The 2010 National Poetry Competition is now open for entries.The first poem you submit costs £6.00. Subsequent entries in the same submission cost £3.00 per poem.The closing date for the competition is 31 October 2010.

First Prize: £5,000

Second Prize: £2,000

Third Prize: £1,000

Seven Commendations: £100

In collaboration with the Surrey-based e-publishing company, Commutabooks, Guildford Book Festival announces a new short story competition. Open to both new and established authors, the judges are looking for ’short stories that inspire and uplift readers to make the most of their days and their lives.’ The prize is to convert the winning story into an iphone/ipad app.

The maximum length of submissions is 7,000 words and the closing date for entries is 31st July 2010. For more information follow the link.

Tuesday 29 June, 7.00pm at Broadway Bookshop, 6 Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4QJ.

The regular spot for new writers is back. Organised by Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone, this time it features Emma Henderson, Kati Rynne, Melissa Mann and Selma Dabbagh.

Occasional Music - a symposium on the work of Jonathan Lethem - takes place on Saturday 10 July 2010 at the School of Arts, Birkbeck College, Room 101, 30 Russell Square, WC1E, 10:30am-6pm.

Admission is free; bring your own coffee.

Organized by Dr Joe Brooker: email j.brooker@bbk.ac.uk for more information.