Thanks to our friends at Snake Bomb Coffee, we can offer a regular series of writing contests. The winner, chosen by our editors, receives a certificate of recognition and a sample package of Snake Bomb Coffee imported from Laos! Snake Bomb Coffee proceeds benefit UXO clearance and anti-venom kits to treat potentially lethal snakebites in Laos.

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and in recognition of conclusion of the successful Legacies of War: Voices from Laos National Speakers Tour, we selected the theme of “Voices.”

We’re looking for the best poem (under 3 pages, please), personal essay, short story, short play or short play excerpt, creative non-fiction, etc. (1,000 words or less) that responds to the idea of bringing Lao voices forward. Whether it’s thinking about the issues raised during the Legacies of War: Voices from Laos Tour or discussing other topics you think Lao should speak out about, we want to hear about them!

Entries should be sent in the body of an e-mail, (No attachments, please). Laoglish is fine, obviously. We get one-time publishing rights for accepted pieces after which all publishing rights revert back to you!

We are interested in multicultural, multilingual work that brings forward emerging voices, especially from perspectives often underrepresented in existing literature. Work that considers race, gender, sexuality, identity and/or disability issues is welcome. We have no style limitations this time, although shorter works preferred. Submissions should be previously unpublished.

We’re going to try an new deadline this time: Send your best pieces to Laoartisans@gmail.com by May 15th and we’ll announce the winner at the end of the month! Our previous winner was Bidone Salime, for her essay on “Beauty.”

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions!