This is exciting. So far, 18 of us are signed up, and there are a number of folks out there I'm hoping haven't seen this yet or haven't decided yet and will sign up. For those of you who were the kind of student who had your paper written a week before the due-date, here are some initial guidelines, which are subject to change based on your input.
1. Your piece should be based on/inspired by/taken from a specific phrase, verse, or passage in the Gospels. It's possible that there will be repeats--so much the better to get different views on the same text. So don't worry about that.
2. The piece, ideally, should be an essay. Personal essay, meditative essay, lyrical essay, experimental essay, list essay--whatever you want to do. If you don't really know which way to go, feel free to e-mail me with questions.
3. With so many people, I think a good length-parameter is 150 words to 2,000 words, which is about, I think, 4 single-spaced pages.
4. The deadline will depend on how comfortable you are with the writing. Many of you, I know, should be editing my stuff. If you're one of those people, let's say December 15. Either way, if you want some editing suggestions or any feedback in general (from me, though I realize you probably have friends who could do just as well as I), I'd like your piece by December 1 so you have time to make some revisions.
5. I'd like a short (3-4 line) bio with your piece. Say anything you want, but the only thing I need is your blog address.
6. For those who submit, I'll send you a couple free copies since I won't be making any money and can't offer you any for your work.
I'm probably forgetting something here, but I'll try to post a reminder weekly, hopefully gathering more folks along the way. As I said, feel free to e-mail about anything: junkmailforblankets@hotmail.com
This is so cool. Thanks for being a part. Oh, yes, if you know a blogger who would like to participate, send 'em over.
If you're reading this and don't know what it means, see the post below this one.
Posted by ghetto monk at October 27, 2004 10:11 PM | TrackBackyou can count me in.
Posted by: amy at October 28, 2004 04:10 AMme too.
Posted by: joy at October 28, 2004 06:07 AMThis project needs a name.
amy, joy, i've been waiting. huzzah.
Posted by: jeremy at October 28, 2004 08:34 AMdaniel (and anyone else), i'm open to suggestions.
Posted by: jeremy at October 28, 2004 08:35 AMstagnant blog and all, i'm in.
Posted by: judah at October 28, 2004 08:39 AMstagnant but delicious.
Posted by: jeremy at October 28, 2004 09:36 AMOK, Jeremy I am there. I actually was just feeling the need to re-acquaint myself with the Gospels.
Posted by: dassler at October 28, 2004 11:28 AM* i am such a nerd. i love guidelines. look for superman shirts this weekend, jeremy.
Posted by: jane. at October 28, 2004 03:02 PMmr. das, glad you're in. jane, i will, and i suppose i'll know why if i see one.
Posted by: jeremy at October 28, 2004 03:16 PM* goonies.
Posted by: jane. at October 28, 2004 03:41 PMFantablous...I guess I should get writing now...gar...
Posted by: Paula at October 28, 2004 05:17 PM*bay-bee roooooooth?
Posted by: jeremy at October 28, 2004 06:16 PMI'm in too Mister Hiccups. If my husband doesn't have time to edit mine you it's going to be messy. I'm one of your worst grammatical nightmares. Glad you're doing this.
Posted by: Gypsy at October 29, 2004 11:55 AM* you could always go to some movie theatre and pretend to puke and see if everyone else starts puking. "one time, on my birthday, i went to a theatre and everyone was, like, puhyahhhh puhuyahh..." oh, so much potential for making your weekend absolutely memorable.
Posted by: jane. at October 29, 2004 02:10 PMgypsy, i and the grammar gods is on your sides.
jane, i'll let you know how that goes.
Posted by: jeremy at October 29, 2004 03:10 PMI have a confession...I am somewhat of an editing/grammar fanatic. If it looks like you need help with that down the line, feel free to contact me--I'm good at the post-questions about content, final run-through phase.
Posted by: Heather at November 3, 2004 05:45 AMheather, thanks for the offer. i'm worse off than even you. i'm a perfectionist grammar nazi, which means i have trouble relinquishing control of grammar. but if it comes down to it, i gladly take you up on the offer.
Posted by: jeremy at November 3, 2004 07:45 PMHah! I understand. The offer stands if you are in a time bind.
Posted by: Heather at November 4, 2004 03:05 AMI'm in.
Posted by: sligh at November 4, 2004 06:24 AMgot you on the list, sligh.
Posted by: jeremy at November 6, 2004 02:37 PM