For the 2020 Pushcart Prize Nominations, we chose authors from our publications this year that moved their readers through voice or character to reach an incredibly deep level of empathy and compassion; to cross boundaries; to deepen our understanding of human nature; to find wild new worlds of wonder and delight.
Congratulations to three poets from The Very Edge we had three poets read more about the book here.
Omar Bárcena, nominated with his poem: "Linea Divisoria."
Araceli Esparza with her poem, "At Dinner."
Huascar Medina and his piece, "The New Americans."
T.L. Sanders for kNew: the Screenplay.
Godflash by Anne-Marie Yerks: LeShey lives in a futuristic world where she can have anything she wants. All her memories are stored online, food grows in her aquaponics bay and her smart-house is a dream. Even her cat can be brought back to life by genetic cloning, she's not sure about how it works. Her only problem throwing a birthday party...or maybe the problem is her attachment to this life of fantasy.
Tethered by Jeremy Schnee: Sally hasn't slept for five years, since her son Adam was born. A child with an unusual gift, he floats in his sleep. Sally has another problem, she's been living with a man who may not have the best intentions for either of them. If only she could fly to safety? But where would someone like her be able to follow her dreams?
We also have four new contests to announce for 2021! New and thoughtful prompts to get your creativity going. Or possibly you've been working on a project already to celebrate writers who have inspired us with their vision. Check it out.
FAST FORWARD: What Would Your Favorite Historical Poet Think About Life in the 21st Century? Emily Dickinson is addicted to Facebook, Byron feels guilty for ordering from Amazon Prime, Homer can't help taking on Uber jobs so he can tell long war stories to an audience who can't escape. Shakespeare teaches community college and runs his own nightly Political Satire Youtube under the radar. What would your favorite historical poet be doing today in the 21st century? Whether you take on their voice or just tell-all tabloid-style; whether you address the addictive technology of our present-day future or an important modern-day movement, try out this time travel call for poetry and art that speak to both past and present. The top 12 finalists will be published in our blog with Flying Ketchup Press in 2021 as the poet spotlight of the month. You'll get social media and blog all about you with the online publication of your poem. We will also invite you to make a video. We will share on our Youtube channel, and post it on our website of you reading or performing your poem.
Creativity. Let it happen. Let's think about the poets of the past and the poets of the present. How are we alike? What is easier. Fast forward. Tell us what your favorite poet would be like today.
C-Note: Celebrating 100 Years of the Short Story
The originators of today's modern story storm form created the literary genre we love today, but often they are out of copyright. Some forgotten gems lie ready to be dusted off and put back on the shelf. Let's celebrate short stories in the public domain by updating, editing, altering, or celebrating one of your favorite modern tales. Join in this time travel call for short fiction that speaks to both past and present.
Creativity. Let it happen. Let's think about the authors of the past and who we are today. How are we alike? What is easier. Fast forward. Re-tell that same story today.
Bold Face: Poetry (and Art) about Strength
Whether you take on a strong voice or just share a story about someone fearless, someone who had the nerve to stand up for what was right, make a difference, change the world, send us a poem about it. Paint us a portrait in words. Past, present, or future. Take us on a journey of strength. Finalists will be published in an upcoming collection with Flying Ketchup Press and video entries will be posted on our Youtube channel.
Creativity. Let it happen. Let's think about who we admire that has strength? When was the last time we spoke up? Fast forward. Share with us your poems and artwork when you or someone you know had the boldness to be strong.
Double Spaced: Bloggers (Vloggers) The Writing Life, How it's done
Share about the writing life. You've had the nerve to be a writer. You have a writing life, a writing process, a writing vision, publications or possible publications, degrees or possible degrees, you've taught classes, taken classes and you want to share about it. You want to share about the writing life, how you've done it, why we keep writing.
Finalists will be published on the Flying Ketchup Press Blog. Creativity. Let it happen. Let's think about what is our writing process and how did we first discover we were a writer? Fast forward. Share with us your journey.
Flying Ketchup Press ® is a trademarked small press in Kansas City, Missouri established to develop new and diverse voices in poetry and short story. Our dream is to salvage lost treasure troves of written and illustrated work—to create worlds of wonder and delight; to share stories. Maybe yours.
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