New Orleanians are invited to enter short works and artwork for New Orleans by New Orleans, an upcoming collection of stories and art inspired by New Orleans and the people who live there.

“We seek amazing stories of the Crescent City from people who know it best – what is in the heart and deserves to be said,” said project creator Ryan Smolar. “We seek stories inspired by, set in, or about New Orleans.”

Selected stories will be published in New Orleans by New Orleans and will be available for sale in local bookstores and on-line.

All genres are welcome, including fiction, non-fiction, essay, plays, monologues, poetry, song lyrics, tall tales, family histories, folklore, neighborhood legends and more. Each entry must be 600 words or less (that’s roughly equivalent to one full page of single-spaced text, typed in 12 point font).

All two-dimensional artwork is welcome including Photography, Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Digital Illustration, etc.

All skill levels and ages are welcome, though anyone under 18 must have parent or guardian approval.

The entry deadline is February 14, 2012.

Enter at www.bookbyauthors.org.