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Request for Proposals
Be a part of it!

Fire & Ink, Inc. is setting 2009 ablaze!

We\'re thrilled to release our Request for Proposals for Fire & Ink III: Cotillion.

Fire & Ink III: Cotillion will begin on Thursday, October 8th and conclude on National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2009.

Fire & Ink: Cotillion will bring together hundreds of LGBT writers of African descent whose work spans the genres, including: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, multi-media arts and performance arts. Attendees include writers and scholars, as well as editors, publishers, curators, audio and visual artists, students, teachers, thinkers, media professionals, readers and art lovers.

Cotillion aims to:
Create a body of writers dedicated to reversing negative trends in cultural, literary and artistic marketplaces, while creating more positive, powerful arenas for those expressions.
Teach, inspire and encourage each other while creating lasting alliances.
Discuss the position and importance of black LGBT literature, culture and artistic expression in the context of national and world literature and artwork.
Develop and implement strategies to encourage universities, libraries, mainstream and independent bookstores, and other venues to integrate more LGBT literature and artwork created by writers of African descent within and outside of traditional curricula and offerings.
Plan, share and implement professional and artistic opportunities.

Fire & Ink has already had a great deal of interest. You can help by submitting a <1,000 word abstract by January 6, 2009, to let us know what you\'re thinking and ensure priority consideration. Abstracts should be submitted by email to fireandink2009@yahoo.com.

Please include the following in your Abstract Proposal:
Title of the Paper
Organizers (including Proposed Participants)
Abstract (500-1000 words)
Abstracts Deadline: January 6, 2009.
Full Proposal Deadline: March 30, 2009.
Possible subjects for workshops, panels and plenary fall in three categories:

1. How-to workshops Examples: memoir writing, poetry writing, screenwriting, song writing, short fiction writing, YA fiction writing, chapbook production, starting a book club, finding voice, organizing readings. \"Beginning\" through \"Advanced\" workshops sought.

2. Publishing, publicity and marketing Examples: manuscript review, submissions process, electronic/online blogging and publishing, print-on-demand, writers web sites, book marketing, finding an agent, finding a publisher.

3. This historical moment-looking back, now and forward Examples: AIDS writing, YA fiction, literacy and activism, new writers/new voices, from stage to page and back, teaching black LGBT poetics and literature, the role of the black LGBT writer in this historic moment, cancer writing, taboo writing.

For Full Proposals: Please title your workshop or panel and include a brief bio for each facilitator, along with a one-paragraph description of your workshop or panel that includes the following information: what questions are you exploring, why is this conversation timely and necessary, how will the workshop or panel further the goals of Fire & Ink: Cotillion; how are you uniquely qualified to lead your proposed workshop or panel, and any special audiovisual or technical requests (NOTE: Presenters should bring their own laptop computers) you need for presentation. If proposing a workshop, specify workshop duration; panel session length is 1.5 to 2 hours.

Include full contact information for applicant.
Abstracts Deadline: January 6, 2009.
Full Proposal Deadline: March 30, 2009.
E-mail proposals to fireandink2009@yahoo.com, with subject heading \"RFP: Cotillion.\"
We will acknowledge receipt of your proposal within 48 hours.
Each applicant is limited to three proposals.

We will notify applicants about proposal acceptance by April 30, 2009. A modest honorarium may be available. For more information about Fire & Ink, Inc. visit www.fireandink.org.

Download the RFP here.
About Fire & Ink, Inc.

Fire & Ink is recognized as the most influential supporter and advocate for GLBT writers of African descent. Find out more about Fire & Ink\'s Board of Directors.

Fire & Ink is devoted to increasing the understanding, visibility and awareness of the works of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender writers of African descent and heritage.

Fire & Ink is preparing to set 2009 ablaze!

Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer writers of African descent will be descending to Austin, Texas, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 11, 2009.