A Compendium of Enigmatic Species

This anthology is a collection of observations on the plants, animals, and other things that dwell in our imagination. We want to turn a scientist’s eye on the world of the fantastic. Your work could include a formal scientific description, notes on habitat and distribution, even helpful diagrams. It could refer to secret archives buried in the depths of history, or the field notes of a modern grad student. You can weave these elements into a narrative, a poem, or a puzzle — so long as it captures the wonder that comes from encountering a species for the first time. We have a preference for narrative structures that draw inspiration from non-fiction writing (field notes, scholarly journals, folklore studies) rather than more conventional storytelling; however, we are also open to different knowledge traditions, both historical and contemporary. For instance, a bestiary entry illustrates a different perspective and classification of knowledge than a naturalist’s field journal, and an origin story of a plant will differ from a narrative on the healing properties even of the same species. For now we are soliciting stories in English (though you may include terms from other languages). Though we are looking for stories with speculative elements, they should be set on Earth — no far-off planets or fantasy realms, please. The focus of this anthology is on the marvellous in the mundane.

Country of Publication & Year Established

Canada

Established in 2022