*CFP* "JEWISH SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY CRITICISM", CHAPTER BOOK

Hello, everyone. I'm editing a series with Rowman & Littlefield/Lexington on a line of academic books critically analyzing elements of Jewish science fiction and fantasy (that's the series title). As such, I’d love some authors with concepts to write about.

At this stage, a paragraph-long proposal emailed to valerie@calithwain.com with a subject of JEWISH SPEC-FIC would be great. Here are some examples:

• The Secret Jewish Roots of Star Wars (or some other top franchise) 
• Batwoman to Felicity: Jewish Characters in the Arrowverse 
• Rewriting the Narrative: Jewish Fairytale Novels 
• Jewish Alt-History 
• Kabbalah in Pop Culture 
• Israeli Dystopian Cinema 
• The Jewish Outsider as Vampire 
• Jewish-Flavored Filk 
• Halacha in Space 
• Pop Culture Haggadahs 
• Revising the Big Franchises through Jewish Fanfic 
• The Works of _______.

 

I’m looking for topics that haven’t been done to death, so Jews and Comics seems a little too obvious, but most other topics are open. Along with all the subgenres, writing about any mediums (novels, short stories cartoons, webcomics, fanfic, films) and works from any countries/cultures are acceptable. As the examples show, you might go big or small, including a single franchise, author, issue, or genre. Treatment of Jews in science fiction (including by non-Jewish authors) would be acceptable as would something on fandom, current or historical. Interdisciplinary/film criticism/literary criticism/fan studies/minority studies are all welcome. Anthologies are also possible.

I’m also seeking essays for several anthologies that will go in the series.

 

Anthology: Balancing Jewish practice and fandom

What does Jewish fanfic look like? Or Orthodox cosplay? Is it tough attending Saturday conventions?  Talk about the Judaism and Harry Potter classes, themed Bar Mitzvahs, crafting, ren fair characters, or anything else you’ve got. (Certainly these can be personal stories, though it’s a scholarly anthology and more distant studies of these are fine too). Essays may be in first or third person for this one. 

 

Anthology: Jewish fantasy: International and/or minority cultures

(I need to work on the title, but you get the concept—basically, can we get away from the top ten American Ashkenazim and analyze some other stories).

 

Anthology: Jewish SF and F in the hottest pop culture

Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Star Trek: What are our really big foundational SF and F stories or tropes? And how do Jews appear in them? Concepts I’d like to see: Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Babylon 5, Disney, Supernatural, Warehouse 13, Independence Day, Indiana Jones, The Matrix, Shadowhunters, Peculiar Children, Corpse Bride, Hebrew Hammer, Justice League, Batwoman Felicity and the Arrowverse, Neil Gaiman, Lilith as vampire mother

 

Deadline of Jan 31, 2021 for anthology proposals (a paragraph on your topic is fine, additional materials welcome but not required) emailed to valerie@calithwain.com with a subject of JEWISH SPEC-FIC. Book proposals are ongoing and welcome anytime.

Questions at valerie@calithwain.com (Valerie Estelle Frankel) are also welcome.