Congratulations to Queanbeyan author Omar Musa whose first novel, Here Come the Dogs, has been longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. The shortlist will be announced on May 18 and the winner on June 23.

ACU POETRY PRIZE

Entries are now open for the Australian Catholic University Prize for Poetry, with a total prize pool of $10,000. The theme is Peace, Tolerance and Understanding. Entries close on June 16. Website:  acu.edu.au.

SHORT STORY PRIZE

The 2015 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize is now open with a total prize pool of $8000. Entries close at midnight on May 1. Website: australianbookreview.com.au.

HAZEL EDWARDS

On May 22 from 5 to 7.30pm at ALIA House, 9 Napier Close, Deakin, Hazel Edwards  will talk about her memoir, Let Hippos Eat Cake: Being a Children's Author or Not? .Cost $25 at the door. RSVP by May 18 to trishmilne@gmail.com.

Events

SAGE

April 4: At 2pm Moruya Books is holding a free event at SAGE Community Gardens, 110 Queen Street, Moruya for the launch of The River Cottage Cookbook. Paul West will be in conversation with local identity and president of SAGE, Fraser Bailey.

KATE FORSYTH

April 9: At 6.30pm meet Kate Forsyth at Harry Hartog bookshop in Westfield Woden. RSVP: 6232 5832.

TONY WINDSOR

April 9: At Paperchain Bookstore Manuka at 5.45pm for 6pm, former Independent politician Tony Windsor will speak about his new book Windsor's Way. RSVP: 62956723.

KATE GRENVILLE

April 9: In a Canberra times/ANU meet the author event, Kate Grenville will talk to Marion Halligan about Grenville's new book One Life. My Mother's Story at the Copland Lecture Theatre at 6.30pm. Bookings: 6125 4144 .

ONE LIFE

April 10: At 12.30pm Harry Hartog Woden and Woden Library invite you to meet Kate Grenville at the Heritage Library (upstairs at  Woden Library). She will be discussing  One Life: My Mother's Story. RSVP:6232 5832.

PAUL WEST LUNCH

April 11: River Cottage Australia author and television presenter Paul West will speak with Sydney Morning Herald literary editor Susan Wyndham at the Catalina Country Club in Batemans Bay at noon for 12.30pm. Tickets $45. Bookings:batemansbaywritersfestival.com.

IRMA GOLD

April 14: Editor and author of fiction, non-fiction and children's books.Irma Gold will read her children's book Megumi and the Bear at Harry Hartog, Westfield Woden at 10am.

GOODBYE SWEETHEART

April 14: Goodbye Sweetheart by Marion Halligan will be launched at Paperchain Bookstore Manuka at 5.45pm for 6pm by Carmel Bird. It is a novel about love, the desire for understanding and the messiness of life. RSVP 6295 6723.

POETRY TRIBUTE

April 14: At the Gods Cafe ANU Arts Centre,six Canberra poets will read their choice of Judith Wright and David Campbell's work in a centenary tribute. Dinner at 6, readings at 7.30pm. Bookings: 62485538.

GIRL WITH WINGS

April 16: Jennifer Bradley's book Girl With Wings, based on the true story of a young girl growing up in the 1920s with a passion for flying, will be launched at Paperchain Manuka by  Rosemary Follett, at 5.45pm for 6pm. RSVP 62956723.

CHARLES BEAN

April 21: Military/history author Peter Rees will be talking about Bearing Witness, on the life of war correspondent Charles Bean, at Harry Hartog, Westfield Woden at 6.30pm. RSVP: 6232 5832.

* Contributions to Litbits are welcome. Please email litbits@canberratimes.com.au by COB on the Monday prior to publication. Publication is not guaranteed.