About

Published by the Monadnock Writers’ Group, Smoky Quartz is an online journal of literature and art, named after New Hampshire’s state gem. Writers and artists with ties to New Hampshire are featured in each issue. We publish poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction, and a diverse selection of art and photography.

We welcome work from new, emerging, and established writers and artists.

Please click here to submit your work.

Monadnock Writers’ Group

The Monadnock Writers’ Group is a non-profit organization established by a group of writers from the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire in 1984. Through monthly meetings from September through June, we offer fellowship and support to professional and novice writers alike. We are committed to raising public awareness of the literary talent in the region. Please visit our website at www.monadnockwriters.org.

Our History

Smoky Quartz was first published in the summer of 2012 by its co-founders, Candace Bergstrom and Linda J. Thomas. In 2015, they welcomed three additional members: Sara Miller, Deborah Murphy, and Tina Rapp. As the team continues to change and grow, we thank former editors Candace, Linda, and Tina for their valuable contributions to the journal.

The Editors

Deni Dickler writes short stories and poetry. Three of her haiku are displayed at Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, New Hampshire. She has judged for the Poetry Society of Vermont’s J. Richard Barry Memorial Award. Deni holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and MBA from Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri.

Sara Miller received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults in 2005. A former librarian and adjunct instructor in Children’s Literature at Pace University and Queens College, New York, she writes fantasy for young people. She keeps adding scenes to a memoir about childhood next to an ice cream factory, and is trying her hand at poetry.

Deborah Murphy works as a freelance writer and editor. Her poetry has appeared in Adanna Literary Journal (print version), Connecticut River Review, Flint Hills Review, Concrete Wolf, Smoky Quartz, Soundings East, The Chyrsalis Reader, and Flash!point. She holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in English from Tufts University and taught composition for many years. She lives in Amherst, New Hampshire.

Louise Werden writes creative nonfiction and poetry. She has researched, written, and edited nonfiction material for several New England organizations. Louise holds a BFA in Design from Parsons in New York, and an M.Ed from Antioch in Keene, New Hampshire.

Website Design & Development

Linda J. Thomas is a co-founder and former editor of Smoky Quartz. She continues her work as the journal’s designer and webmaster. Linda is a freelance writer, editor, and shutterbug. She is the founder and editor of New England Memories.