The cover of online Văn Nghệ (Literature & Arts) weekly newspaper, organiser of the 2022 Short Stories Writing Contest launched this week. – Photo from of the organiser’s Facebook

HCM CITY – The Việt Nam Writers’ Association and weekly newspaper Văn Nghệ (Literature & Arts) have launched a writing contest for professional and amateur authors this week.

The 2022 Short Stories Writing Contest seeks works by Vietnamese writers of all ages in the country and overseas with themes about life, love and people.

The lives of young women and their challenges and dreams in a globalised world are included. Young girls and children living in remote areas are also encouraged to submit works.

Famous authors and poets will be part of the jury.

One first prize, two second and three third prizes worth VNĐ70 million (US$3,200) in cash will be presented.

“We invited a staff of well-known authors, such as Sương Nguyệt Minh, and Lê Hoài Lương, to guide the contest’s participants on writing if they want before they submit their work,” said author Khuất Quang Thuỵ, deputy-in-chief of Văn Nghệ, a member of the contest’s organising board. “We hope our contest will give Vietnamese writers from around the world a chance to introduce their works and develop their careers.”

“We hope to find and support new and talented writers, and bring writers and publishers together to offer new, quality books to readers,” he added.

Văn Nghệ has discovered and supported many writers, particularly amateur and young writers, to become popular among readers.

The Facebook page of Văn Nghệ has attracted nearly 10,000 followers.

Participants in the Short Stories Writing Contest must submit their work on paper and send to the weekly newspaper Văn Nghệ at 17 Trần Quốc Toản Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội.

Entries should be postmarked by September 6, 2024.

The best works will be published on Văn Nghệ every week before the prize presentation ceremony scheduled in December, 2024. Award winning works will be printed by leading publishers, magazines and newspapers. – VNS