空閒的日子
如果你們記得我
請寫信來
讓我知道
你們的消息
請寄給我
你們自己寫的故事
自己寫的詩
— 西西 <綠洲>
The celebrated and beloved Hong Kong writer Xi Xi passed away in December 2022, aged 85. In a writing career spanning seven decades, she produced a wide range of great work in fiction, essays, poetry, and more. Ho Fuk Yan, Xi Xi’s devoted friend, editor, and literary collaborator, once said that her interests were broad and her innovation continuous. Xi Xi is known for, among other things, her creative storytelling, linguistic invention (preferring the interesting over the ordinary), sense of humour and wonder, and her unparalleled ability to speak to the character of her city—Hong Kong—and its people. Reading Xi Xi, we often put emphasis on both what’s being said and how it’s said. Her works have inspired engaging scholarly investigation and creative endeavours by her readers and admirers.
To honour Xi Xi and her generous contribution to literature and Hong Kong, Cha is publishing a special feature entitled “Xi Xi: Can We Say”, edited by Jennifer Feeley and Tammy Lai-Ming Ho. We will accept submissions to the feature on a rolling basis and new pieces selected will be added to the feature on our main website as they come in.
We are looking for:
1) Creative pieces in any genres inspired by Xi Xi;
2) Personal reflections on Xi Xi and her work;
3) New translations of works that are in dialogue with Xi Xi;
4) Essays about her work.
The above are just some suggestions. Interested writers and artists are very welcome to pitch ideas to the editors by sending an email to xixi@asiancha.com.
Guidelines
~ Poetry: 1 to 4 poems
~ Prose (fiction, creative nonfiction, essay): 1 to 2 pieces
~ Photography, art, and other multi-media work: 1 to 10 pieces
~ Send submissions via email to xixi@asiancha.com with the subject line “Xi Xi: [your initials]”
~ Include a brief biography (no more than 100 words)
~ Simultaneous submissions are welcomed, but notify us as soon as possible if a piece is accepted for publication elsewhere
~ Closing date: ongoing
