Summer Bludgeon: A Crime, Mystery, Noir, Suspense & Thriller Anthology Unsettling Reads, LLC

“…Summer dreams ripped at the seams…”

This collection was inspired by an earworm from the 1978 film, Grease. The lyrics “Summer Lovin’” from the song “Summer Nights” became “Summer Bludgeon,” and a new anthology title was born! We’re imagining a collection that highlights the dark corners of our hearts. Pull back the curtain and show us people at odds, broken relationships, love gone wrong. Send us stories, poems, photos, and art that have a dash of retro, maybe a hint of the campy, and a heaping helping of broken relationships of some kind (romantic, familial, collegial, etc.).

“…Tell me more, tell me more…”

SUBMISSION INFO:

We’re looking for stories, poems, photos, and/or artwork that follow these THREE guidelines:

1. Respect the genre norms from the Crime, Mystery, Noir, Suspense, and/or Thriller genres (and their associated sub-genres).
   • For an excellent overview of the elements within and differences between these genres, check out this link.
2. Feature the summer season prominently in the setting of the story or depict it in the story, poem, photo, or artwork.
3. We’re looking for stories, poems, photos, or artwork that:
   • May have just a hint of the campy
   • Might well include a dash of retro
   • But DEFINITELY feature a heaping helping of broken relationships of some kind (romantic, familial, collegial, etc.)

BONUS POINTS for those who enjoy prompts:

• Place a key moment or reference point in 1978. Is 1978 happening in the past, the present, or the future? Up to you! Is it the year someone or something was established, created, born, found, lost, expired?
• Submissions are NOT required to include any elements, settings, characters, etc. from Grease. That being said, feel free to explore any of the following, if it sounds fun:
  • Place your story/poem/photo/artwork in the LA area, in the 1950’s, or in the 1970’s
  • Include characters on the cusp of a big change, especially related to their identities
  • Incorporate a showing of the movie or musical Grease in your plot (Inspiration to get you in the mood: The YouTube video of the scene featuring the earworm song)

• Word/Entry Limits:
  • Short Stories (English only): Up to 2 stories per entry between 1,500 words and 7,000 words (each)
  • Poems (English only): Up to 3 poems per entry in one file
  • Photos or Artwork: Up to 3 pieces per entry in one file
• Submit your story in the official entry form.
  • Opens January 1, 2022
  • Final Submission Deadline: May 1, 2022 (or until full)
• Reprints: No
• Multiple Submissions: Yes
• Simultaneous Submissions: Yes, but please alert us and/or withdraw your submission if accepted elsewhere.
• While it will not affect an entrant’s chances of acceptance, those entrants who tip will receive a digital copy of the Summer Bludgeon anthology when it is released.
• A word on response times: Having been on the receiving end of things, we know what it’s like to eagerly await word about submissions. We promise to do our level best to get back in touch with people as quickly as possible. However, at a minimum know that the anthology is set to release on Tuesday, June 22, 2022. You will definitely hear back from us ahead of the release date.