Tag: sundress

Sundress Publications Opens Submissions for 2016 E-Chapbook Competition

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Sundress Publications is pleased to announce its fourth annual chapbook contest. Authors of all genres are invited to submit qualifying manuscripts during our reading period of February 1st to March 31st, 2016.

We are looking for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or any combination thereof. Manuscripts must be between twelve to twenty-six (12-26) pages in length, with one piece per page. Individual pieces may have been previously published in anthologies, print journals, online journals, etc., but cannot have appeared in any full-length collection, including self-published collections. Only single-author and collaborative dual-author manuscripts will be considered. A unifying element is encouraged but not required. Manuscripts must be primarily in English; translations are not eligible.

The entry fee is $10 per manuscript, though the fee will be waived for entrants who purchase or pre-order any Sundress title from our store.

The winner will receive a $200 prize, plus publication as a beautiful full-color PDF available exclusively online. Runners-up will also be considered for publication.

This year’s judge will be Staci R. Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld is a recipient of an NEA Fellowship, grants from the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund and the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and residencies from the Ragdale Foundation and Albee Foundation. She is a PhD student at University of South Dakota, assistant editor for poetry at South Dakota Review, and an assistant editor at Sundress Publications. Her poems appear in Mid-American Review, Washington Square, and Muzzle.

All manuscripts should include a cover page (with only the title of the manuscript), table of contents, dedication (if applicable), and acknowledgments for previous publications. These pages will not be included in the total page count. Identifying information should not appear in any part of the manuscript. Authors with a significant relationship to the judge (friends, relatives, colleagues, past or present students, etc.) are discouraged from entering. We are dedicated to a fair judging process that emphasizes the quality of the writing, not the résumé of authors.

Simultaneous submissions to other presses are acceptable, but please notify Sundress immediately if the manuscript has been accepted elsewhere. Multiple submissions are allowed, but a separate entry fee must accompany each entry. No revisions will be allowed during the contest judging period. Winners will be announced in Summer 2016.

Submit your manuscript to contest@sundresspublications.com. Be certain to include “CHAPBOOK CONTEST ENTRY” in the title. Please also include either a screenshot of the payment or the order number with your submission.

Submit today at sundresspublications.com!

Meet Our Newest Intern, Graham Bonnington!

 

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Hey everyone!

I’m Graham Bonnington, and it’s great to be here.

I re-discovered my love of writing prose near the end of my Communications Bachelor degree days. My days are spent feeding my coffee addiction and writing ideas down on paper before sitting down in front of a screen to get the prose out. I tend to write cosmic horror, which is in the realm of HP Lovecraft stuff, but minus the racism. Right now I’m trying to finish a book about a pansexual black girl realizing she’s part of an alien race trying to liberate itself from the planet. I also enjoy being “woke” and enjoy electronic music. Look me up on Soundcloud or my band I do vocals for, Landslide of Signal.

I’m looking forward in being part of Sundress.

Thanks!

Graham Bonnington is a Chattanooga Tennessee native. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a master’s degree in creative writing. A reader and writer of cosmic horror, Graham also prides himself as an amateur early middle ages historian (don’t get him started on the Lombard King Grimoald I), a non-believer, an electronica musician, a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and all things astronomical.

Meet Devyn Fussman, Editorial Intern

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Hello! My name is Devyn, and I’m an editorial intern for Sundress and an English student at Florida State University. The only thing I love more than creating words is helping to make them better, which makes editing a dream job for me.

I began my literary journey with creative writing classes and a staff position at my high school literary magazine and have been hooked ever since. Throughout my college years I’ve written and edited for newspapers, literary magazines, and online blogs and am thrilled to now be working with the Sundress team. I love stories and language in all forms and fashions, but poetry, diversity, and book publishing have always been close to my heart.

Besides reading and writing (which is how I spend most of my time), some of my other passions are fanfiction and fandom, anime, movies, photography, and video games.

