Can you create the literary v-c for the top-up fees era? The Times Higher is launching a competition for budding authors to write the opening chapter - 2,000 words - of a satirical novel depicting the 21st century v-c. Send entries to Mandy Garner, THES , Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX. First prize wins publication in The Times Higher , £500 in cash and book vouchers. The deadline for entries is August 30.