of Meanjin.

Writers who live, work, or study in Moorabool Shire will also be in the running for the Moorabool Shire Libraries’ Best Local Entry Award, which includes a $500 prize.

The entry fee is $15, and writers can submit as many stories as they like.

The longlist will be posted on the Moorabool Shire Council website in May, with the winner and runner-up to be announced at an awards ceremony at Lerderderg Library on Saturday 1 June.

For more information on the Peter Carey Short Story Awards and to submit a story, visit Moorabool Shire Council’s website and search ‘Peter Carey Short Story Awards 2024’.