Call for Papers - Twin Peaks!

CFP: The Owls Are Not What They Seem: Essays on the Mysterious World of Twin Peaks

Essays are invited which examine themes of the mysterious and weird in the TV series Twin Peaks and David Lynch’s follow-up film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Almost a quarter of a century since it was first aired, Twin Peaks has a special place in television history and an enduring mystique that has resulted in a cult following that is growing even today. The Owls Are Not What They Seem: Essays on the Mysterious World of Twin Peaks is a collection that proposes to explore those strange and uncanny aspects of the show that give it such lasting appeal. Such analyses will add new perspectives and insights into the longevity of the show’s impact on popular culture as well as expand our scholarly understanding of the Twin Peaks phenomenon.

Topics could include, but are not limited to:

• Occult and mystical symbology
• Dreams and visions
• Liminal spaces and binaries
• Otherworldly and supernatural influences
• Death and dying
• Religion and/or spirituality
• Paranormal ability
• Fairytale motifs
• Twin Peaks tourism (e.g. themed restaurants), fan culture and memorabilia

Essays are invited from scholars in the disciplines of folkloristics, cultural studies, study of religions, film studies, philosophy, psychology, and related disciplines. Cross-disciplinary analysis is welcome.

Proposals should take the form of an approximately 500-word abstract, a provisional title, as well as a short biography (50-100 words). All proposals must be received via email by October 31, 2014. The word count of essays accepted for inclusion in the collection should be between 3,500 and 4000 words.

Please send all proposals and questions to the editor, Dr Jenny Butler at j.butler@ucc.ie and cc. to butler.jennifer@gmail.com