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Devyn Fussman is a senior English major at Florida State University and a born bookworm. She has written and edited for several publications, including The Southeast Review, TIPS, and Nole Reservations. She is currently an information assistant at FSU Student Publications and pursuing her English degree and a certificate in Editing and Publishing. When she’s not writing, Devyn enjoys fanfiction, books, photography, and video games.

21 Great Gifts for the Writer in Your Life

When gadgets and gizmos abound, it can be a bit tricky to find a good gift for someone who is always writing (or trying to). This year, get them something that’ll really let them make their mark at any price!

1.Cosmos Waterproof/All Weather Notebook– $9

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These notebooks are awesome for someone always on-the-go use because of their size, and they are waterproof! No coffee or tea spills to destroy precious ideas. Pack of 5 available here.

2. Magnetic Poetry Kit–$12

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Even if they already have these sprawled all over their refrigerator, magnetic poetry kits are fun for brainstorming (and holding up tiny pieces of paper). This pack and others from magneticpoetry.com are available in a variety of different sets like Cat Lovers, Charles Dickens, and Cocktail Hour. Or, take a look at this shop on Etsy for other faves like Game of Thrones, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Gilmore Girls.

3. Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens– $15

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Rather than spending an entire paycheck on a fountain pen and some ink, get them a pack of disposable pens. This pack from Pilot comes with 7 bright colors. Available here.

4. Dammit Doll– $16

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These fun dolls come in different designs and make a great gift for someone to toss around while trying to get stuff onto the page. Each doll is handmade and has a poem stitched onto the belly to inspire some thoughts (or swear words). Get one here.

5. DIY Bookmaking Kit- $15

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This bookmaking kit is perfect for showcasing short stories, poems, business cards, photographs and more. Each kit comes with instructions, materials to make the book, and some nifty suggestions for how to showcase their work. Find it here on Etsy.

6. Write Like a Motherfucker Coffee Mug–$15

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Because sometimes they need a reminder that they’re a badass. Available here.

7. Punk Rock Author Coasters Set–$18

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Jam out to some Sex Pistols while Dickinson, Thoreau, Austen, and Kafka keep side tables safe in style. For each set sold, Out of Print donates a book to a community in need. Grab them here.

8. The 2016 Sundress/SAFTA Calendar–$20

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Get them the 2016 Sundress/SAFTA calendar, this year featuring portraits of gender-swapped work that want to destroy the gender binary! Featuring Chris Petruccelli, Jennie Frost, Rhonda Lott, Grant Howard, Vania Smrkovski, Ben McClendon, Rose Meyers, Katie Hall, Shastina Parahoo, Emily Capettini, Adam Crandall, Emma Walcott, Jeb Herrin, and Luci Brown! Snag one here. 

9. Adagio Tales and Tea Leaves Sampler Set–$19

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Adagio has plenty of tea samplers for fandoms like Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, even fan fiction. This particular set is for fans of Lord of the Rings. Find it here or browse the entire collection here

10. Paddywax Library Candle Collection–$15/$21

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No, they don’t smell like the writers themselves, but these soy candles from Paddywax have original mixes like cardamom, absinthe, and sandalwood to give writers a whiff of something inspirational. Available online here.

11. Their Own 2×2 Square in SAFTA’s Poetry Barn–$25

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Get a 2’x2′ space to have a poem/quote/prose selection of your choice (by yourself or by someone else) printed directly on the barn!

Simply supply us with the piece you’d like to appear, and we will handwrite it for all SAFTA visitors and residents to read and enjoy during our readings, events, and more! Find it here. 

12. Literary Quotes Poster–$24

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These gorgeous prints by Etsy artist ObviousState are great for the writer who wants something more minimalistic for their home.  Buy them here.

13. “From the Library of” Stamp– $29

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Help them stake their claim on their library with a custom-made stamp. Find it here.

