Enjoy writing? Fancy broadening your literary horizons through overseas travel?

Then you could be helped on your journeys in 2007 as part of the New Zealand Book Council’s International Writers’ Programme.

The Programme gives Kiwi writers support (read 'dollars') to attend international literary festivals. And if you just happen to be planning a promotional visit connected with the international publication of your work, you're also eligible to apply for assistance.

The catch? Nothing too onerous:

Writers should be of proven literary excellence with a good publishing track record. Inquiries are welcome from writers in all fields of literary work (fiction, poetry, children’s literature, drama and literary non-fiction). Interested writers can email or write with a SAE to the New Zealand Book Council office for an application form and the conditions of the exchange opportunity. Applications will be judged by a panel convened by the New Zealand Book Council’s Chief Executive. The first deadline for 2007 applications is 15 December 2006.

If this has got you scrabbling through the drawers for your passport, drop an email to director@bookcouncil.org.nz and tell 'em we sent you.