CfP: Short Fiction Theory and Practice – Call for Papers ‘Uniquely Canadian Cultural Narratives’

By Published Egyéb

Short Fiction Theory and Practice – Call for Papers
‘Uniquely Canadian Cultural Narratives’, guest edited by
Zsuzsanna Lénárt-Muszka, University of Debrecen, Hungary

In 1972, seventeen-year-old Heather Scott submitted a memorable entry – ‘As Canadian as possible under the circumstances’ – to radio host Peter Gzowski’s contest seeking the perfect Canadian aphorism. But even before this iconic phrase, the question of what it means to be Canadian had been debated for generations. From garrison mentality and biculturalism to multiculturalism, Canada has frequently relied on such notions to define its identity, while simultaneously attempting to erase First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and downplaying the contributions of various other minority groups. Today, amid increasing global migration, calls for reconciliation, bids to recognize and celebrate diverse communities, and official measures such as Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2024-2028), the question of what – if anything – constitutes ‘Canadianness’ is still open.

The international, peer-reviewed journal, Short Fiction in Theory and Practice (Intellect Books) is inviting original submissions for a special issue to be published in 2026 that seeks to explore how short fiction reflects on historical and contemporary notions of ‘Canadianness’. We invite proposals for scholarly papers that investigate short fiction written in or about Canada and address questions related – but not limited – to the following:

  • Canadian identity and the legitimacy of Canadian narratives
  • Indigenous perspectives on Canadian cultural narratives
  • The imbrications of national or regional identity and race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
  • Historical perspectives and the evolution of Canadian cultural identities and narratives
  • Narratives of migration vis-à-vis Canadianness; narratives of belonging and exclusion
  • Outside perspectives on what is ‘uniquely’ Canadian
  • The construction of identity and places/spaces; regional identities

Proposals that offer interdisciplinary perspectives or challenge conventional understandings of Canadian identity are particularly encouraged. Additionally, we welcome proposals that examine how short fiction can disrupt or complicate dominant narratives surrounding Canadian identity. We also welcome short stories as well as reflections on practice from short-story writers.

 

Articles should be 4,000–8,000 words long and must not exceed 8,000 words including notes, references, contributor biography, keywords and abstract. All submissions are peer-reviewed. Contributions should be submitted electronically through the journal webpage, by clicking the submissions tab here https://www.intellectbooks.com/short-fiction-in-theory-practice.

For style guide and submission details, please see https://www.intellectbooks.com/short-fiction-in-theory-practice.

For further enquiries, please contact the editor, Professor Ailsa Cox, coxa@edgehill.ac.uk. The deadline for submissions is 15 September, 2025.