issue #9

Promise

Speculative Nonfiction #9: Promise

Consider the promise as widely as you can imagine. Promises made, promises lost, promises broken, promises never uttered, promises made mute by time, promises betrayed, promises reaffirmed. 

Promise is one of the few words that has no direct opposite. It is not a Janus word, meaning two things at once. You can break a promise like a locket, but can a broken promise be repaired? 

The Latin word for promise is promissum from “send forth” so ponder, imagine, explore and send forth your promising speculations. We eagerly await them. 

Submission Period: March 1 through June 15th

Writers’ Guidelines: In general, we publish work of 2,500 words or less. This is not a strict limit, however we ask that writers only submit work that aligns with the theme of the issue and is speculative in nature.

Note on Submission Fee: Speculative Nonfiction waives the submission fee for writers who make a financial contribution (any amount) to either the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or The Movement for Black Lives. Please send donation receipts to speculativenonfiction@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting these organizations working to dismantle white supremacy. Additionally, if, for reasons of financial hardship, you are unable to pay the $3 submission fee, please contact us directly at speculativenonfiction@gmail.com to request a fee waiver.