Local Writers' Group Seeking Montauk-Themed Writing

Editor and novelist Celine Keating and writer Ed Johann, who leads the Montauk Writers’ Group, are seeking fiction, poetry, and nonfiction that reflect Montauk’s landscape, nature, people, work, recreation, history or spirit of place for an anthology.

“In the same way that the East End inspires artists, so too does Montauk serve as a muse for writers,” Keating said, “We are excited to play a role in gathering some of that creativity together.”

The group is looking to get material featuring Montauk characters, or first-hand accounts of Montauk history.

“I’m especially hoping for stories about colorful Montauk characters, and remembrances from old timers,” Johann said. “We hope that by generating interest in the anthology, we’ll uncover work from unexpected sources.”

The plan is to reach out to the community for material, with a March 30 deadline for submissions.

The maximium length is 25 msp. (approximately 6,000 words) or 5 poems.

Selections will be chosen by May, and publication is slated for 2016.

Contributors will receive two copies, and a chance to participate in a reading.

Bill Akin, a local poet, will assist with the poetry selection.

A publisher is on board, and any profits will go to local nonprofit organizations Third House Nature Center Inc. and Concerned Citizens of Montauk.

Hard copies can by mailed to: Ed Johann, 230 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 and digital copies can by e-mailed to Celine Keating at keatingceline@gmail.com (with subject line “Montauk Anthology”).

For more information, contact Celine Keating at celine_keating@earthlink.net or Ed Johann at avedonia@aol.com.