We’ve just received a bucketful of abstracts on topics so fierce we’re going to make you wait on bated breath for a minute before we drop it on ya.

Fire & Ink’s Board of Directors is getting together with a group of our extended planning team for a Fire & Ink 2009 Board Retreat in Austin, Texas, from January 9-11th. We’ll be reviewing submissions, enjoying the scenery at Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, and checking out Sharon Bridgforth’s production of delta dandi, her newest performance piece happening in Austin, Texas, that same weekend.

Our plates will certainly be full all weekend and, just like this October, it will be well worth the trip.

But just because the Abstracts deadline has passed doesn’t mean you’ve missed your opportunity to get in on the hottest ticket in arts and letters since, well, Fire & Ink I. Full proposals are due March 6th so download the Request for Proposals and let your ideas flow.

We’ll also be accepting submissions from writers for various events soon, so keep your eyes out for more news and get on the list to stay updated!

Want to get even more involved? Fire & Ink is looking for volunteers from across the country to help us put on the show! Contact us to find out more information about volunteer opportunities both at the Cotillion and all year round!

Are you still on the fence about heading down to Texas this fall? Hope Warrior Jomama Jones will be there and hopes to spend some time with you. Now you wouldn’t want to disappoint Jomama would you? Nah. We didn’t think so. Check out her video below:

The first day of Kwanzaa, December 26th, celebrates Umoja, or Unity. Fire & Ink is recognized as the most influential supporter and advocate for GLBT writers of African descent.

Fire & Ink III: Cotillion is on the way! Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer writers of African descent will be descending to Austin, Texas, from October 8 to October 11, 2009, for the greatest gathering of literary fierceness on earth.

Steven, Robert & Anthony are going to expand their minds & “get their lives”.

How about you? Why will you be there? (Because you know you will.)
Send us your videos at fireandink2009-at-gmail.com and tell us why you’re coming!

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.

Download our Request for Proposals and get in on it!

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.

For more information about Fire & Ink, Inc. visit www.fireandink.org.

For more information, download the full RFP here.