14. iPad/Tablet Portfolio–$38

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This portfolio comes with a cute typewriter print, and doubles as both sneaky storage for their tablet or iPad and a notepad to jot down ideas while reading their favorite E-book. Available on Etsy.

15. Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Warmer–$37

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On a tight writing schedule, they might not be able to pop out to get their favorite latte. Give them the ability to make their favorite drinks at home or in their office.  Get it here.

16. Secura 1.8 Quart Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Water Kettle– $45

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Alternatively, if they prefer tea, a cordless water kettle is an option. No messy cords, and this kettle has a cool-touch exterior to held avoid burns. Find it here.

17. Library Stamp Sweatshirt–$42

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Remember when, not-so-long-ago, library books were stamped? This fleece sweatshirt from Out of Print will keep any writer cozy and warm while they write. Purchase of this sweatshirt also sends a book to a community in need! Snag one for them (and maybe yourself, too) here.

18. The Poet Tarot and Guidebook from Two Sylvias Press–$48

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Two Sylvias Press has this awesome set of tarot cards and guidebook with beloved poets on it “to help writers explore nuances of the creative process.” Need we say more? Buy this online here.

19. Subscription to Journal of the Month– $40-$199

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A subscription to their favorite journal, or even one to Journal-of-the-Month is an amazing gift for anyone. Journal-of-the-Month includes publications like The Missouri Review, Tin House, and more to give them a nice sample from a range of journals. Aside from skipping a trip to the post office, you can also choose a subscription type that suits their needs and your budget. Check out the options available for Journal of the Month subscriptions here.

20. Audible.com Subscription–$15-$250

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Not everyone has as much time as they would like to sit down and read. For someone always on-the-go, an audible.com subscription is a perfect choice. For $15/month (depending on the type of subscription) they’ll get to choose from hundreds of audio books and stream their book directly onto their phone, tablet, or computer. That way, they can listen during the commute to work, while cooking dinner, or on a business trip! Find out more about audible and its subscription services here.

 

21. Do something with them not writing-related

Take them to the movies, treat them to a nice dinner or a massage. For most writers, the gift of relaxation is necessary yet hard to find. Knowing that they are getting time to unwind and enjoy other things in life can be one of the greatest gifts to receive.

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Hunter Parsons is a recent graduate from Kalamazoo College. When she’s not writing, being a plant mom, or advocating for young women’s self esteem, Hunter is baking and glued to Turner Classic Movies. 

Rebecca’s Not So Bookshelf Project

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While it may not be much to look at (I promise this is not even close to my entire collection of books) ,this will have to do for my Project Bookshelf. Sadly my beloved books remain in storage back in Fort Myers, FL so this is what I was able to scrounge up in my Orlando townhome.

My two favorite authors were lucky enough to have made it in some of my boxes. Kim Harrison began my love for urban fantasy novels and I highly recommend her Rachel Morgan series. At the right end of the books is also some urban fantasy books by Laurel K. Hamilton and although I don’t like them as much as Kim Harrison’s work, they’re decent. Also on my shelf is a bit of historical fiction. Diana Gabaldon, my other favorite author, wrote the Outlander series that has also become a popular TV series.

Besides these two genres are a few a couple of young adult novels and a few books that I haven’t had the chance to read yet. If there’s anything you all may have gathered from this post is that I’m a huge fantasy buff even without the rest of my books being present.

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Rebecca Klingsten is a Junior at University of Central Florida. With a concentration in Creative Writing, she also hopes to have the opportunity to teach English as a foreign language in other countries. When she isn’t writing she spends her time at Disney and watches her favorite TV shows such as Game of Thrones.

