Spark: Celebrities, Representation and Decisive Moments (tentative title) seeks creative nonfiction essays that explore how celebrities, public figures and pop culture phenomena inspire us to understand ourselves, our identities, our decisions and pivotal moments in our lives. While we may never really know celebrities, we may feel connections to them based on who or what they represent and how that reflects moments in our own lives. Celebrities may be heroes, villains, sign posts or temporary influences. They may be our crushes, our deities, or who we love to mock. Essays should be first person and bring readers on a journey, encouraging emotional, visual or visceral connection to your experience. Celebrities (etc.) need not be contemporary nor do they have to be mega-stars or household names - the concept of celebrity, public figure or pop culture phenomenon for this call is broad. Essays should be between 2,000-4,000 words, and writers will be paid $.02 per word and a complimentary copy of the book. The anthology will include original portraits of the celebrities. More info at https://www.chimeraprojects.art/submissions.
Deadline for submission is June 1, 2023, and accepted writers will be notified July 1, 2023.