Twenty Bellows takes its name from the legend of Hephaestus - the Greek god of blacksmiths, metalworkers, and craftspeople. In his palatial workshop on Olympus, he toiled with the help of his enchanted bellows, fashioning tools and weapons that would become mythical in their own right. In the glow of his forge, magic was made through sheer effort and a belief in the potential of creation. As writers, poets, and creators of every sort, we share this belief and have dedicated ourselves to creating something remarkable of our own.

In this debut anthology, we have brought together more than forty literary voices, representative of the spirit and experience of Colorado. Through their words, we have reimagined the character and make-up of the Modern West. This is a collection free from stereotypes and expectations. Moreover, it is an equitable showcase, featuring both newcomers and established talent.

Featuring fiction, non-fiction, essay, poetry, and visual art from every corner of our home state, We are the West: A Colorado Anthology is an exciting introduction to the next generation of diverse storytelling and a continuance of a tradition that began thousands of years ago.

Contributors: Aaron M. Moe, Amy Wray Irish, Andy Mast, Ashley Howell Bunn, Ashley Lawrence, Austin Hawkins, Brice Maiurro, Carla Sciaky, Chiyo (Laurie Quinn), Claire Ibarra, Constance Moylan, Cynthia Burkhart, Dianna Vagianos Armentrout, Eleanor Perry-Smith, Erica Reid, Ernest Nitka, Gage Anderson, Heather Hein, Ingrid Wagner Walsh, Jessica Rigney, Jonathan Purdy, Julie Kim Shavin, Kaia Gallagher, Kierstin Bridger, Kika Dorsey, Lyndsie Conklin, Madison Gill, Marissa Forbes, Maz Bangs, Meghan DeJong, Meghan Wilbar, Morgan Blair, Patty Tomsky, Rachel Lee, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Sarah Reichert, Shae Lee, Theresa McLaren, Trystan Popish

Edited by: James P. Stuart, Marissa Forbes, Asha Grebenik, and Michael Kreger