Several bits of important business have come to my attention from Dappled Things. First, the magazine is expanding its range to include all emerging writers, young and old, rather than simply concentrating on the under-35 set. Head Honcho Bernardo Aparacio writes:

In order to safeguard this mission, we have followed the policy of only receiving submissions from contributors between the ages of 18 and 35. However, throughout the past two years we have received comments from many readers and potential contributors who wish Dappled Things would accept work from persons of any age. This desire is understandable, as there are almost no other venues that specialize in creative work inspired by the Catholic tradition. Still, we have hesitated to remove our age limits because we do not want a situation in which more experienced writers and artists crowd out those who are still at the start of their careers.

After much deliberation, we have concluded that opening up the magazine to creative Catholics of all ages need not undermine our mission. We will remain committed to seeking out and publishing the work of emerging writers and artists, but we will now welcome submissions without regard to a person's age. By doing this, we hope Dappled Things will become a locus of the best creative talent available within the English-speaking Church. We want Dappled Things to be a magazine of which the Church can be proud (in a completely non-sinful way, that is) and through which Catholics can offer an alternative to the often confused culture that surrounds them.

If "The Golden Compass" and "The DaVinci Code" are works that characterize the "wisdom" of our age, we hope that Dappled Things will become a venue where those with a more profound vision -- the Tolkiens, Lewises, Waughs, and O'Connors of the future -- will be able to become known and share their work with the world. So whether you are a reader seeking material that will enrich your mind, soul, and imagination, or a writer who hopes to share some truth and beauty with the world, we hope you will join the Dappled Things community. To submit your work, please visit our website for instructions.

Also, we have a whole new edition of the magazine chock-full of such emerging authors for your enjoyment:

It is a pleasure to inform you that the Advent/Christmas 2007 edition of Dappled Things has just been published online. Herewith a sampling of the excellent pieces that you will find in the new edition:

Our feature for this issue is Fr. James V. