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March 04, 2007
Fantasy Matters Conference
Call for Papers: Fantasy Matters conference,
November 16-18, 2007
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2007
Fantasy literature is everywhere these days. Whether its Eragon at the box office or the latest Harry Potter at the bookstore, fantasy literature seems to have captured the publics imagination and run away with it. In spite of, or perhaps because of this popularity, however, fantasy literature still isnt 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 AT fantasymatters.org.
For further information, please visit www.fantasymatters.org or send questions to inquiries AT fantasymatters.org.
Those submitting proposals will be notified of their status by July 31, 2007.
Posted by ChrissieMains at 09:12 PM | Comments (0)
ICFA 28 - Pre-Conference Event
Farah Mendlesohn has asked me to pass along the following announcement about a special event taking place before the official start of the conference:
For all you early arrivals.....
Join us for Elevens's and the wit and wisdom of Brian Aldiss.
By the miracle of Radio 4, Listen Again and the ipod of Edward James, we present:
Brian Aldiss on Desert Islands Discs
Boardroom at 11a.m. on Wednesday, March 14
Posted by ChrissieMains at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)
Hotel Update from Donald Morse
Thanks to all of you who did check on their reservations. It looks now that most (and I hope all) of the Wyndham reservations have made their way into the Hilton system.
The hotel is sold out Friday and Saturday nights. This has been true in the past but happened earlier this year. We did anticipate this somewhat which is why the emphasis on registering with the hotel well in advance of the deadline of 9 February. As it was we were able to keep reservations open through 16 February but that was a stretch and not always consistent. The hotel's web page lists some other hotels in the area and we have posted a listing for potential roommates. I'm terribly sorry for the trouble and inconvenience any of you are experiencing.
I believe the large number of conferees this year demonstrates that we've outgrown the Ft Lauderdale Hilton after some 20 years. I will be discussing this and other issues at the business meeting.
See you soon for a great conference!!
Donald Morse
IAFA Conference Chair
Posted by ChrissieMains at 09:07 PM | Comments (0)