[pct-l] PCT Stories appreciated for upcoming "Tales of the Trail"
Deems
losthiker at sisqtel.net
Mon Dec 15 18:47:45 CST 2008
I am forwarding this to the forum and if anyone is interested please contact
Rees.
~~~~
“Your Trail Stories Wanted for Publication”
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” and "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 welcome submissions from both previously published authors and hikers who
have not been published before. 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 hughes at humboldt.edu
Rees Hughes
1660 Brigid Lane
Arcata, California 95521
707.826.0163
hughes at humboldt.edu
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