Mark Twain, Margaret Atwood and Ray Bradbury all published some of their earliest work in local newspapers, magazines and literary journals. Aspiring Orange County writers now have a chance to follow a similar path.
The Mission Viejo Library Writers Group is accepting submissions for its 2026 Literary Anthology through June 30. The anthology is primarily for members of the Writers Group, but submissions are open to all Orange County residents.
Writers may submit up to seven unpublished works of fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction, provided each piece is under 4,000 words and follows the anthology's formatting requirements. Submissions should include the author's name, phone number and email address and be sent to bdunphy@cityofmissionviejo.org.
For Bruce Dunphy, a librarian at the Mission Viejo Library and editor of the anthology, helping bring local writers' work to print is especially rewarding. "The idea of building something to feature others' works is satisfying to me," Dunphy said. "I enjoy my work as a librarian and giving back to the community by producing this very important publication."
One of Dunphy's favorite selections from last year's anthology was "Indian Lover" by Laurence Scott, a novel excerpt set in the American West. "It's a western tale about cattle and feuds," Dunphy said. "It is both violent and cathartic, calculating and emotional. It features a traveling cattle man with his trusty dog (who doesn't die in the story!). It is superbly written."
Those interested in joining the Mission Viejo Library Writers Group can inquire by emailing libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org. Writers have until June 30 to submit their work for consideration in the 2026 anthology.
