The Kentucky Steward welcomes literary submissions regarding (but not limited to) the following subject matter. All of which characterize the goings-on of Kentucky.
Ecology & Environmental Stewardship
- Conservation of native species and ecosystems
- Restoration of degraded lands
- Weather impacts on Kentucky’s landscape
- Sustainable forestry practices
- Watershed management and water quality issues
- Sustainable forestry practices
- Ecocriticism of industrial activities
- The role of biodiversity in healthy ecosystems
- Renewable energy in rural communities
- Urban green spaces and their cultural value
Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
- Traditional farming techniques in Kentucky
- The ethics of animal husbandry
- Sustainable agriculture and soil health
- Stories of family farms and their legacies
- Innovations in regenerative agriculture
- Perspectives on the industrialization of farming
- Small-scale homesteading practices
- Beekeeping and pollinator conservation
- Raising livestock in harmony with the land
Cultural Heritage & Community Values
- Oral histories from rural Kentucky
- Kentucky sports reflections and stories
- Appalachian folklore and its modern relevance
- The role of community festivals in preserving culture
- Family traditions tied to the land
- The influence of religion on environmental stewardship
- Cultural practices that foster a connection to nature
- Preservation of historic sites and landscapes
- Kentucky’s musical heritage and its ties to place
- Stories of resilience in economically challenged communities
Engineering & Innovation
- Eco-friendly infrastructure development
- Innovations in water and wastewater treatment and conservation
- Sustainable building practices for rural communities
- Renewable energy systems adapted to Kentucky’s landscape
- Engineering solutions for erosion control and land management
Education & Advocacy
- Environmental education in rural schools
- The role of libraries as community hubs for stewardship
- Advocacy for public lands and wildlife
- Teaching children and/or young adults the value of conservation
- The importance of local activism in environmental policy
- The intersection of science communication and storytelling
- Engaging with youth to build a sustainable future
Critiques & Contrasts
- Examining the ecological cost of industrial development
- Debates on the ethics of coal mining in Appalachia or alike practices in alike communities
- The tension between economic growth and environmental preservation
Healthcare & Wellbeing
- The impact of the environment on public health
- Mental health benefits of connecting with nature
- Community gardening as a tool for health and unity
- The role of healthcare providers in promoting environmentally health
Philosophical & Ethical Discussions
- The moral obligations of land ownership
- The spiritual significance of nature
- The balance between human needs and environmental health
- Intergenerational ethics in environmental stewardship
- The concept of “rewilding” and its practical implications
Art & Literature
- Landscape paintings inspired by Kentucky’s pastoral beauty
- Photography highlighting the intersection of nature and humanity
- Literary critiques of works focused on Appalachian themes, or other bluegrass regional themes
- Visual or written reflections on environmental loss and renewal
Miscellaneous Topics of Importance
- Seasonal changes and their cultural significance
- The role of food and drink in Kentucky’s cultural identity
- Exploring Kentucky’s rivers, state parks, national park and forests as lifelines for communities and spiritual growth
- Reflections on solitude and wilderness
- Kentucky’s hunting and fishing heritage and modern stories
- Stories of environmental justice in underserved communities
Creative Writing & Guidelines
- The Kentucky Steward also accepts submissions of literary and creative works in the form of the following genres:
- Prose (Fiction/Nonfiction/Essays)
- Poetry (formal/informal verse)
- Book reviews, with Kentucky themes or settings
- Photography
- Landscapes, portraits (i.e. of fellow stewards)
- Artwork
- Painting/sculptures (i.e. scanned digitally)
Length & Formatting requirements
- Times New Roman, 11pt.
- Essays/Prose | Double-spaced
- Fiction <3,000wds
- Non-Fiction <6,000wds
- Essays <1,000wds
- Poetry | Single spaced, left-aligned
- Up to six (6) poems or ten (10) pages max.
- Photography/Art | .JPEG (high quality)
- Maximum of three (3) submissions
Please note: Although characterizing all things Kentucky may be mostly a net positive, it is equally important to characterize poor stewardship of Kentucky and its communities. Both negative and positive renderings of Kentucky are valued discourse in the Town Square. Your writing will reflect as much.
As The Kentucky Steward primarily focuses on all things Kentucky, the following apply to submitting authors: (i) born/from Kentucky, (ii) actively living and/or working in Kentucky, or (iii) submitted material must be either set in or largely about Kentucky culture.
Submissions from authors who satisfy all three of these requirements are especially welcome.
Submission windows
January 1 – March 31 | Oct 1 – Dec 31
Submit your work here.
Having issues submitting your work? Contact thekentuckysteward @ gmail -dot- com to troubleshoot: