Crocodile Prize getting ready for big year

The Crocodile Prize is getting ready for a big year as it continues to bring the best of Papua New Guinean writing to the world.
The prize was founded in 2010.
Director Ruth Moiam said it had developed as the country’s most important platform for writers and poets.
“It is a means of building and strengthening Papua New Guinean literature,” she said “It gives writers the encouragement and recognition they needed.”
Moiam asked potential sponsors to consider putting their weight behind Papua New Guinean writers.
“The prize has an attractive sponsorship programme which offers organisations tangible benefits,” she said. “Supporting writers promotes the talent and creativity of the nation and makes a significant contribution to our national culture and identity.”
The Crocodile Prize organisation also publishes an annual anthology of the best PNG writing which is distributed free throughout PNG and retailed internationally.
Since the beginning of the prize, more than 2200 short stories, essays, poems, heritage legends and stories for children have been submitted.
Poet Michael Dom, creative director of the prize, said developing new talent and ensuring the best of PNG writings were published was central to the prize’s success.
“Most entrants have never been published before,” he said.
“The prize has become an important outlet for emerging writers. It is about supporting writers and improving what they do.
“Our important roles is to edit people’s work and nurture their natural talent. The end product is publication in the Crocodile Prize Anthology and in other channels, including the mainstream and social media. It’s all about giving Papua New Guineans their voices.”
Previous writers wrote books and won international awards.y