Group Launches Second Mil-Writing Contest, Anthology

The Warriors Arts Alliance has published a call for submissions to a second volume of military-themed fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and photography. The non-fiction category includes creative non-fiction, essay, and oral history.

Both the anthology and a related contest are open to all military personnel, veterans, and military family members. As the group's website states, "This series of anthologies preserves and shares the perspectives of our military and veterans of all conflicts and of their families. It is not only an outlet for artistic expression but also a document of the unique aspects of wartime in our nation’s history."

The group's first published work, titled "Proud to Be: Writing from America's Warriors," was published in November 2012. Both volumes are in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and Southeast Missouri State University Press.

A 5-minute video of a 2012 reading event celebrating the publication of the first volume is available here.

Contributors to the first volume will also read at a veterans' recognition reception titled "In Their Own Words" at Southeast Missouri State University Wed., Feb. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. Monitor the Warriors Arts Alliance's website or Facebook page for forthcoming details.

Deadline for the second volume is July 1, 2013. Winners and contributors will be notified not later than Nov. 1, 2013. Submissions may be made electronically or in hardcopy. Additional details follow:

• Limit one submission in each category per person.

• Only previously unpublished work will be considered.

• Poetry: up to three poems (Five pages maximum).

• Fiction, essay, or interview: 5,000-word limit.

• Photography: up to three good-quality photos. (The book will be published in black and white).

• Submissions exceeding the limits will be disqualified.

• Include a biography of no more than 75 words.

Writers may submit to the anthology only by mailing both the work and a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (S.A.S.E.) for notification to: Warriors Anthology, Southeast Missouri State University Press, Mail Stop 2650, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

Writers my submit to both the anthology and a $250 contest by e-mailing previously unpublished work to: upress@semo.edu. Additional details follow:

• Entries must be submitted as Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx format).

• Keep poems in one document (with first poem as title).

• Put your name and contact info on first page and nowhere else on the manuscript.

A $250 first-prize will be awarded in each category. All contest entries will also be considered for publication.

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Note: This content regarding military writing is underwritten by Victor Ian LLC, a military media and gaming business. The business publishes Lanterloon, an eclectic lifestyle, technology, and military blog; has a physical retail storefront called "Dragons and Dragoons" located in Colorado Springs, Colo.; and hosts military-writing workshops and other events under the "Sangria Summit" brand name.