Submissions for Volume IV, themed Architecture and Neighborhoods, due April 2, 2008 or before.                                 "Tomorrow morning before we depart, I intend to land and see what can be found in the neighborhood.”   Christopher Columbus    Holidaymakers and voyagers have been arriving on our coastlines for generations, drawn by good sailing, good walks, by pleasures simple and splendid. But where do the weary and the revelers rest their heads at night and into the wee hours of the morning? And for those who call Newport County home, what structures hold us, and which do we hold dear? Who have been and are today the architects of our residences, and thus our lives? Volume IV of Balancing the Tides – A Newport Journal seeks art and literary submissions that explore ‘architecture and neighborhoods’ in a variety of ways. 

As Thornton Wilder in Theophilus North explores his own archeological schema for Newport, the "nine cities of Newport," we too know today that our neighborhoods are indeed cities within themselves. Some exist simultaneously and some are historical and bear little resemblance to their origins --The Point, The Hill, Ocean Drive, Little Compton, Common Fence Point. What of festivals, street fairs and events then and now?  As much as we are interested in like-mindedness there are spaces, streets, communities that are imagined and have yet to be built. Please share with us your vision of coastal communities that capture the essence of this seaside retreat.

We seek to compile a compelling visual and textual story of the spirit of our place. Newport County and its residents are shaped by the buildings, standing and demolished, by the architects, the open spaces and the communities in which we live, work and play.

Please send essays, poems, short stories, and interviews in MS Word, not exceeding 2,500 words. Final artwork (paintings, images of sculptural work, photography, etc.) must be available in 300dpi, JPG 7x8” size files, CMYK format. Some cropping may be required. All submissions must be received electronically and must include author’s concise biographical information – four lines. If previously published, contributors are responsible for notifying BTT and securing all permissions and rights. Send artwork electronically to publisher@balancingthetides.com, written work to editor@balancingthetides.com.

Artists may send digital files, or a web link, of painting, sculpture, furniture, painting or photography along with caption info to include medium, and format information. Please also send a contact sheet of thumbnails if you submit more than five images, each must carry a file name of this volume, artist's last name and image number, ie. volume4wadson1.jpg. Flat art scanning is available beginning at $75 per scan. Our editors and designers lay out material for a harmonious whole in both color and black and white, please specify if your work can only run in color, which will limit your presence in the book. 

The editors will review each submission and will reply with feedback so please include current contact information, and we may suggest editorial services for you to perfect your writing should a little polishing be of interest. Please note depending on the quantity of submissions not all work may be published.

Balancing the Tides is published by Many Birches Press. We are devoted to exploring Newport County and its environs through art and literature. Retailers and advertising opportunities are listed on the website. www.balancingthetides.com

Volume III, themed Exploration & Discovery (cover by Roger Kirby above) is on stands now. If you are an artist or writer considering printing your own book please contact us for editorial, design or printing consultation. Gift packages with all three volumes and the blank artists journal can be purchased by e-mailing publisher@balancingthetides.com

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The book is for sale at Island Books, Barnes & Noble, Only in RI, Newport Vineyards, Arnold Art, Cathers & Coyne, and other retailers or contact 401.935.2439, or send check or cash to P.O. Box 673 Portsmouth, RI 02871 or send an e-mail to publisher@balancingthetides.com to order gift sets: Volume I & II, for $28 plus tax and shipping, Volume II & blank personal artist's journal for $27, and all three for $38;  Volume I, II, III for $45.

When submitting please review the guidelines on this site. http://www.balancingthetides.com/8373.html

Make your collection complete: BTT is for sale throughout Newport County, in Bristol, Wickford, Boston and Providence. See Retailers page of this site.  This beautifully designed bi-annual publication unveils the real history of Colonial Newport, surfing, humor, recipes, and more...alongside artistic representations of the experience of island life—whether for a weekend or for a lifetime.  As well it offers a resource guide to an insider's Newport. 

A little history: In March 2006, Balancing the Tides sought submissions from artists and writers for our premiere issue, centering on the theme: "What is it that draws you here?"   

Henry James pondered this very question, over 100 years ago, in an article for Harper’s Monthly Magazine.  On finding himself returned to Newport, he noted the “condition of having known it too well and loved it too much for description or definition.”  Furthering a rich local history of arts and literature, we aim, as James did, to put into words—and perhaps images—our experience of its charm, “unmistakably, the little old strange, very simple charm” that for James, “was to have felt the question clear away.”  (Volume I cover shown here.)