The Genome Literary Project
Iowa State University is proposing a rather interesting literary anthology. Their flyer looks a little like this:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Ever since Eve ate from the apple of the tree of knowledge and was forced from the Garden of Eden, humans have been tinkering with the science of creation and dealing with the consequences of it. Genetics is the science of heredity, and the modern application is the field of genomics — the science of DNA sequencing and the technologies associated with understanding and manipulating the genetic code. Today scientists are sequencing the genomes of many species, including the chimp, dog, cow, chicken, pig, mouse, and even the human. Understanding the underlying DNA or genetic code offers the opportunity to revolutionize medicine and alter the animals that are our companions as well as the animals we depend on for food.
However, just as science has advanced, so have our concerns as humans about the role science plays in our lives. Contemporary writings, such as Ira Levin’s Boys From Brazil, Roger Shattuck’s Forbidden Knowledge: From Prometheus to Pornography, Matt Ridley’s Genome, and films, such as The Fly and Attack of the Clones, have addressed the human ability to clone individuals and manipulate the genetic code, often producing less than desirable results. Human involvement in the science of genomics also requires a principled approach to the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) inherent in the field.
The proposed anthology will explore through a body of creative work how the science of genomics overlaps with social values. The project is intended to be an expression of how scientific discovery — and practices — can inspire and energize the ideas of writers, artists, and thinkers in the 21st century.
DEADLINE: April 1, 2006 (receipt deadline)
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submissions for this anthology should address or be inspired by the impact of genetic and genomics research on all aspects of animal and human life and culture. The editors are soliciting poems, short stories, essays, and works of creative nonfiction that respond to the role of human and animal genomics in society and the outcomes and concerns such research produces. Both traditional and experimental writing will be considered for inclusion.
All submissions should be typed in a 12-point font with double line spacing. Attach a cover sheet that includes the author's name, address, daytime phone number, and email address to the first page of each work. Submissions should not exceed 30 manuscript pages; for poetry, please send no more than 5 poems.
Submissions should be original, unpublished works, although in rare circumstances the editors may choose to reprint an exceptional piece. For submissions of previously published work, provide full bibliographic information for the original publication as well as contact information for the rights manager.
Submissions should be accompanied by a brief cover letter that includes a one-paragraph author bio.
Mail two copies of materials to:
Diana L. Boeckmann, Editor
Genome Literary Project
Iowa State University
Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
171 Carver Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2060Also, please email the same submission materials in a Word document to Ms. Boeckmann at .
Works will not be returned. Authors and poets will be contacted by email in early spring regarding the results. The speed with which decisions are made will depend largely on the number of submissions received.