In light of the pandemic, our relationships to our bodies – including the nourishment we provide them with – has changed. While some have relied on comfort food, others have instead turned to comfort exercise as a means of support through this difficult period. Whatever the coping method, though, it has – albeit inadvertently in some ways – caused a shift in the ways we relate to our bodies.
“I can’t stop eating…”
“I’ve lost my appetite…”
“Oh, but my lockdown weight…”
That said, some are harbouring food, body and weight issues that were seeded long before the pandemic – and they’re likely to continue long after. In a setting wherein the dialogue around weight gain, loss, and body image relies on diction such as ‘the war on obesity’ alongside diet culture’s call that we begin to shed pounds of pandemic, what does this mean for those of us whose body/food/weight issues will not be so easily dealt with?
“I can’t stop eating…”
“I’ve lost my appetite…”
“Oh, but my lockdown weight…”
That said, some are harbouring food, body and weight issues that were seeded long before the pandemic – and they’re likely to continue long after. In a setting wherein the dialogue around weight gain, loss, and body image relies on diction such as ‘the war on obesity’ alongside diet culture’s call that we begin to shed pounds of pandemic, what does this mean for those of us whose body/food/weight issues will not be so easily dealt with?
From the Body will be an anthology of creative non-fiction/non-fiction writings, curated and edited by Dr Charley Barnes. Submissions will be read and reviewed by Charley, alongside a selected university intern, and their decisions will be final. Following this, there will be an editing period where Charley will liaise with authors to make subtle changes to their work ahead of the final manuscript being delivered to Valley Press.
The submissions window for From the Body will open and close as follows:
Submissions should be no longer than 1,500 words in length. For each submission there will be a reading fee of £3, which can be made via PayPal. Please include a TW/CW for your submission, if you feel it necessary.
The call for submissions will welcome creative non-fiction/non-fiction writing on, but not limited to, the following topics:
It should be noted that these are only suggested topics. Similarly themed topics are also welcome, so please do not feel limited by the above ideas.
The anticipated timeline for publication should see the book released in early 2023. This will be a charity anthology, with 50p from every copy sold donated to a nominated charity. Given that this is a charity anthology, we unfortunately can’t afford to pay contributors for their work; however they will be provided with a complementary copy of the anthology on its release.
The submissions window for From the Body will open and close as follows:
- Submissions open: August 16
- Submissions close: September 27
Submissions should be no longer than 1,500 words in length. For each submission there will be a reading fee of £3, which can be made via PayPal. Please include a TW/CW for your submission, if you feel it necessary.
The call for submissions will welcome creative non-fiction/non-fiction writing on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Eating disorders and/or disordered eating
- Body weight, gain or loss
- Diet culture and diet practices
- Post-pandemic weight loss
- Post-pandemic body image and appearance anxieties
- Shame – around eating, body weight, weight gain
- Comfort eating/comfort exercise
- Food, exercise and control
It should be noted that these are only suggested topics. Similarly themed topics are also welcome, so please do not feel limited by the above ideas.
The anticipated timeline for publication should see the book released in early 2023. This will be a charity anthology, with 50p from every copy sold donated to a nominated charity. Given that this is a charity anthology, we unfortunately can’t afford to pay contributors for their work; however they will be provided with a complementary copy of the anthology on its release.
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Please note:
This webpage will be updated regularly with information regarding From the Body, including details for submissions, acceptances and the publication timeline. If you require information that is not yet listed, please feel free to use the Contact me form available here and I will respond in due course. If you would like to know more about those involved in the project, you can access the Valley Press website here. |
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