SUBJECT CONTENT:
Dappled Things is a Catholic literary magazine, and this raises the
question of what Catholic literature is in the first place. Rather
than give you a pat answer, we invite you as a contributor to help us
explore that question. You should, however, keep in mind the
following: Catholicism has a profoundly rich history; we tend to
favor pieces that seriously engage and are informed by those riches.
At the same time, we seek work that does not simply put old wine into
new wineskins. Rather, we encourage innovation that is in conversation
with the riches of Christianity’s tradition in art, thought, and
practice; We cherish wit, but have little patience for
pretentiousness, cynicism, or sneering. We expect that, at their core,
pieces published in the magazine will grow out of a love and
understanding of the cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, temperance,
and fortitude; the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love; and
the redemptive theme that transpires from the Nicene Creed. At the
same time, we value work that is truthful through and through, meaning
that it explores reality honestly and unflinchingly, without
whitewashing or sugarcoating. To unveil the truth about the beauty and
goodness of the world, one must not hide the facts of the Fall; Pieces
need not be overtly religious to be eligible for
publication. Remember that Catholic means universal; Whatever else
your piece succeeds in doing, quality of craftsmanship is a sine qua
non.
Dappled Things accepts simultaneous submissions. If you are
submitting your work to other journals at the same time, please
explicitly state that in your cover letter, and notify us immediately
if your work is accepted elsewhere.
