Submission Call: Bad Intentions

Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of Warren Zevon

We’re opening submissions for a new crime fiction anthology built around the gritty wit, sharp edges, and outlaw spirit of Warren Zevon.
Theme: Crime stories inspired by Zevon’s songs — iconic tracks, deep cuts, or anything in between.

What we want:

• Original crime fiction (no reprints)

• 2,000–5,000 words

• Stories that capture the voice, mood, or narrative spark of a Zevon song — whether it’s darkly funny, hardboiled, haunting, or just plain unhinged

• All subgenres welcome: noir, thriller, procedural, caper, rural crime, psychological, etc.

What we don’t need or want:

• Straight retellings of a song’s literal events

• Fantasy or horror unless it’s grounded in crime (yes, Werewolves of London fans, we see you — crime must be central)

• Fair warning: “Lawyers, Guns and Money” is a popular song but we’ll be choosing just one story inspired by that track.

Deadline: Submissions open 2/01/2026 and close 3/01/2026
Proceeds to benefit Philabundance. Philabundance is a nonprofit food bank with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good.

Edited by Michael Downing

Submission email / portal: submissions@literarygarage.com

(PLEASE NOTE ZEVON ANTHOLOGY IN THE SUBJECT LINE)

A few touchstones:
Think desperadoes down on luck, mercenaries in over their heads, lovers making bad decisions for worse reasons, “poor, poor pitiful me” energy, accidental martyrs, excitable boys, and anyone who would benefit from… well… lawyers, guns, money or things like that.

If you’ve ever listened to Zevon and thought, “There’s a crime story in this,”—now’s your moment.