The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) of Washington, D.C., led by Dr. Claire Nelson, is having its annual Book Festival in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month in June. The institute seeks submissions of original Caribbean literary pieces, especially short story and poetry, for inclusion in the book festival, which is organized under the theme: “Losing and Rediscovering Caribbean Identity Abroad.” The deadline for submissions is April 13, 2014. The selected pieces will be showcased on the ICS website and at their book reading on June 11, 2014, at the Portico Book Store in Washington, D.C.

Description: The Institute of Caribbean Studies has fought very hard in order to have this month to acknowledge the influence of Caribbean culture on an international scale. As writers, we know how hard it is to get our work recognized, and as authors of work influenced by the Caribbean, it is that much harder. This Festival seeks to share and celebrate the work of upcoming Caribbean writers, as well as established ones. It will be a platform for us to support one another’s work and to highlight the influence we have had on other cultures.

We are seeking submissions of literary fiction from anyone who wants to be a part of this celebration. Caribbean writers have a unique voice and ICS would like to highlight the great stories and poetry that reflect those roots. In honour of Caribbean American Heritage Month, we would like to focus on integration of Caribbean nationals into American culture, so our theme this year will be: Losing and Rediscovering Caribbean Identity Abroad.

Applications are due by April 13. Five pieces will be chosen for showcasing on our website and at our book reading on June 11 at the PORTICO Book Store in Washington, D.C. You may submit two poems or one short story. The short story should be no more than 3,000 words, and the poems no more than 500 words each. The author should also include a short bio with their submission.

Please send all submissions or questions to Shanza Lewis at cahm.bookfestival@gmail.com

Image above: “Vibration of the Caribbean Plate” by Fania Simon; see http://fineartamerica.com/featured/vibration-of-the-caribbean-plate-fania-simon.html

For more information on the Institute of Caribbean Studies, see www.icsdc.org

For more information on Dr. Claire Nelson, see http://www.icsdc.org/founder___president