Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, today invited writers across Pine Rivers to put pen to paper and enter the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards for a chance to win a slice of $225,000 in prize money and gain national recognition.

With prize money offered across 14 categories, the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards remains one of the richest, most prestigious and diverse awards programs of its kind in Australia.

“This national awards program acknowledges, supports and enriches the arts throughout Australia,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The awards offer Australian writers the opportunity to gain national recognition and exposure for their work, while also providing important financial assistance to support their development.”

“Whether you are an aspiring or established writer in history, science, poetry, fiction, non-fiction or short stories, I strongly encourage Australian writers from all literary endeavours to apply.”

Nominations are sought across the following 14 categories:

- Fiction Book Award $25,000
- Emerging Queensland Author - Manuscript Award $20,000
- Unpublished Indigenous Writer - The David Unaipon Award $15,000
- Non-Fiction book Award $15,000
- History Book - Faculty of Arts, University of Queensland Award $15,000
- Children’s Book - Mary Ryan’s Award $15,000
- Young Adult Book Award $15,000
- Science Writer Award $15,000
- Poetry Collection - Arts Queensland Judith Wright Calanthe Award $15,000
- Australian Short Story Collection - Arts Queensland Steele Rudd Award $15,000
- Literary or Media Work Advancing Public Debate - The Harry Williams Award $15,000
- Film Script - Screen Queensland Award $15,000
- Drama Script (Stage) Award $15,000
- TV Script - QUT Creative Industries Award $15,000

Visit www.literaryawards.qld.gov.au or phone 3405 5215 for more information. Entries close 10 May 2010.