Writers in the Attic
About
While some authors write for themselves (we’re looking at you, Emily Dickinson), many hope to reach an audience outside themselves. Writers in the Attic can offer the first step towards that goal.
An annual publication by The Cabin, Writers in the Attic is a contest designed for Idaho writers, both emerging and established, to publish work related to a one-word theme. (Past years’ themes have included song, game, and rupture.) With submissions blind-judged by a local writer of acclaim, selected poems and fiction are published in a yearly anthology. Selected writers are also invited to a book launch party and reading celebration in late August each year.
2027 Theme - STILL
The Cabin is now accepting submissions for the fifteenth annual Writers in the Attic writing competition. Writers are encouraged to send their work on the one-word theme, "STILL," in any creative format they wish for example poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.
About the Theme
Barring reaching the threshold of Absolute Zero, where particles would cease to move, nothing is truly still. Still, we have words to share. Still, we have to offer something into the universe. Still, collections-of-conglomerate-particles-commonly-known-as-humans work towards reading, writing, and community. When Ray Bradbury was stuck in his writing, he would make lists. If he were to write a list of things that are still, he might start here: The placid reflection on the surface of the lake. Deep, untroubled rest. A summer day without wind. A perfectly placed period. Death. If writing still interests you, send it our way. Even if you don’t think it fit, it might, still, work. It’s worth a shot, anyway. After all, absolute zero is still theoretical. We’ve gotten close, but we’re not there yet.
What does STILL stir in you?
2027 Submission Guidelines
Submission Guidelines:
Writing should apply, abstractly or literally, to the theme “STILL.” Work unrelated to the theme will be disqualified.
Keep entries under 1,500 words, please!
Although we love that you're inspired, no photos, illustrations, or artwork.
Submissions must be typed, Times New Roman, 12pt font, and double-spaced (if prose).
To allow for blind-judging, leave personal information off the submission itself.
The entry fee is subject to your interpretation.
Send us your piece(s) by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 15, 2027.
Writers will be emailed in the spring as to whether or not their work was selected by the judge for publication!
Idaho Writer in Residence, Mitch Wieland will be this issue's judge.
Mitch Wieland is the author of the novels Willy Slater’s Lane and God’s Dogs. His short stories have appeared in The Missouri Review, The Southern Review, The Best of the West, and The Kenyon Review, among other publications. He’s been awarded grants from the National Endowment of the Arts, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Wieland is the current Writer in Residence for the state of Idaho.
Read a past edition
“Such fine literary products, and such a great outlet for Idaho writers.”
–WITA Author
