Competitions and contests with big cash prizes such as creative writing contests in Australia can be real steps up for writers which can jump start a career. Many previous 2011 entrants and winners expressed the excitement and thrill when they were contacted and were invited to submit their manuscripts and novels. Even though some were not finalists and did not win the contest, the won a career and some of the novels went onto publishers all the same, so either way they never lost. Enter one of Australia's creative writing contests, of which you should enter your best work, as winning means significant payment and publication.

Writers Conversation in association with Tashmadada is looking for essays and a variety of perspectives from expats locals or other, and will consider essays of all forms for Australian competitions 2012 creative writing, which prominently features the people, culture and landscape of Australia. The submissions must not have been previously published and the stories must be non-fictional. The 4000 maximum word essays must be dramatic and vivid and should include a compelling and strong narrative, with adequate information and adequate research which reaches for a deeper universal meaning. The essays need to have a distinctive voice, have in-depth detail and must be well written. All submissions and writers that are permanent residents or current citizens of Australia will be considered for the prize $2 500 for best essay. In addition the 2012 contest season is also hosting the STALI, Little Gems, the Valerie Parv Award, the HM&B High Five, the Emerald Award, First Kiss and Selling Synopsis. For published and unpublished writers, Romance Writers of Australia runs a series of contests annually. Finalists will have the chance to have their manuscripts read by literary agents and editors. For unpublished writers the Emerald Award is a major contest, and if you make the second round your full manuscript will be judged. Single title or category manuscripts should be standard format and around fifty pages. In addition the winner of the Valerie Parv Award will win a year mentorship with Valerie Parv who is a bestselling Australian romance author.

For you chance to impress an editor or agent, enter a single title synopsis or category to Selling Synopsis who tests your writing skills. Showcase your romantic writing skills to First Kiss, of a 1500 word scene and a half page set up, which reveals your protagonists first kiss. The Little Gems contest is open to romantic short stories of around 3000 words. Winner's stories will be published in an RWA anthology. Go online today and enter any of these fabulous competitions.