Call for Papers: Fantasy Matters conference, November 16-18, 2007

[pegkerr]

Here's a call for papers for a conference right here in my own backyard, at the University of Minnesota. My thanks to David Lenander (of the Rivendell Group, the local arm of the Mythopoeic Society) for sending it to me. Hmm. I may try to come up with something for this. I think it would be fun to attend and present!

Call for Papers: Fantasy Matters conference, November 16-18, 2007
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Extended Deadline
June 15, 2007

Fantasy literature is everywhere these days. Whether it’s Eragon at the box office or the latest Harry Potter at the bookstore, fantasy literature seems to have captured the public’s imagination and run away with it. In spite of, or perhaps because of this popularity, however, fantasy literature still isn’t taken as seriously as other, more "canonical" literature.

This conference takes the position that fantasy literature does matter, and plays an important role not only in popular culture, but also in the realm of literature itself. Neil Gaiman, author of the Sandman series of graphic novels, and Jack Zipes, noted scholar of fairy tales and folklore, will be the keynote speakers at the conference.

All papers related to fantasy literature are welcome, but participants are encouraged to consider the question of the importance of fantasy literature when forming their submissions. We also welcome authors to participate in this discussion, either by serving on panels or by sharing their own creative works.

Potential panel discussions include:

The relationship between fantasy literature and "canonical" literature

The role of fantasy literature in childhood

Narrative strategies in fantasy literature

Issues of race, gender, and sexuality in fantasy literature

The use of source material in fantasy literature

The relationship between fantasy literature and its adaptation(s) in film

Scholars of fantasy literature at any level (fan, undergraduate, graduate, or professional) are invited to submit abstract proposals of 250 words. Scholars should plan for a 15-minute presentation with 5 minutes for questions; they may also submit entire panels for consideration, planning for three 15-minute papers per panel.

Authors of fantasy literature who would like to present their work are encouraged to submit a 5-page sample of the piece they intend to read. Authors should plan for a 30-minute reading.

All submissions should be sent to

submissions@fantasymatters.org.

For further information, please visit www.fantasymatters.org or send questions to inquiries@fantasymatters.org.

Those submitting proposals will be notified of their status by July 31, 2007.

Comments

[starsthatguide.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool! I just popped a link to this entry over on Lynn Flewellings's LJ (http://otterdance.livejournal.com); I think she'd have a great deal to add to some of these topics.

Lissa

[pazlazuli.livejournal.com]

This is exciting, you should definitely participate.

[avengangle.livejournal.com]

Oh, man. I want to do this so badly, and I'm not 100% sure I can whip something together in two weeks. But thanks for the link. It's something to consider in the next few days

(although I'd have to consider myself 'fan', due to lack of credentials.)

[awelkin.livejournal.com]

I have submitted ye olde Baba Yaga paper to this conference as part of my Fulbright obligation. I hope to go, and see you there!

Catherine