I wanted
to post a reminder that the deadline for sending in abstract submission for my
forthcoming anthology tentatively titled Essays on Space Horror in Films,
1950s – 2000s is
quickly approaching with just over a week remaining. If you have an interest
and an idea percolating, please try to submit. In the meantime, here are some
questions you may be thinking about:
Who
can contribute to this anthology?
I hope
you! If you can write a structured essay that has sound analysis supported by
well researched reference materials and is engaging for the reader then
consider submitting an abstract approximately 300 – 500 words, a one-page CV,
and a brief preliminary draft bibliography so I can see what direction you are
going with your literature review. These are due by August 25 to spacehorrorfilms@gmail.com. You
can also direct any questions to that email address as well.
Successful
contributors will receive a complimentary copy of the book after the book has
been released.
What
is the anthology going to be about?
The
anthology will include a collection of essays that will deconstruct and analyze
the space horror genre by utilizing a theoretical framework of the author’s
choosing. The data set should include a space horror film or collection of
space horror films ranging anywhere from the 1950s when the genre really took
off to present-day films.
I kept to
films since that is where the genre has been most fruitful. Films from anywhere
are acceptable, as long as they can be identified and categorized as space
horror. Unfortunately, I will have to reject any abstracts focused on any other
mediums.
What
are typical themes for this genre?
There is
not a predefined set of theoretical frameworks to be utilized when defining,
exploring and analyzing space horror. There are so many to choose from; I want
writers to select the theoretical lens they feel will best work with their
chosen data set. Here’s a brief list of themes:
- Claustrophobia, Outer Space
fears (Pandorum, Dark Star, Europa Report, The Black Hole)
- The influence of slasher
films (Alien, Event Horizon, Jason X, Sunshine, Leprechaun 4: In Space)
- Psychological (2001: A
Space Odyssey, Solaris, Sunshine, Moon)
- Body Horror and/or
transformation (Supernova, Event Horizon, Hellraiser: Bloodline,
Slither)
- Final girl (Alien,
Prometheus, Dead Space: Downfall)
- Paranormal/Occult (Event
Horizon, Hellraiser: Bloodline, Dracula 3000, Ghosts of Mars)
- Cold War fears (most invasion
films of the 1950s – 1970s)
- Doppelganger (Event
Horizon, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Thing, Moon)
- Compare/Contrast maleficent
vs. animal “aliens” (Xenomorphs in Alien franchise vs. alien species
encountered in Pitch Black, Apollo 18, Europa Report for example)
- Alien abduction (Communion,
Fire In The Sky, Extraterrestrial)
- Found footage (Europa
Report, Apollo 18)
- Sacrifice of self and/or
self-destruct sequence (Alien franchise, Event Horizon, Critters 4, The Last
Days on Mars)
- Role of AI, robotics and/or
the concept of “uncanny valley” (Alien franchise, 2001: A Space
Odyssey, Prometheus, Dracula 3000)
- Bram Stoker and Space
Vampires (Dracula 3000, Planet of the Vampires, Lifeforce)
- Exploring Literary roots such
as H.P. Lovecraft, H. G. Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray
Bradbury, etc.
Why
put this anthology together?
Although
there has been a plethora of space horror films and much has been written about
science fiction, horror or on individual films (mostly the Alien franchise), I found a gap in
analysis when it comes to the space horror genre in cinema. Hence, through my
selection, it is my goal that the essays included in this anthology will
represent an in depth exploration of the genre as well as bridge the gap of critical
analysis that currently exists between science fiction and the horror genres.
Who is
the intended audience?
An
independent popular culture publisher will publish the anthology and readers
are expected to include individuals studying and/or curious to increase their
understanding of science fiction, horror and of course, space horror.
When
will this anthology be available to purchase?
I wish it
was tomorrow, however editing does take time. By September 1, I will respond to
all submissions with either an acceptance or decline email. For those accepted,
they will receive a detailed style sheet to format their essay that they will
have five months to write. Essayists are expected to submit an essay of 5,000 –
8,000 words by January 31, 2016. Of course, early submissions are most
appreciated and allow me to get a head start on the editing process.
Essays
will be returned for correction and the final copy is expected no later than
April 20, 2016. Delivery of the manuscript to the publisher has been promised
no later than June 1, 2016 and I hope that the book will release by the end of
the year.
