Call for Lao American art and writing

Call for Submissions: 'Zap Lao' Lao American Speculative Arts Anthology.
Deadline: January 13, 2012


Approaching 40 years in the US, we know Lao Americans love science fiction, fantasy, horror, myths and legends.  Now we're looking your stories and art for the first full-length anthology of Lao American speculative art and literature.

Whether it's a story of Lao astronauts in a distant future, nak or phi in ancient Lan Xang, the missing adventures of Sithong or Xieng Mieng, or wild weretigers and kinnali in Laotown, we want to hear about it! Tales of time-traveling silapin, Lao cyborgs and superheroes, or visitors to haunted villages are all encouraged and welcomed.

Send us your best original stories between 250 to 5,555 words in length. We also accept up to 10 poems, up to 255 words per poem. For longer or shorter works, please inquire.

We are also looking for examples of visual art: painting, illustrations, textiles, mixed media, photography. Visual artists can submit  between 5 to 10 pieces.

All genres and sub-genres such as steampunk are welcomed, but no "fan fiction" or use of characters and settings you do not have the rights to.  No glittering vampires. Work should have a reasonably clear Lao connection.

This anthology is requesting one-time electronic and print rights, after which further publication rights revert to the creator. A physical contributor's copy and e-book copy are provided.

To Submit: 
We accept RTF files by e-mail only. Put the words: LAO ANTHOLOGY in the subject line with your name. Double spaced manuscript in Times New Roman. Use italics, not underlines when necessary. Use of Laoglish is fine and encouraged, but absolutely NO italicizing Lao words.  Have your contact information of the first page of the manuscript including e-mail address. Good grammar and spelling appreciated. No simultaneous submissions.

 Visual art submissions should be able to be reproduced well in black and white and sent as a digital file at 600 dpi or higher. Portrait orientation preferred, but landscape orientation accepted.


Deadline: January 13, 2012
Send submissions or additional questions to: Thaoworra@gmail.com

Lao American Feature

A familiar face to the Lao Assistance Center of MN as well as the Lao community in Minnesota appears in a featured story of Lao Americans, an independent online magazine that features shared stories and experiences involving Americans of Laotian descent. The magazine is based in California. It's wonderful to see an organized independent magazine focused just on Lao American stories.

In her story, Saymoukda Vongsay talks about the origin of her name and while her story is unique and unlike any other, it touch bases with the unique characteristics of the Lao culture regarding Lao names and nicknames to which many Lao Americans can and will often relate to.

Read Saymoukda Vongsay's article and other articles of fellow Lao Americans here:

Lao Americans: Why my name Really isn't my Name

For other information about Lao Americans magazine, check out:

Lao Americans Home Page