A couple of weeks ago, a reader noted that they write fiction on philosophical themes, asking how it would look to others in the discipline. As I and a couple of commenters responded, publishing fiction may well be an asset, particularly at SLACs. In any case, this week I was contacted by the creator of a philosophy-themed fiction magazine and book series, After Dinner Conversation. In addition to accepting unsolicited submissions (which they pay modestly for if accepted), they also hold fiction-writing contests with cash prizes which accept work in multiple age-genres (children's stories, young adult, and adult). Here are just a few of the ebook stories they have published that are currently listed as available for free:
- Patchouli Lost(Free!)*: Patchouli calls a friend for help getting out of an abusive relationship. (Podcast)
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My Fellow (Immortal) Americans (Free!): The President gives a speech about a proposed raise in the minimum “time wage” and its effect on those who plan to live forever. (Podcast)
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The Shadow Of The Thing (Free!): Maeve calls on her friend to help her take a new street drug that (she thinks) will forever open her see the true meanings that hide behind the curtain. (Podcast)
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This I Do For You (Free!): A spoiled child is raised in the lap of luxury until he is finally called on to serve others. (Podcast)
- Pretty Pragmatism (Free!): A US Senator introduces a bill that borrows public policy ideas from the Nazi party.
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Bunny Racing (Free!): Two bunnies race, but one of them has been eating a special carrot from the forbidden forest to help him run faster. (All-Ages)
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The Truth About Thurman (Free!): Two Americans are captured by a terrorist group who give the government a choice, pick one for us to let go free, or we kill them both. (Podcast)
I can't attest to the quality of the fiction writing or philosophical sophistication of the stories, but in any case I think this is a really cool endeavor, and well as a great opportunity for philosophers who write fiction. The world needs philosophy now as much (if not more) than ever, and fiction seems to me a wonderful way to reach the broader public.
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