Besides next month's big literary festival, local English writers certainly have a few things to look forward to in the coming months. For those who are looking to get published, the Hong Kong Writers' Circle has extended its call for submissions for its Hotel China short-story anthology. To be edited by Simon Overton and Edmund Price, the main criteria is that the 5,000-word submission of prose, poetry or drama use the Novotel Century in Wan Chai as the backdrop. Writers are even encouraged to use specific locations in the inn for their story. The new deadline is April 1. The editors have one new request. 'Please avoid writing about prostitutes and murders. We already have plenty of these kinds of stories.' For full details, see: www.hkwriterscircle.com/HotelChina/ If you already have something brilliant on paper, then there's a brand new Hong Kong-based literary competition to enter. Literary couple Verner and Gillian Bickley (left) started the Proverse Prize to celebrate their lifelong love of books as readers, writers, editors and now publishers. The award is now seeking entrants for their first prize. The deadline for entry forms is May 30, while manuscripts must arrive by June 30. Entrants must also have turned 18 by January 1 this year. Otherwise, there are few other rules. Submissions can be in any form of fiction or non-fiction, and even translations into English are acceptable. The winner will receive a modest HK$10,000 cash prize and will be offered a publishing contract by the couple's Proverse Press. For full details, consult their website: www.geocities.com/proversehk/proverse_prize.html .
