[pct-l] Calling all purple prose writers..

[Paul Magnanti]

(Which would include me! :D)

I saw this e-mail on trail forums.  Sounds like a favorite book of mine from the AT: An Appalachian Trail Reader.
http://tinyurl.com/37lvea


 Funny, I've always thought this type of project would be wonderful for the PCT. Surprised no one has went forth and done it before. 

Just passing on the info for anyone interested.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME THE STORIES! I AM JUST PASSING ON THE INFO!!!! THANKS!




Send Us Your PCT Story
 The editors of a new anthology
on the Pacific Crest Trail are looking for submissions. Tentatively
titled Tales for the Trail: The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader, this
two-volume anthology will collect short excerpts from classic works of
regional environmental writing as well as real stories from those who
have hiked on the PCT. The heart of the collection, will be real trail
tales, from real PCT section and thru-hikers, like yourselves. We are
looking for stories taken from hiking the trail itself: tales of
trailside humor or traditions, “trail angels” or "trail magic", or
encounters with wildlife and wild weather; Stories of being lost, or
found, of well-known trail hazards or favorite places to stop: From
swimming in the granite-rimmed lakes of Desolation Wilderness, or
soaking in Iva Bell Hot Springs in the central Sierra to the Seiad
Valley “pancake challenge”. Although limited in number, we hope to
include some images, both photography and illustrations, in the
collection, and welcome original submissions for illustrations as well.

We are looking for well-written pieces, and may require further
revision or edit submissions that are chosen for inclusion. We are
after a diverse range of pieces that reflects the wide range of
experiences to be had along the length of the trail. These need to be
real experiences, not fictional accounts, but should be crafted for
publication and literary quality. Although the editors are unable to
pay authors for their contributions, we hope that lovers of the PCT
will enjoy seeing their words immortalized in print and relish the
chance to bring a few trail-side experiences to those who haven’t
witnessed the wonder of the PCT yet. 

As long-time lovers and hikers of the trail, we believe that
putting these tales in print will do much to promote the continued
protection and careful management of the trail itself and the places it
passes through. And as all PCT hikers know, the trail impacts us just
as surely as we affect it; we hope these stories will share and convey
that experience to others. Corey Lewis, author of Reading the Trail:
Exploring the Literature and Natural History of the California Crest,
has been hiking and leading University classes on, as well as building
sections of, the California section of the PCT for over 10 years. Rees
Hughes first walked the Washington PCT in 1981 with “Rocky” and
“Pierre”. The threesome, now known as Team Geezer, has been walking the
PCT as family and work allow ever since. We hope you will join us in
this effort to bring some of the power of the Pacific Crest Trail to
the people. Please share your stories with us and pass this call for
submissions on to your fellow hikers and writers. 

Please send your complete submission, along with a 1 page cover
letter listing your complete contact information and describing, the
precise place on the trail your story occurred, and your background or
experience with either the PCT or environmental writing, to the editors
as follows: - submissions should range from 1,000-2,000 words - art and
photography submissions should be sent in jpeg format - put PCT Reader
and your name in the subject heading of the email - attach your
complete submission as separate document, in MS Word format - your
cover letter may be part of the email, or a separate document, either
is fine. - send written submissions to Rees Hughes rrh1 at humboldt.edu -
send art and photography submissions to Corey Lewis cll35 at humboldt.edu 

INITIAL REVIEW OF SUBMISSIONS WILL BEGIN DECEMBER 15, 2007   

 
************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com