Six Kiwis in world's wealthiest literary awards

Six emerging New Zealand writers have made the shortlist for the $65,000 Prize in Modern Letters, sponsored by United States business leader and arts philanthropist Glenn Schaeffer.

The writers are Michele Amas, David Beach, Mary McCallum, Jo Randerson, Anna Sanderson and Louise Wareham Leonard.

Director of the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University Professor Bill Manhire said all the writers had ventured beyond familiar territory.

"To borrow Janet Frame's phrase - `They're travelling far from the road labelled scenic drive."'

The writers are a mix of novelists, poets, a short story writer and an essayist.

New York literary editor Brigid Hughes will judge the award.

- NZPA