The annual Kootenay Literary Competition (KLC) has been launched and is now open for adult entrants. Since its beginning as a small competition for Nelson writers, it has expanded to cover the entire Kootenay region. The competition aims to support local artists and literacy in the Kootenays.

This year’s theme is “Velocity”. Writers may interpret the theme in any way they like, and approach it through any of the genre categories. The theme is to be integrated into the creative work at the writer’s discretion. Detailed rules are available on the KLC website (www.kootenaylitcomp.com).

There are three writing categories for adults: fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.

Cash prizes are awarded for the first and second place entries in each category. Submissions will be judged by a panel of writing professionals, who will provide feedback and suggestions on the winning work.

Winners of the KLC win substantial cash prizes and gain recognition at an award event.

The deadline for submission for this year’s competition is Friday, January 16th, 2015. The celebration to announce the winners will be February 26th, 2015.

The KLC Committee hosts other writing-related events in the region over the course of the year. In the spring of 2015, the third annual Spring Scribble weekend workshop for young writers will be held in Nelson. Details about upcoming events will be available on the KLC website.

Questions about the competition can be emailed through the website (www.kootenaylitcomp.com).