Fiction awards open

Budding authors are encouraged to put pen to paper to create a short story inspired by an artwork in the City of Rockingham's collection for this year's free Short Fiction Awards.

Julie Podstolski's Light House of the Rising Sun is what writers must use as their muse for this year's competition, where the total prize pool is more than $2000.

City councillor and Rockingham Campus Community Library manager of regional library services Deb Hamblin said she was pleased the City was supportive of the arts and encouraged budding authors to give the challenge a go.

"People write short fiction as an escape and to explore their own imagination," she said.

"I find authors always have a story to tell.

"We have amazingly creative people here in Rockingham."

Cr Hamblin said fiction was a valuable part of people's lives, given the increase in technology and gadgets.

"Fiction takes you out of your everyday life and exposes you to a different world," she said.

"It gives you a better insight into society and develops empathy for other people that you might never really meet in reality."

There are three categories - open, over-50s and young writers for people aged 10 to 17.

Authors can submit up to three stories.

The individual pieces must not be entered in more than one category, and they must be original, unpublished, not have received an award in other competitions and not be under consideration elsewhere.

Entries are now open and close on October 9.

For more information, visit rockingham.wa.gov.au.