Less is More for New Writing Competition

Tasmania's writers who can tell a story in 300 words or less could have their work broadcast on radio as part of Living Writers' Week 2008 (15 - 24 August).

Entries are now being accepted for Tasmanian Microstories, a new competition for the popular festival.

"This is a great concept and a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanian writers to explore their creativity," Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O'Byrne, said.

Prose submissions of up to 300 words, both fiction and non-fiction, are sought, with writers encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Selected microstories will be recorded and aired by ABC radio during Tasmanian Living Writers Week.

The festival will also see an expansion of its unique Poet-tree event, with 50 poems to be displayed at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Devonport Arboretum and Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens.

Poems of up to 14 lines in any poetic format are invited with a $250 People's Choice Prize be awarded at each garden.

"I encourage Tasmanian writers to participate in these competitions and the festival in general, which highlights the depth of talent in our diverse literary community," Ms O'Byrne said.

Both competitions are open to writers of all ages and levels of experience.

Entries must be submitted on line with further details and entry forms available at: http://www.arts.tas.gov.au/tlww.

Entries close 9 May 2008.