Prison writing prize judges named; entries flooding in

The panel tasked with unearthing the South’s literary talent behind bars can now be revealed.

The Otago Daily Times prison writing prize "New Chapters" — created in conjunction with the University Book Shop (UBS) and the Department of Corrections — was launched at Otago Corrections Facility and Invercargill Prison last month and entries are already flooding in.

They range from introspective autobiographical musings to a story about an octopus travelling through space.

The bookish trio tasked with picking an awe-inspiring author, the most splendid scribe, the locked-up laureate are: ODT assistant editor Paul Gorman, UBS general manager Phillippa Duffy and Corrections senior adviser of education programmes Hayley Bell.

Mr Gorman said he would be keeping an eye out for convincing characterisation.

Ms Duffy said as well as that the winner would have to show some "unexpected magic ... either by way of plot, plot twist, or just the beauty of writing".

There were traps though, which writers should avoid, such as cliches and clunky dialogue. Ms Bell had clear ideas on what she would be looking for.

"I am expecting bold and courageous writing that inspires me to think beyond my own perspectives on the world," Ms Bell said.

Entries for the prize close at the end of October, after which an overall winner and people’s choice champion will be named.

The University Bookshop will provide a pile of literary prizes for the winner and their respective prison library.

A selection of entries will soon feature in the ODT and online.