Calling All Writers!

Eel doesn't only take an avid interest in what her contributors' other projects are, she is also on the look out for other worthy literary causes. She thinks the I Am Woman Project is such a cause. As part of their campaign to raise money for various charities, the organisers are also releasing a number of anthologies. Up until recently submissions were only open to women writers, but the Eel is pleased to tell you the editors are now accepting work from male writers as well. Eel urges everyone to check out I Am Woman's mission statement, and submit something- even if it means Eel gets less work sent to her for her precious Issue Three. (Eel submitted!) See below for more details about the I Am Woman Campaign which were sent to the Eel by Victoria Watson. Many thanks to Victoria for letting the Eel know about this worthy campaign.

About I Am Woman
In March, I wrote what was a confessional article for one of my Twitter friends @MrsBPR at her blog, http://bloomhq.blogspot.co.uk/

After speaking to Margot (@MrsBPR), we decided we wanted to start-up a campaign to help women around the world who are suffering from abuse: be it verbal, psychological and/or physical. Our good friend Louise Stark joined the team and we were flying!

We then developed the idea and picked three nominated charities that we'd like to support:

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/ 

http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

I am Woman's mission statement is as follows:

The 'I Am Woman' Campaign is about using our voices to help other women. To raise awareness of women across the planet who have in effect 'lost their voice' or had it taken away...either through, fear, abuse, illness or war. We all have a voice, whether that be through our blogs, social networks or talking to people in our daily lives. We must speak for them until they can do it for themselves.

We're planning lots of things for the site and the campaign is gaining a lot of support on Twitter (@iamwoman_roar) and through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/iamwoman2012).

On the website, we're hoping to feature true stories and so require submissions for that. We'd also love to get some inspirational quotes on the website and are happy to accept recipes and top tips.

Our first charity anthology has been released today and it features fictional stories and poems from female writers - both published and unpublished - from all over the world. We are thrilled that the wonderful Leila Aboulela (award-winning author of 'Minaret' and 'Lyrics Alley') also contributed a story. The anthology is a celebration of womanhood, of overcoming hard times and enjoying the good. Each story or poem, in its own way, illustrates the capacity every woman has for courage and strength, no matter what the circumstances.

The anthology is published through Kindle Direct Publishing and can be downloaded on Amazon Worldwide. This is the UK link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Woman-Anthology-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B00817P8DI/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1

If you are a writer - male or female -, or know of someone who would be interested, please seehttp://iamwomancampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/anthology.html for submission guidelines, the next deadline is 1st August 2012. We've had some amazing submissions so far and we're looking forward to many more as we intend on future anthologies to be released regularly. 

'I Am Woman' is looking for authors - both male and female - to donate signed books to be auctioned off and given away for the campaign. I know how important reading was for me while I was in an abusive relationship. I credit reading with saving my life and making me realise I wasn't alone.

I am so thrilled that all of this was put in motion because of an article I wrote. Please get involved in any way you can.