Seeking Creative Writers for a Developing Project
What should I write about? This collection of essays/creative non-fiction will include written accounts of grandmothers — the values you learned from them, the stories you wish you could tell them, the unearthed feelings about them. These stories are not just evidence that these women existed but should aim to amplify the impact they’ve made on the world. These can be written as eulogies, biographies, or just a glimpse of her at a specific moment in time. Every story does not need to be warm and fuzzy but can lean into the ugly parts, feelings of anger towards her, or what you wish she knew. Maybe you want to write to her or just about her. Maybe it’s you recounting a story she told you about her younger years. But be honest, be vulnerable, be creative, and be willing to explore who she was before she was a mother/grandmother.
How long should the piece be? Submissions should be about 2,000 words. Open to various
structures and hybrid forms.
What is the deadline for submission? Submissions are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit by June 30, 2026. (See FAQ section for more details.)
Will the pieces be published? The goal of this anthology is to be published. At this stage, Dr. Dance is collecting stories in order to query publishers with sample chapters. You are submitting these stories in faith. Dr. Dance will keep you abreast of the publication updates throughout the journey.
Will I be compensated for my work? Yes. Upon publication, each writer will be compensated. The amount may be determined by the publisher or Dr. Dance.
Who is Dr. Arielle Dance? Arielle Dance, PhD is an award-winning author and poet based in New Jersey. Her debut children’s book, Dearest One (Lantana Publishing, 2022) is the winner of the Saybrook Film, Book, & Poetry Prize and the BookFest Award. Her children’s manuscript, Miss Mimi’s Welcome’s All, is the winner of Black Voices in Children's Literature (TCM, Strive Publishing, Free Spirit Publishing). Her poetry has been published in Ave Astra and Howl & Hold. Like you, Dr. Dance is a creative writer who wants to know that her words have impacted people. Follow her at @DrDanceWrites on Instagram.
How Do I Submit? Submission guidance and form can be found at drarielledance.com.
FAQ's - Based on submission questions received.
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Is there a submission or reading fee? No. I will not ask you for any money or fees.
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Can I write about multiple grandmothers and/or great-grandmothers? Of course! There's no real limit on what you can write or who you can write about. We are all products of elders, ancestors, and generations. You are not limited in only writing about blood relatives either. As long as the theme of grandmothers carries, you're on the right track!
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What other books can I read to get inspiration? If you're looking for other collections of essays about womanhood, I'd recommend Through Mom’s Eyes (Sheinelle Jones), So Heavy a Weight (Stephanie Vessely), My Sisters’ Voices (Iris Jacob), and Grandmothers: Essays by 21st-century Grandmothers (Helen Elliott).
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Can I use AI to help write or edit? AI assistance is not allowed for this project. If you've used AI please let me know.
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I don't think I can make the June deadline, can I have an extension? If you're worried about making the initial deadline, please reach out. This does not disqualify you. My goal is to get some essays in June in order to share samples with agents and editors to gain interest. Also, some writers prefer a firm deadline. If that's you, let me know and we can set a deadline that works best.
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What format should my essay be in? Please submit using Word doc/docx or Google Doc link. Please do not submit PDFs.