“Blue Ridge Androgyny” from Not Somewhere Else But Here

Blue Ridge Androgyny

If you can the preserves, I’ll break the logs for
winter. Until then, your warm knuckles will need
to button the vest of my three piece suit—
nevermind that we buried my father in the jacket
and the trousers. Nevermind my breasts flattened
under your suspenders.
Nevermind we could flatfoot to the thrum of my heart.
I don’t have to remind my body: now,
my hand leads your waist instead.
Could you, would you, stitch your name into my collar?
That is to say, all this room in the crotch of
your pants I’m wearing even though my heart spills over.
That is to say, my milk for the baby even though you’re
the one who sings him.
Can you see the raccoon watching us from the
pine branch? She must have seen us digging
through each others’ bodies as she through
the pig trough, every night.
I’d like to tell her, our digging isn’t really search.
We know what we find here, what we don’t.
You, the sun in my mouth, and I, the eclipse
in your throat.

-Kristi Carter

“Blue Ridge Androgyny” is from the Sundress multi-genre anthology Not Somewhere Else But Here: A Contemporary Anthology of Women and Place. Order your copy here!

SAFTAcast Welcomes Daniel M. Shapiro to its 35th Episode

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 The SAFTAcast, a part of the Sundress Academy for the Arts, has released its 35th Episode featuring poet Daniel M. Shapiro. The new episode and all previous episodes and promos are available on iTunes or for free download. They can also be found on the podcast’s blog at SAFTAcast.com.

SAFTAcast prides itself on being a writer’s podcast that is not about writing; in fact the subject of writing is immediately ruled out as a possible conversation topic. These programs are more focused on learning about the creators as opposed to the creation. This often inspires candid and no-pressure conversations about whatever may be on their minds. Host Scott C Fynboe brings an electric charge to the program with witty insights that spur guests on and eccentric promos for each upcoming episode. You can view the promo for the upcoming episode here.

Scott C is a former radio disc jockey from upstate New York. He received a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Southern Mississippi and currently lives and teaches on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Guests on the SAFTAcast range from Sundress Publications authors to widely published poets and writers from around the country. Join Scott C. as he and Shapiro talk teaching, baseball, and the nature of being among “Generation X.”

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Daniel M. Shapiro is a special education teacher who lives in Pittsburgh. His poems have appeared in Gargoyle, Chiron Review, RHINO, Menacing Hedge, Word Riot, and elsewhere. His book of celebrity-ori

ented prose poems, How the Potato Chip Was Invented, was published by sunnyoutside press on the last day of 2013.

Follow the SAFTAcast on Facebook at SAFTAcast and on Twitter @saftacast

Ha Ha Ha Thump by Amorak Huey Released by Sundress Publications

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Knoxville, TN-Sundress Publications is pleased to announce that pre-orders are now available for Amorak Huey’s debut full-length, Ha Ha Ha Thump.

You don’t need to count how many times variations on “disappear” and “disguise” appear here to get the sense that Amorak Huey is not only a witty and keen-eyed poet but also a consummate magician, directing our gaze to one thing even as he prepares to show us something better. Thus one poem declares in its title that it is about wallpaper, not breasts. In another, the pope imagines himself a married man, and if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. Like a 21st -century“Abracadabra!” the phrase “ha ha ha thump” serves as the title of this collection and then recurs as a poem title not once but five times, cracking the ordinary world open to reveal the wonders within.
— David Kirby

Chapter by chapter, night by night, Amorak Huey’s Ha Ha Ha Thump creates a mash up of domestic life and celebrity culture—the beautiful monotony of marriage to a super model, heroic personas professing to their beloveds, a rock star’s immortal prowess shows signs of aging. These poems are insightful and funny, but best of all they are jubilant about all our small human failings adding up to love. The tongue may be hostage to memory, we may “replicate our favorite mistakes,” we may fail to make love in our parents’ hot tub, but what rises in each manifestation of these love stories is the persistence of possibility in all its bright pulsing urgency.
— Traci Brimhall

