The Writers' Collective

An invitation from Julia Kasdorf and Kirsten Beachy to the next “Mennonite/s Writing” Conference. – Sue Sorensen
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Call for Papers and Creative Proposals (Long version)

Mennonite/s Writing VI: Solos and Harmonies
Thursday, March 29-Sunday, April 1, 2012
Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Proposals for scholarly papers, creative writing presentations, and panels
are sought for the sixth in a series of conferences on Mennonite writing
in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. The conference will both celebrate and
examine this rapidly developing literature across borders on the North
American continent and as it is developing world wide. Papers that address
the relationship of the artist and communities—solos and harmonies—in
ethical and aesthetic dimensions, are particularly welcome. Suggestions
include:

• Innovative approaches to individual authors and texts
• Mennonite literature in cultural and theoretical context
• Post-ethnic Mennonite literature
• Dialogues across borders and boundaries
• The artist and communities of affirmation and dissent
• Writing workshops, writing groups, and virtual networks
• Writing Pedagogy and Process
• Teaching Mennonite Writing
• Publishing
• Mennonite Humor
• Literature and Theology
• Creative Nonfiction and Mennonite themes
• Interpreting and Representing Plain Traditions
• Popular literature and Mennonite/Amish Identity
• The Mennonite Oral Tradition
• Songwriting, hymns, and the relationship between music and literature
• The influence of Mennonite hymns on literary genres
• Folk arts and folk culture in Mennonite literature
• The virtual community of Mennonite literary studies
• Creative writing
• Student Work, both creative and critical

Critical proposals should include a 250-word abstract and an author bio;
scholars are encouraged to also include a bibliography of sources likely
to be consulted. Creative proposals should be accompanied by a brief
writing sample (3-4 poems or one story/essay) and a selective list of
publications in addition to a bio.

Electronic submissions preferred. Submit proposals through our electronic
submission system <www.emu.edu/mennos-writing> by November 1.

Papers and creative work read at the conference will be considered for
publication in Mennonite Quarterly Review, Conrad Grebel Review, and the
The Journal of the Center for Mennonite Writing.

Direct questions to conference co-chairs:
Julia Spicher Kasdorf, Pennsylvania State University
Kirsten Eve Beachy, Eastern Mennonite University

 

 

+ + +

Sue Sorensen PhD

Associate Professor of English

Canadian Mennonite University

 

500 Shaftesbury Boulevard

Winnipeg MB Canada R3P 2N2

(204) 487 3300

[email protected]

 

Lindsey Childs