Literary interpretations of the theme "earth and water" have been "amazing" and the calibre of original fiction writing has been excellent, the organiser of the inaugural Queenstown Creative Writing Group short story writing competition says.
Group founder and competition co-ordinator Caroline Early said 39 entries had been submitted by enthusiastic scribes from Queenstown, Kingston, Alexandra and Dunedin by the close of the extended deadline on October 9.
Writers aged 16 years and over in Otago and Southland were invited to write 500 to 600 words of original fiction on the theme.
Entries have been sent to be judged by award-winning Carl Nixon, a Christchurch playwright, short story writer and novelist.
He will award the $300 first prize and the two merit prizes of $100 each at a prizegiving in a venue to be confirmed, on Sunday, October 31.
Ms Early said members of Showbiz Queenstown and Remarkable Theatre would be invited to read the top three stories at the afternoon function.
Nixon would also read one of his stories to the audience.
Talks from people within the Wakatipu's creative community would be given, and writing group member and songwriter Mike Robinson was expected to give a musical performance.
Ms Early said a booklet containing all competition entries would be launched at the prizegiving and orders would be taken.
The top three stories will be published in the Queenstown Times.
