Writers offered to showcase skills

Local writers are being offered the chance to showcase their talent and develop their skills through the Waiariki Institute of Technology's Creative Writing Challenge, as part of New Zealand Book Month.

The institute's creative writing department aims to inspire emerging writers and raise awareness among the public of the depth of writing talent in the district.

Lead creative tutor Sue Emms said participants would be challenged to write 500 words to demonstrate their flair, imagination and emerging talent in their preferred genre - fiction or non-fiction, on any topic and in any style barring poetry.

They could start preparing their entry now which would need to be typewritten, with the author's name, phone number and email address. Entries can be dropped off to Ms Emms at Rotorua's City Focus, between 10am and 12.30pm on March 9.

The winner would be announced during the Writers' Forum and receive a prize to help them kickstart their writing career, Ms Emms said.

For more information visit www.nzbookmonth.co.nz.