Call for pitches, Geez 20: Cybereverything
A wilderness survival instructor makes a bowl with a hot coal, reed straw and hunk of log. Credit: Aiden Enns
Topic
This is a call for pitches relating to how technology is making the world better or worse for our spirits, our bodies and our communities.
As we enmesh ourselves further into computing machines — look at our manner of expression, the tools of our trades, our platforms for education, our daily means of information — we are further enveloped by cyberspace, cyberthoughts and cyberactions.
For many of us, hi-tech devices are extensions of ourselves. We get more done, have richer, fuller lives. Are we removing ourselves from the sensual world or adding another dimension to our experience?
How do dynamics of power fit into the mix? Our technology helps us help the needy at home and abroad, but at what price? Is it natural to talk on a cell phone while camping? If you believe in God, is God happy when we preach from laptops, sing praises facing a screen with virtual images?
Submissions
1. Longer non-fiction pieces, length: 750 or 1500 words
Deadline for pitches: August 9
We’re looking for creative nonfiction essays, investigative articles or research-based pieces on the topic above. While a reference to your personal experience is welcome, readers need wisdom from other sources as well (interviews, books, articles, theologians, social justice activists, academics and moms and dads). Pitches should be one page, touch on the wider context of your topic, and name at least one other source you will be consulting. Here’s a request: Please think of yourself as a Geez contributing editor. Ask yourself: What would readers who are social-justice oriented and at the fringes of faith want to read on this topic? If your pitch is accepted you’ll usually have 2 or 3 weeks to complete the piece.
2. Flash nonfiction, length: 50-350 words
Deadline for completed pieces: August 16
These are short, personal experiences or insights. Your piece could capture a moment that illuminates a larger issue or convey a feeling familiar to us all. This is a change to bring hope, insight, emotion and connection to readers.
3. Photos
Consider the topic above and send original photographs (i.e. you took the photo) that provoke or pacify, animate or incite. Deadline: August 16
Send pitches, flash nonfiction and images to
Aiden Enns
Geez Features Editor
email: stories [at] geezmagazine [dot] org
mail: see the address below
Other departments
We welcome pitches for one of our other departments as well. This is good way to start writing for Geez magazine. Send original stories (50-500 words) or ideas for any of these:
Culturosities
This is a soft news, arts-and-culture section, with agenda similar to what’s described above under News. Here we highlight fun, disturbing, creative, inspiring things that would not otherwise fit as news. It does not have to relate to the theme of the issue, but it would be good if one or two elements did. An emphasis on public art and creative activism is prime. When making decisions, we refer to phrases such as “holy mischief in an age of fast faith,” and “for people on the fringes of faith.” Length: 50-500 words
Experiments
In this section we throw the spotlight on the actors and activists in the Geez community of readers. Look for personal stories of people putting words into action. Grand experiments are welcome (I bought nothing for a year), but a well-told, mini-experiment is welcome as well (I stopped to help a homeless woman crush her pop tins). There does not have to be an overt reference to faith, although that is welcome. Length: 50-500 words
Reviews
In this section we highlight movies, books, websites, magazines, zines or other cultural products that connect somehow to the “Geez agenda” (see topics mentioned under News below). Explain what cultural event or product makes you gag, wince, rejoice or exclaim. Length: 50-500 words
Civil disobedience
People are standing up for their belief in love, justice, truth, mercy, compassion and fairness. When those in power take advantage of others, and when conventional avenues for change have been attempted or exhausted, it is appropriate to engage in civil disobedience, for the sake of liberation for all. Send a report of your action or others you’ve learned about. Length: 50-500 words
News
Geez looks for under-reported stories on topics such as workers’ rights, nature, Aboriginal affairs, social services, education, health care, foreign policy, militarism and peacemaking, race/racism, youth, media, science, queer issues, feminism. In most cases, but not all, there will be a connection — direct or implied — to a gospel of social justice. This could include the justice/environmental/political work of any religious group. Or the story could point to neglect or misconduct done by churches and others.
Tips for pitches
The Geez project is a discussion among people of faith seeking social justice. Our readers and writers express this through art, activism (that is, an creative critique of those in power and the structures that keep them there, or the promotion of alternative practices that subvert them), contemplation and a “more-grounded, inter-connected” approach to living.
Keep pitches brief, write the way you speak, tell us why your idea or story is important, indicate sources you plan to use, and say something about why you are qualified to write this piece. If you already have a completed manuscript, poem, photo or design, feel free to submit it as well. For more, see the previews of past issues on our website as well as the guidelines for writers .
Unfortunately we are not able to respond to every pitch. If you do not hear from us within six weeks of the deadline, assume we were not able to use your idea or article.
Send emails to stories [at] geezmagazine [dot] org
Looking ahead
We welcome pitches, especially ambitious/whacky/quirky ones for upcoming issues.
Geez 21: Cops and robbers (security, non-violence)
Geez 22: Sit for a minute (contemplation, inner work & outer change)
Geez 23: Design for sacred space (psychogeography of capitalist space)
Geez 24: Problems with privilege (tentative topic)
Send emails to: “stories [at] geezmagazine [dot] org”:mailto:stories@geezmagazine.org
I look forward to hearing from you,
Aiden Enns
Editor
Geez magazine
400 Edmonton St
Winnipeg MB R3B 2M2
Canada
p. 204 772-9610
w. http://www.geezmagazine.org
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