FAQ: edition #4 on Myths, myth-making and mythological imaginations

• Can my submission explore contemporary myths, or does it need to focus on traditional stories?

  The theme ‘Myths, Myth-Making and Mythological Imaginations’ does not only center cultural or traditional myths but also focuses on the process or exploring of (contemporary) myth-making itself—the act of world-building that lets us dream up new possibilities.

• Are myths from Caribbean coastal areas of Central and South America also acceptable, or must they focus solely on the islands?

  We highly encourage contributions that explore myths from the Caribbean coastal areas of Central and South America—including The Bahamas, Bermuda, Suriname, Guyana, and Lagwiyann (French Guiana). The interconnection between the Caribbean islands and the coastal regions of the America-continent has always played a significant role in the cultural fabric of the region.

• Can I submit a critique or reinterpretation of a myth that is widely known but has problematic undertones?

  Yes, for this 4th edition of the zine, we welcome critiques or reinterpretations of harmful myths that continue to shape our reality—such as those surrounding race, white supremacy, the notion of the Caribbean as a monolith, and many more. Questioning these myths allows us to confront and dismantle harmful narratives that perpetuate colonial and neocolonial oppression, while reimagining a future where the people of the Caribbean can thrive in cultural and political autonomy.

• Does the term "myths" include urban legends, local anecdotes, or recent community tales?

  Yes, the term "myths" includes urban legends, local anecdotes, and recent community tales. It encompasses anything that exists in the intangible space between reality and fiction—often involving elements of the supernatural or spiritual. These are the stories excluded from colonial archives but preserved through generational storytelling.

• Can my submission address myths that connect the Caribbean to its African or Asian diasporic heritage?

  Yes, diasporic heritage from Africa and Asia has played—and continues to play—a significant role in shaping Caribbean identities.

• What kind of balance is expected between storytelling and critical reflection (e.g., academic vs. creative tone)?

  There is no strict requirement for the academic level of your contribution. For the 6 ISLANDS Zine's 4th edition, you are free to choose the tone that best suits your work—it can be academic, creative, or a mix of both. Let your contribution reflect your unique voice and approach.

• If my work spans more than 5 pages or 1500 words, can I submit an excerpt or multiple pieces?

  If your existing work exceeds 5 pages or 1500 words, you can submit an excerpt that fits within the stated requirements for contributions. Unfortunately, we cannot accept multiple pieces of a big work that exceeds these limits.

• Can I submit more than one piece, or is the call limited to one submission per person?

  You can submit more than one piece, as long as each contribution is a standalone work. However, we cannot accept multiple submissions that are part of a larger work, such as a thesis or a book.

• Can I submit video or audio recordings, or do I need to transcribe them for the zine?

  Yes, you can submit video or audio recordings via WeTransfer, Send Tresorit, or as a URL linking to the hosting website. Please include a brief description of your submission in the submission form: https://forms.gle/NaUYCJue5icaicNP8

• If my work is multimedia (e.g., a mix of text, images, and hyperlinks), how should I format and submit it?

  If your submission includes custom fonts, images, or a specific layout, and is ready to be published as is, please submit it as a PDF, InDesign or Affinity Publsiher format document in A4 size.

  If your submission is plain text (without specific formatting, images, or layout), please submit it as a text document (e.g., Word, Pages).

• Can I collaborate with someone else on a submission, and how would joint credit work?

  We encourage collaborative submissions! The way joint credit is given is up to those who contributed to the work. In the submission form, you can indicate how you would like to be credited, whether by name, social media/website links, or anonymously.

• Are translations of existing myths or stories into another language an acceptable form of submission?

  Yes, translations of existing myths or stories are accepted. However, we encourage including the original language(s) as well.

• Can I submit in multiple languages, or must I pick one language for my work?

  Yes, submissions are open to all languages, and we highly encourage submissions in multiple languages!

• How widely will the zine be distributed, and will it reach audiences outside the Caribbean or the diaspora?

  6 ISLANDS Zine reaches audiences beyond the Caribbean and its diaspora. While we do not distribute physical copies through stockist or book stores, audiences can request copies from 6 ISLANDS directly via email info@6islandszine.com . Additionally, past issues of the zine are available online for free on Archive.org: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%226+islands+zine%22

• Will contributors receive copies of the zine once it’s published?

  Contributors receive a 10% discount on the zine once it’s published.

• Will there be any follow-up events or discussions around the published zine content?

  Yes, we will have a zine launch event in the first half of 2025. We will share details on our website and social media! 🎉