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.
2026 Theme - Hodgepodge
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, "HODGEPODGE," in any creative format they wish for example poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.
About the Theme
We make stories and poems from what precious things we can salvage: odds and ends of our days, jumbles of memory, mishmashes of loves, griefs, fears, and joys. Give us writing that wades into life’s mess, assesses what’s left in the fridge and makes something from what only looks like nothing. Send us dispatches from moments held together with duct tape and shoelace. Give us precarious proposals, DIY adventures, and whatever’s been forgotten in the back of the desk drawer. We want your mismatched socks, your spare buttons, your hodgepodge hearts.
What is HODGEPODGE to you?
2026 Submission Guidelines
Writing should apply, abstractly or literally, to the theme “Knot” 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 Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Submissions will be blind-judged by Alan Minskoff.
Read a past edition
“Such fine literary products, and such a great outlet for Idaho writers.”
–WITA Author
