Entries are now open for the Boroondara Literary Awards. A partnership between the City of Boroondara and Rotary Club of Balwyn, the awards encourage creativity in writers of all ages.
Competition categories include the Young Writers competition and the Open Short Story competition.
The Young Writers Competition is open from Year 5 to Year 12, and young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years (as of 1 January 2022) who live, work or study in the City of Boroondara.
Sophie Matthiesson won the Open Short Story category in 2021, for her piece "Dead Heifers". The story was based on the tales and experiences of locals in the aftermath of the 2020 bushfires in the upper Murray region of Victoria.
"I'm currently writing a manuscript for my novel and entering the 2021 Literary Awards was part of my preparation," says Sophie. "For those starting, I find that short stories can be a great training ground - a way to develop story structure, intention, and build experience.
"I was thrilled to win, but it was equally exciting to have the opportunity to put my work in front of the illustrious judging panel and to have an award-winning author like Chloe Hooper provide commentary and feedback."
Submissions for the 2022 awards are open from Monday 4 April until Friday 29 July. Entry is free.
