Texas Folklore Society seeks ghost and historical stories, unusual animal tales and family legends for planned book.

TSU Media Relations

Special to Beneath the Surface News

The Texas Folklore Society, a partner of Tarleton State University, is currently seeking submissions for a book highlighting legends in Texas and the Southwest.

Legends are short stories that are presented as true and recount incidents that are miraculous, bizarre, uncanny or humorous.

Among other topics, they may include ghost stories, unusual animal tales, historical stories that may not match written records, family legends, stories about the way towns or landmarks got their names or tales about noteworthy local characters.

Two types of submissions are requested: Narrations and essays about legends.

Narrations should have a basis in folklore but may be written in the author’s own words.

Alternately, they may be presented in the form of interviews or oral histories. Authors are encouraged to be creative in their presentation if they are faithful to the tradition of the stories.

Essays should analyze a particular legend, compare similar legends or look at a theme that occurs within different legends.

Submissions should have a connection to Texas and/or the Southwest and have a basis in folklore.

Purely fictional submissions will not be accepted.

There are no formal length requirements, but it is recommended that submissions be no more than 6,000 words.

All submissions must be written in the author’s own words, and all sources should be acknowledged.

Individuals are responsible for making sure they have the rights to publish all material included.

AI-generated submissions will not be accepted.

Scholars, amateur folklorists and community members who are TFC members may submit work to the project.

Click here to join.

Submissions are due Aug. 15 and can be emailed to TexaFolkloreSociety@gmail.com.