An Anthology of Place-Based Fiction
Ole Blue Claw, forthcoming in November, 2026, from Paycock Press and funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, features a mix of published and emerging writers. This collection of place-infused tales, set in iconic Maryland locations—Assateague Island, Baltimore, Dundalk, Ocean City, Rockville Pike, and the C&O Canal, as well as small towns, rural landscapes, and coastal communities—captures the richness, diversity, and distinct voices of life across the Free State.
From working waterfronts and Revolutionary War history to immigrant family traditions, iconic destinations, and the shared fascination with Old Bay, this collection celebrates the landscapes, cultures, and characters that define Maryland.
At its best, Ole Blue Claw highlights what we love about Maryland—our history, our people, our coastlines, our landscapes, our quirks, our ghosts, and our unique sense of place.
Join us on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for the official launch of Ole Blue Claw, a new anthology celebrating the places, people, and peculiarities of Maryland through the voices of 23 talented writers. Featured readers Preston Ford, Greta Ehrig, Ritchie Porter, Rhonda Zimlich, Cathy Tsang, and Theodore Carter will share selections from their work, with the editors joining in the celebration. The event is free and open to the public, and we’d love your help spreading the word to fellow readers, writers, book clubs, libraries, schools, and Maryland story lovers. View the full event details and share the event.
