There's so much going on in the writing world it's hard to keep up - and certainly harder to write a brief initial column on! The virgin entry of Fiction's Weekly Round Up is admittedly short and sweet, but over the next few weeks it promises to fill out nicely. We want to give all you emerging writers the head's up on the array of opportunity that exists to get your work read by more (and maybe even financially rewarded...).

• Adelaide Writers' Week is on now, until the 7th of March. It's considered on of the world's premier literary meets and events include talks from international writers, readings and lectures. Go to www.adelaidefestival.com.au for more information.

• Alpha 2 Omega Short Story and Poetry Competition is up and running. Entries close 15th April 2008. First prize in the Short Story division is $150 and a book package. The winning poetry entry will score $100 and a book package. Pieces should be based around the competition's themes 'Dreams, Schemes or Marine' and slanted towards a young adult audience. Sounds perfect for some of our vibewirer's. Go to http://members.optusnet.com.au/tau.ceti/A2O/comp.htm for more information.

• Somewhat further down the calendar is the 2008 Genre Fiction Award, a national prize for unpublished genre fiction manuscripts. Writers can be previously unpublished or published and any age - the only criteria is you must be an Aussie resident. First prize is publication by New Holland Publishers. Definitely one to keep an eye on. For more info check out the NSW Writers' Centre website at www.nswwriterscentre.org.au.

• Voices on the Coast Youth Literature Festival is calling for submissions from new authors. Entries can be up to 30,000 words of prose aimed at young readers (that's 8-13 year olds). First prize is $2000, second prize is $500. Email voices@immanuel.qld.edu.au quickly - the closing date is the 28th of March.

• Brascoe Publishing is a freshly formed press located in Adelaide. If you consider your writing a little left of field consider sending some of it their way. The Flash Fiction Postcard Series is seeking cult, shocking and exciting new art from emerging writers - that's you! Go to www.brascoebooks.com.au to find out more.

Have some events or news you'd like listed here? Send them through! writing@vibewire.net