What began as a conversation in an Antioch University MFA workshop has become Spell Check, a new anthology featuring essays from writers across the country. Co-edited by MFA in Creative Writing faculty member Colette Freedman and MFA Screenwriting alum Caitlin Buxbaum, the collection brings together 33 personal essays inspired by misspelled words and the life lessons they convey.
The anthology originated in one of Freedman’s MFA workshops, where Buxbaum shared a story about misspelling “forty” while reflecting on turning 40. This sparked a broader discussion about aging, identity, and how many women come into their own in midlife. That conversation led to the creation of Spell Check. “I always tell my students not to leave their work on the computer,” Freedman said. “This was a perfect opportunity to get Caitlin and others’ voices into the world.”
Published by Red Sweater Press, the anthology debuted to a sold-out audience at Sunny’s Bookshop, owned by MFA Screenwriting alum Sanaz Tamjidi. The book showcases the Antioch creative community, with 17 of 33 contributors being Antioch students, alumni, faculty, or staff. The remaining essays are from a diverse group of writers, including television writers, actors, and retirees, resulting in a rich collection of voices and experiences.
Building on the success of Spell Check, Freedman and Buxbaum are currently accepting submissions for a second anthology, Scars, which will feature brief personal essays exploring the stories behind a single scar.
Do you have a scar story? Here’s how to submit:
We’re looking for essays between 300 and 1,000 words, and we ask that you lean into the humor as much as the vulnerability in your writing; give us the darkly comedic, the funny tragedy, the honest-but-not-overly-serious versions of your most scarring moments. Lastly, please just focus on one scar and *do not* send pictures. Send your essay to [email protected]. The submission deadline is September 1.
A recording of the virtual launch of Spell Check is available to watch on YouTube. Additional information and purchasing options are available on the Red Sweater Press website.
