Issues
*Commonplace is meant to be shared! We encourage readers to print out copies and leave them in local libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, etc.
About
Commonplace is a volunteer-run journal published by Catherine Project readers and friends. Its purpose is twofold:
- To serve the Catherine Project community as an organ of communication and means of sharing writing informed or inspired by the Project’s core activity of reading and discussing great books.
- To serve as a means of advertising the existence and activities of the Catherine Project and inviting readers who are unfamiliar with the the Project to join our community of learning.
The journal is titled Commonplace because that’s what it is: a place or space we have in common. The word commonplace might also be used to describe the activity of our community: what we’re doing is rare these days, but it’s not original. Human beings throughout history have gathered informally to read, think, and learn together. We think learning for learning’s sake should be ordinary and shared among people of different ages, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
We aim to publish Commonplace once a year, depending on volunteer availability. We consistently have need of volunteers to serve in the following capacities:
- Editorial board – review submissions, work with authors, and assist the editor in chief in preparing the issue for publication
- Copy editing team – work with members of the editorial board and authors to bring a polished submission to publication
- Visual design and layout – assist the editorial board in crafting a visually engaging and beautiful issue
If you would like to join the team of volunteers that publishes the journal, please write to: commonplace@catherineproject.org
Submissions
Commonplace welcomes submissions from readers and friends of the Catherine Project. We publish writing and visual art that reflect the Catherine Project’s core principles and the following ideas:
- A great book invites the reader in as an equal.
- No question is too simple or elemental.
- The contemplative life is richer when it is shared.
We encourage written reflections on and close readings of great books. In accordance with our principle of hospitality, writing should be welcoming and accessible to a reader who is unfamiliar with the subjects or texts being discussed. Footnotes other than citations should be kept to a minimum, and we encourage prospective submitters to review our most recent issue.
Written work should be sent as a Microsoft Word file and should be no more than 2,000 words in length. Visual art should be sent as a PNG file.
Submissions, inquiries, and pitches should be addressed to commonplace@catherineproject.org.
