Switchback

Switchback, a publication of the MFA of the University of San Francisco is looking for submissions.

Eighth Issue: “Stillness vs. Frenzy”
The editors of Switchback are now accepting submissions for our eighth issue. The theme is Stillness vs. Frenzy. Poetry and prose submissions are not required to address the theme. We continue to seek work from writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, writing on any topic imaginable.

How do action and inaction work in narrative? In art? Art and literature often contain adventure or a fixed setting, like home. Inner monologue could be stillness and frenzy: a still body with an ever-moving train of thought (or even beating heart, live inner-workings). What can come of something entirely static or entirely frenetic? Or both at once?

Hitchcock said “the terror is not in the bang, but in the anticipation of it.” Submissions might address the topic of “Stillness vs. Frenzy” as it applies to literature and the creative process. Switchback encourages writers to submit their own thoughts on this topic using whichever perspective they choose.

The deadline for submissions is April 4th, 2008.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

We prefer pieces that have not been previously published. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, although please inform us if you have sent your piece elsewhere. Due to the online nature of the magazine, shorter pieces are preferred (2,000 words or less), although longer pieces of exceptional writing will also be considered.

All critical essays must address the topic “Stillness vs. Frenzy” and be less than 2,000 words. Works in other genres are not required to address the topic.

Submissions should be sent in Microsoft Word format (preferred) or an RTF format. We will accept three poems per writer or a maximum of five pages of poetry, or one fiction, nonfiction or critical essay submission per writer. In the subject line write the genre (fiction, nonfiction, critical essay or poetry) and the title of your piece, i.e., FICTION: (Insert Your Fictional Title). Send your submission(s), one piece per email, to: submissions at swback dot com. (You may use the links at the bottom of this page.)

Due to the process of blind selection, include your name in the email, but not in the piece itself.

The eighth issue will be released in Summer/Fall 2008.

SWITCHBACK is a publication of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program of the University of San Francisco, Aaron Shurin, Director.

SWITCHBACK is a forum for the writers of USF’s MFA community, including alumni, students, and faculty, as well as the wider literary community, in the areas of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and critical essays.

We look forward to reading your work.

Sincerely,

The SWITCHBACK Editorial Staff

Use these links to submit by email: fiction ; nonfiction ; critical essay ; poetry