Writers of poetry, fiction and nonfiction are invited to submit their unpublished work for inclusion in Shepherd University’s Anthology of Appalachian Writers, Ron Rash Volume IV, scheduled for publication in spring 2012. Original works, including photographic art, with some connection to the region of Appalachia are preferred, though any unpublished work will be considered.

The anthology is devoted to the work of regional writers whose work expresses a love of language, storytelling, cultural traditions and heritage of the Appalachians.

The anthology is published each year and centers on the work of the recipient of the Appalachian Heritage Writers award. This year, the award will be presented to Ron Rash, the John Parris Chair in Appalachian Studies at Western Carolina University and an award-winning writer whose works are set in North and South Carolina. Previous volumes have dealt with the work of Adriana Trigiani, Silas House and Bobbie Ann Mason. Writers from Pennsylvania to Georgia have been published in the volumes.

For information about submissions, see the anthology website at www.shepherd.edu//ahwirweb/anthology/. Previous volumes can be purchased through the Shepherd University Bookstore at www.shepherdbook.com. The deadline for submission is Oct. 15.