BEMIDJI, Minn. – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2009 edition of “Dust and Fire: Women’s Stories,” published by Bemidji State University. Entries will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 15, for the 23rd annual anthology, which will be published in March of 2009.

“Dust & Fire” accepts writing and art from women residing in Minnesota or its contiguous states and provinces. Submissions are encouraged from emerging and practicing writers or artists from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds.

Writers may submit up to three typed works, no longer than 1,200 words each, with each work clearly marked as memoir, poetry, narrative, journal, short story, essay or other form. Visual artists may forward up to three submissions of prints, paintings, charcoal or pencil drawings. Art must be black and white camera-ready pieces or high quality slides. Works can be no larger than 8×10 inches.

A submission form is required, and is available online at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/publications/dust_and_fire or by calling (218) 755-3355. No electronic submissions will be accepted in any category.

All submissions, which will be acknowledged, must include a 50-70 word biographical statement, including name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address if available. Artists must include return packaging and postage or state that the work may be discarded. Writing manuscripts will not be returned. A panel will review submissions and announce selections in late December.

Dust & Fire is sponsored by the women’s studies program and the Department of English at Bemidji State University.

Submissions may be sent to Dust & Fire, English Department, Hagg-Sauer Hall #23, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699. For additional information, please call (218) 755-3355.

About Dust & Fire
The 22 years of Dust & Fire anthologies hold the strong voices of many women and each year expands the treasury of their stories. The first volume was published by Bemidji State University’s Women’s Resource Center in 1987 under the editorship of Kristine Cannon. It was called Women’s Stories Must Be Told, promising a place where women could share their work with others.

It has kept its promise. For two decades women have sent their words “from the tongue of dust and fire” to be collected and passed around the waiting circle. Over time, Dust & Fire has evolved and gained strength. After six years it honored Minnesota writer and activist, Meridel LeSueur, as a mentor to women writers and used her words for a new title, Dust & Fire. A new editor, Helen Bonner, guaranteed the original intent of the anthology remained true – to honor women’s expressions of their life experiences. In 1997 the editors expanded this expression to include art by women, and in 2000 they began two new traditions: awards for submissions and the inclusion of students on the editorial board.