"Revolution" to spur emerging writers
The 2011 Emerging Writers Festival at Federation Square
A significant new literary award has been announced as a partnership between Monash University and the Emerging Writers' Festival.
The Monash University Undergraduate Prize for Creative Writing (MUUPCW) is for new and emerging writers, open to all undergraduate students studying a degree at any Australian university.
Monash University is the long-term educational partner of the Emerging Writers' Festival and the MUUPCW extends both parties' commitment to providing learning and career-advancement opportunities to Australia’s emerging literary voices.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Monash University, Professor Rae Frances, said she was proud that Monash was able to sponsor this exciting initiative.
“Monash is committed to developing the next generation of Australia’s creative writers and this prize is an indication of that commitment,” Professor Frances said.
The prize’s 2012 theme is ‘Revolution’ and is open to all forms of creative writing, including short stories, poetry, non-fiction narrative and narrative verse.
The award carries a cash prize of $4000 for the winner, with an additional $1000 for the highest placed piece of writing from a Monash University student. If the overall winner is a Monash University student they will receive both cash prizes.
Dr Ali Alizadeh, from the Monash School of English, Communications and Performance Studies, will judge the prize, alongside award-winning novelist Fiona McGregor.
“New and emerging writers often find it very difficult to receive any recognition, since in writing, as in any art form, reputation more or less determines the level of exposure one is likely to receive,” Dr Alizadeh said.
“I hope the prize will highlight our Creative Writing, English and Comparative Literature programs run by the School of English, Communication and Performance Studies, which place a great deal of emphasis on teaching theory and practice of creative writing.”
The winners of the MUUPCW will be announced at the 2012 Emerging Writers' Festival, which will be held between 24 May and 3 June 2012.
The winners will also receive tickets to this year’s Emerging Writers' Festival and a paid publication opportunity in the festival publication, The Emerging Writer.
Entries between 1500-3000 words will be accepted via online submission until the competition closes on 23 April 2012. Chapters from longer works are not eligible for consideration.