The Lilian Ida Smith Award for 2011 is now open for applications.

 This biennial award provides the successful applicant with a grant of $3000 to assist them towards the completion of a specific project. The award is open to writers of non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama for adults and children, who are financial members of the NZSA and are aged 35 years or over.

Applicants are expected to be either in the early stages of their writing career, or someone whose opportunities to fulfil their potential have been limited. The selection panel will be looking for an applicant whose project would most significantly enhance the literary standing of the applicant and make the most significant contribution to New Zealand writing.

Applicants are required to submit a cv containing their writing history, an outline of their project; an extract from the work-in-progress or a sample of previous work, and proof of age.

The 2009 recipient of the award was Leanne Radojkovich for her short story collection Come Closer Honey. Leanne is currently working on a second collection, and since receiving the LIS she has gained a MCW with First Class Honours from AUT University.

For more information and an application form email programmes@nzauthors.org.nz or visit our website: www.authors.org.nz