The going rate for most writing prizes seems to be 500 bucks at the moment, if these two are anything to go by.

First up is Bravado’s third International Poetry Competition, to be judged by Tony Beyer. First Prize is $500, second is $250 and third is $100. Then there are ten Highly Commended Prizes of $50 each. Not bad. More info is available from bravado.info@xtra.co.nz.

Next is the Rotorua Writers Group’s National Short Story Competition, judged by Graeme Lay. It goes one-up on the Bravado guys by offering not only $500, but also a night’s motel accommodation if winner lives outside the Rotorua District Council area.

The Rotorua outfit has hooked up with Bravado for the Bravado Novice Award of $100 for the best entry by an unpublished writer, and the story will be considered for publication in Bravado. Bringing up the rear is the Advocate Printing Award of $100 for the best story by a writer living in the greater Rotorua District. Certificates will be presented for Highly Commended entries and the word count is a maximum of 1500. Contact Bernice on (07 362 4663) or bamm@paradise.net.nz for an entry form.