Recently, women gathered locally and online to hear of developments and changes to #StrongWomenWrite, the unique literary organization I founded in 2017. Over tea, we discussed what we had accomplished, and the impact we want to have going forward. Our gathering ended with the announcement of this Anthology – combining social impact and literary, meeting the needs of women and giving platform to their voices. (The write-up Nicole Evelina did, one of our sisters in St. Louis, can be read here.)
This Anthology will be different, pairing fictional works of women writers, for your enjoyment – alongside very real accounts of women who’ve experienced trafficking, or aged out of orphanages, for your action. The anthology will showcase strength, and resilience, its more subtle sister.
My hope is for the anthology to, also, serve as a vehicle for the project to expand, creating economic opportunities for these women and spaces for them to live.
Great things happen when women gather.
Will you be one of them?
PROJECT TIMELINE:
March 2020 – Kickoff, Selection & Orientation of Regional Coordinators
March 1 – August 15 – Open Submissions
August 17-28 – Review and Selection
September – Notifications of Acceptance. Interviews for True Stories.
October, November – Edit, Compilation
December – Pre-orders begin
March 2021 – Release Event (Atlanta)
GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
WOMEN ONLY.
Stories accepted internationally, but must be submitted with English translation.
SHORT STORY GUIDELINES:
Women Writers only.
No gore or erotica.
Stories must have strong female character at center.
Character must ‘win’ whether protagonist or antagonist.
Maximum Word Count: 5,000. No minimum.
First-time female authors welcome.
Photo, short bio, URL if applicable or social media links required.
TRUE STORY GUIDELINES:
Women survivors only.
Stories must be true. We will showcase your strength, not your pain.
Your story, your words. Do not feel pressured to write like a pro.
You may find it is easier to tell your story via creative non-fiction. This is acceptable, but must be noted when submitted.
You must be willing to be photographed (option available to guard privacy).
Maximum Word Count: 3,000.
Photo, URL if applicable required. Social media links for our verification only. Will not be shared.
Submission Details:
- Submit your story to Anthology [@] KhrysVaughan.com .
- Use Fiction or True as the subject line + the title of your story.
- Include your name, contact info (phone and preferred email), short bio, photo, URL and/or social media links.
- Paste your story within the body of the email.
- Submissions close August 15, 2020. Accepted stories will be notified in September.
Share this project by directing other women and women writers to this page. And if you know women willing to share their stories, please assist with their composition.
This is an ambitious undertaking. But, I strongly believe women have the power to be their own solution. Thank you stepping up to be the solution.