Submissions invited for anthology of Fraser Valley writing 

Writers of the Fraser Valley get ready, get set, write. Submissions are needed for an upcoming anthology of writing from British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The project, dreamed up by UCFV English Professor Trevor Carolan, will become a collection of both fiction and non-fiction pieces from residents of this area. 

“The book’s conspectus will embrace poetry, short stories, and non-fiction essays,” Carolan explains. “The intent is to offer a reflection of the writers, the people, and a sense of place…and of what’s coming out of this valley creatively.”  

Writers are invited to submit poetry, prose, or short stories that have some relevance to this specific part of British Columbia. Carolan says he would like a good sampling of work coming from people who make up this fast-growing and dynamic region. 

“Non-fiction essays in particular offer an opportunity for the anthology to speak to the ecological and human geographic landscapes of the valley area. In this way, the fuller harmony of the valley’s community mosaic can be included through creative profiles reflective of, say, the traditional aboriginal, agricultural, fishing, Indo-Canadian, Mennonite, and faith communities,” he explains.

“This affords a rare opportunity for interdisciplinary contributions, and it is feasible to see the inclusion of interesting short features addressing elements of the valley’s physical geography, history, and sociology,” says Carolan. 

While a modest honourarium will be paid for successful submissions, the real honour is to be included in the anthology. The “absolute” deadline for submissions is March 31, 2004, but early entries are appreciated. 

Carolan says that interested writers should submit their work in hard copy (no emails), along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the article. Contributors should include their name in a short cover letter and, if they desire, also supply a short biography.  

There are no definite restrictions on length or the number of submissions, but Carolan says he is looking for strong, cleanly presented work. “Creatively and philosophically, the anthology will work at shaping a literacy of this place known as the Fraser Valley.” 

Carolan, the originator of the anthology, will act as its general managing editor. Once everything is collected, an editorial advisory group will assist with selecting the entries that will be printed. In the event of decisions requiring a tie-breaking vote, a final intervenor has been named. And as a matter of legal liability, the publisher reserves the right to approve the final manuscript selections.  

Details about artwork for the anthology have not been finalized, but Carolan suggests woodcuts, line drawings, or photographs will be used. He also notes a distinguished guest author will be invited to offer a preface to the collection. 

Work will be edited throughout spring and the 160-page anthology, titled Down in the Valley, will be published this September. 

And Carolan stresses, while all sorts of submissions are welcome, there must be some relevance to the Fraser Valley. 

“We’ve already seen a lot of work about Japanese Zen temples and Manhattan,” he notes. “But not a whole lot about Yarrow or Dewdney or growing up Mennonite in Chilliwack or living in the Valley at fall sausage-making time, or working the Fraser River, or being Sto:lo, or throwing a touchdown in the big game between Aldergrove and Mission. That’s the sort of thing we’re hoping for.” 

Submissions can be forwarded to: Down in the Valley Anthology

                                                       c/o Faculty Reception

                                                       University College of the Fraser Valley

                                                        33844 King Road,

                                                        Abbotsford, B.C.

                                                        V2S 7M8

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