FEMSPEC, an interdisciplinary feminist journal dedicated to critical and creative works in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, magic realism, surrealism, myth, folklore and other supernatural genres published by the Lexington Books of Rowman and Littlefield is assembling a special issue related to Latino & Latin American female speculative writers working in the genres that the journal explores. It is looking for essays on feminist features and women issues present in the works of those writers, or related fiction, artwork, and poetry. Send submissions and queries to rscauso@yahoo.com.br under the subject “FEMSPEC Latina,” or write through regular mail to:
Roberto de Sousa Causo
Rua Andre Dreifus,
109/163 -- bloco 2 --
Sao Paulo-SP 01252-901 Brazil.

1. Gypsy Issue: We want articles on literary or other cultural representations of gypsy women in any historical period or national literature, as well as depictions of the lives of real Romani ethnic group women through their own narrative writings or analysis of the divergence between the fantasy image and the reality. We are seeking any original fiction, ethnography, poetry, historical essays, drama and interviews including narrative experiences of fortune tellers or diviners working with techniques such as palmistry and tarot often associated with Gypsy/Romani culture, plus historical articles on the origins of such techniques and their use in every day life and teaching. Given that the term "gypsy" has become a metaphor not related necessarily to the reality of the Romani ethnic group that lives as a minority in Europe, we would like articles and interviews that focus on the image of "the gypsy woman" and the reality of the life of the Romani woman, as well as on the symbolism of "the gypsy woman" in western and other cultures.

2. Indonesian Issue. We are developing an issue on women artists, women in folklore and myth, and women musicians and writers in Indonesia. We seek original scholarship and creative works about these subjects, in addition to writings about or submissions from women artists internationally who have been influenced or inspired by women in Indonesian culture or Indonesian myths. Also, we are looking for people who will interview the various women gamelan orchestras in Bali, and photograph them as well as photographig women artists in Bali and Java. We have the name of a folklorist in Jakarta who works on the South Sea Queen legends and another who writes on the Goddess of Merchants and Batik from the North Sea. We would like to assign working with these people to develop materials with the help of local involvement. Local involvement means we can give you contacts for interpretors, but we also need materials translated.

First deadline: October 1, 2005. Submit in triplicate plus CD or disk to 1610 Rydalmount, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 USA.

Query femspec@aol.com for more information. Please post and circulate this call. Book reviews also sought for both issues.

Artist Exchange Program

Femspec, an interdisciplinary feminist journal dedicated to explorations that challenge gender in non-linear, non-real genres such as sf, magical realism, and supernatural works, including the mythical, is initiating an artist exchange program with women arists and musicians in Bali and Java. We have spaces for ten-twenty women artists, poets and musicians who are interested in two weeks of homestay in Bali and Java, the chance to meet with working women arists and musicians, and the opportunity to work on their own work in this culturally-enriching environment. Women artists should bring their own paints, but canvases will be provided. All participants are asked to pay their own airfare and $2500 for room, board, local transportation, coordination and translators. Also, participants are asked to present a gallery lecture about their work in either Bali or Java. A show will be arranged at the end of the two weeks in an art gallery owned by a woman in Yoyakarta. Musicians and poets can perform their work on the stage of the local woman artist, Kartika, who can also provide some of the living and studio space. For more information contact femspec@aol.com.