“The problem,” Amorak Huey writes, “isn’t feeling nothing, it’s feeling everything.” Ha Ha Ha Thump is a book that feels everything, and the feeling it reaches for most is love (in each of its delighted and damaged forms). This is a tremendous book with a spectacular heart, and at the center of that heart you’ll find love. I mean, first you’ll find vampires, bank robbers, reality TV shows, tiny robots and a steady, enduring sadness, but then—in the middle of all that—you’ll find love.
— Matthew Olzmann

hueyAmorak Huey, a former newspaper editor and reporter, teaches writing at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. His chapbook, The Insomniac Circus, was released by Hyacinth Girl Press in 2014. Ha Ha Ha Thump, is forthcoming from Sundress Publications in 2015. His poems appear in the anthologies The Best American Poetry 2012, The Poetry of Sex,and Poetry in Michigan/Michigan in Poetry, as well as journals such as Rattle, The Collagist, The Southern Review, Poet Lore, Menacing Hedge, and others.

Ha Ha Ha Thump is available for pre-sale at http://mkt.com/sundress-publications/ha-ha-ha-thump-by-amorak-huey-pre-sale

Follow Sundress on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SundressPub
Subscribe to the Sundress blog: https://sundressblog.com/

Summer Flash Showdown: Get Your Jersey On!

Donkey Basketball. Photo by Lauren Leone-Cross.
Photo by Lauren Leone-Cross.

Welcome to the second round of the Summer Flash Showdown, a series by none other than Sundress Publications! While our audience is likely chomping at the bit to hear our two winners from last week’s challenge, the running is too close. We’ll need some more time to make the many difficult decisions to come. For the remainder of this ongoing saga of flash fiction, tune in to The Wardrobe every Wednesday to find out who came out on top.

As you may know, all finalists will have the opportunity to write for the Grand Prize Round, in which the supreme victor could walk away with endless boasting privileges, publication of their story on The Wardrobe, and FIVE FREE SUNDRESS TITLES OF YOUR CHOOSING!!!

Also, round two’s winner will receive an Outspoken Tank (as well as publication on the blog.) The runner-up will also receive publication right here on The Wardrobe.

Without further adieu, this week’s honored judge is…

APRIL MICHELLE BRATTEN!!! 

April Michelle Bratten

April Michelle Bratten was born in Marrero, Louisiana. The daughter of an USAF active duty father, April grew up traveling and living across the United States and abroad. Her travels have greatly influenced her writing over the years, particularly her three year residency at Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey. She currently lives in Minot, North Dakota, where she received her BA in English from Minot State University. You can find her poetry in decomP, Southeast Review, THRUSH Poetry Journal, and others. April has been the editor of Up the Staircase Quarterly since 2008 and she is also a contributing editor at Words Dance Publishing, where she writes the article Three to Read. Three to Read highlights recent poetry and poets in online journals around the web. Aside from reading, editing, and writing, April loves beer, art, libraries, sports, camping, and bunny rabbits. You can find her on twitter: @aprilmbratten

THE CHALLENGE: Get Your Jersey On!

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All submitted stories in this round must take place at a sporting event, whether it’s a grizzly tee ball match or a Stanley Cup Playoff. The conflict can hover in the stands or be slugged out on the field, but the setting must be at and during the game.

It must also be told from a second person p.o.v. We want your use of this perspective to immerse readers in the action with a unique abruptness. Command your readers to feel the sand on their soles mid-volley ball match or harness the crack of a bat in their palms.

For example, you might write as your first line, “Rise to pass 100 people for more $9 nachos for your gurgling belly. You trip and spill beer into the perm of the woman in front of you who has been on her smartphone for half the game.”

And no Mighty Ducks, tearful sentiments on the “love of the game.” Be a good sport and serve us lit that taps into deeper realities than a team winning a preconceived stand-off. Make the odds higher than the scoreboard.

Word limit is 450 for this round. Send all stories to sundressflashsummer@gmail.com. RTF or DOCX file format preferred.  Stories must be submitted by Friday, July 24th at midnight EST! [EDIT: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY, JULY 27TH AT MIDNIGHT]

We hope you knock this one out of…we’ll spare you any more sports puns. Go get em!