The six entries in the running for the short story prize for unpublished writers of colour, share a common interest in ‘exploring interiority and the nature of human existence’

The shortlist has been announced for the eighth 4thWrite prize, which is open to unpublished writers of colour in the UK and Ireland, with globe-trotting short stories ranging from Tokyo to Liverpool, India to the Middle East, and exploring family and heritage, identity and inequality, therapy, fortune tellers and robot wives.

The prize, run by publisher 4th Estate in association with the Guardian, this year spotlights six stories from more than 140 entries. Chair of judges Kishani Widyaratna, publishing director at 4th Estate, said: “Each year the entries offer a fascinating insight into what is being written today and this shortlist is no exception. The stories are varied but have in common an interest in exploring interiority and the subjective nature of human existence, as well as the desire to bridge the gap and connect with another.”