THE CHRYSALIS READER AUDIENCE

The Chrysalis Reader audience includes people from numerous faiths and backgrounds. Many of them work in psychology, education, religion, the arts, sciences, or one of the helping professions. The style of writing may be humorous, serious, or some combination of these approaches. Essays, poetry, and fiction that are not evangelical in tone but that are unique in addressing the Chrysalis Reader theme are more likely to be accepted. Our readers are interested in expanding, enriching, or challenging their intellects, hearts, and philosophies, and many also just want to enjoy a good read. For these reasons the editors attempt to publish a mix of writings. Articles and poetry must be related to the theme; however, you may have your own approach to the theme not written in our description.

WRITERS' GUIDELINES

The Chrysalis Reader does not accept material that has been published previously. We do accept simultaneous submissions. Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than 3,000 words. Manuscripts will not be returned to authors without an SASE. Please keep a copy of your submission for your records.

If you have missed the date for a submission but feel that you have a solid idea for a piece, send us your article or poem.

The interval between submission of the accepted manuscript and the final draft may involve communication between author, reviewers, and editors. Our schedule is designed to allow flexibility and a liberal amount of time for such communication.

The final copy of an accepted manuscript should be submitted in hard copy (snail mail) and electronically, either on disc or as an attached file via e-mail chrysalis@hovac.com, with a short biography. Microsoft Word files are preferred.

In editing, our primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the author's style and point of view. Editing is designed to clarify and to keep the writing in the Reader lively and interesting. The Chrysalis Reader style follows The Chicago Manual of Style.

Back issues of the Chrysalis Reader are available at this website.

We look forward to your contribution.

Download and print an Adobe Acrobat version of the current Writers' Guidelines.

UPCOMING THEMES

Renewal
First Draft Due: November 15, 2007
Final Draft (incorporating review comments): February 1, 2008
Publication Date: September 2008
 
"What goes around, comes around." Sitting at the potter's wheel, we mold and shape essential earth into cups and vases. Despite a world that's on 24-7 and where much of what happens seems to be out of our hands, beyond our control, we can choose to step away, to refresh our spirits. How do people go about the business of retooling, re-purposing their lives?
 
We live in a world of cycles, repetitions. But what happens when we break out of routine or when life events shake us up? What makes us feel renewed and why? Vacationing...moving...falling in love? Facing a new challenge...succeeding where others have failed?
 
Think of an early summer morning, dew on the grass, a fresh breeze, and the sun slanting shadows across our path. Could such quiet moments stimulate that inner state when mind and heart migrate to a new purpose? Or is this merely a state of complacency? What exactly does it take to help us rise like the phoenix bird from yesterday's ashes?
 
Lenses on Reality
First Draft Due: November 15, 2008
Final Draft (incorporating review comments): February 1, 2009
Publication Date: September 2009
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As I step before the mirror, I reflect upon my appearance. How does it fit into the anticipated day? Do I live up to my own expectations? At the circus, concave and convex mirrors distort and upset my view of myself. How much do I read into what I see?
 
We all see things differently, so much so that communication, community, and society may be minor miracles. Do you see me the way I see myself? How do our opinions color our reactions? People are mirrors. Do I reflect my parents' qualities? Do my children reflect mine? The more that I am with another person, do I become like him or her?
 
An X-Ray shows one view. An MRI reveals another view. When life's twists and turns bring people together, we share experiences. How do these experiences shape us? How do our perceptions change? Are we ever the same? We are spiritual and physical. How do these two worlds mingle? Experiences have a profound affect on us, but so too does our genetic makeup. The mix of these two realities manifests itself as part of the mystery of living.
 
2007-2008 Themes & Copy Deadlines
Download print an Adobe Acrobat version of 2007-2008 Themes & Copy Deadlines