The Lotus Awards, which will be launched in 1989, cover four types of writing: novel, screenplay, short story, and play. The competition is open to all inmates in all American adult and juvenile correctional institutions. The awards were established by a distinguished group of novelists; playwrights; and motion picture writers, directors, and producers. The national winners will be announced in early 1990. The winners and runners-up will receive considerable national recognition, and their work will be brought to the attention of the top professionals in the film and literary world. A number of former inmates have become successful writers, often through the development of their writing skills in prison. Edward Bunker is an example. A once-hardcore offender with a fifth-grade education, Bunker has had three novels published and has written two critically acclaimed motion pictures: 'Straight Time' and 'Runaway Train.' The sponsors of the awards as well as supportive corrections officials hope the awards will provide incentive for inmates to participate in creative writing workshops in prisons.