Calling all poets, flash fiction writers, and illustrators

A benefit project from Pirene’s Fountain

Collateral Damage

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  Now more than ever we must collectively work toward a better future for our earth and its children. As current custodians of this world, we need to assume some degree of responsibility, and bequeath our planet in a good condition to our new generation. Alone our reach is small, but together we can harness the strength to speak up for those not allowed a voice.

  Please join us in all ways possible to spread the word, to sell the books and raise funds for children with basic survival needs, for programs that help protect and educate children, and organizations that foster child advocacy. Turning away is not an option anymore.

  There are many ways in which you can participate. You can send in your work, you can write press releases, blurbs for promotion, you can speak to possible sponsors of various programs, approach corporations, arrange readings, research the best charities, encourage others to buy the book. Promote and support this work so the future of our world will have a chance.

  Themes to be covered by this anthology:

  Children caught in the crossfire of war and political strife, adult ambition and greed. Children who are victims of abuse, neglect, hunger, lack of clean water. Children who have succumbed to disease, mental illness, and hopelessness. Children who are orphaned or institutionalized. Children denied education and protection. Children who have been traumatized by rape, incest, school shootings, etc. Disadvantaged and exploited children: child labor, slavery, human trafficking, terrorism, prostitution & pornography. Since all these are grim topics, we are also are looking for some pieces that balance out the pain and hurt: pieces that focus on transformative power of love and care, pieces that can bring light and hope for those in despair.

Collateral Damage, A Pirene’s Fountain Anthology

Submission Information—opens September 1, 2015

Please send written work to PFAnthology@gmail.com in a Word attachment, and B&W illustrations in high res JPG file with minimum 300DPI. Images must be clear, clean and crisp. We will respond in 2 weeks with acknowledgement of receipt. If the piece does not work for the anthology, or if it fits perfectly, we will respond within 1-2 months. If we want to consider the work further, we will write and ask permission to hold on to it for a longer period. While previously published work will be considered, simultaneous submissions will not.

1. Since this is a benefit book, contributors copies will be NOT be sent out. Contributors may purchase the book directly from GLP at a deep discount.
2. Your work will demand a place in the book if it belongs there; credentials and awards will matter less than the work you submit.
3. We are looking for high quality, impactful, beautifully crafted, layered and lyrical language. We want it all—power, color, emotion.
4. Send your submissions to Ami at PFAnthology@gmail.com
5. Please type “CD,” first & last name in subject line
6. You may send a short cover note. A bio is not required at the time of the submission. We will request a bio if your work is selected because you may want to update it prior to galley preparation. By its very nature this book will be highly selective. If your submission is not accepted the first time, you may send out another submission for consideration.
7. Please follow our Collateral Damage Anthology Facebook page to get the best and most current information and updates!

   Since we may get too many pieces on a particular topic, or too few, we will announce what we need and which “topics” have been filled on the Collateral Damage Anthology page.

   After we have taken care of production and printing costs, discounts to various retailers, and our distributing networks, we will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book to UNICEF (or a similar charity), and also to “100 Thousand Poets for Change.”

   To make any kind of significant impact, we will need to sell a LOT of books, and you can all help to spread the word not only within our literary and academic circles but beyond. We need to promote this cause anywhere and everywhere possible: schools, universities, book stores, child advocacy organizations, hospitals, libraries, coffee houses, eateries, retail stores, corporations, malls, etc.

   Please make a commitment to participate and get involved in one way or another. We can make this happen together. Let us help the children of our world~ Thank you all!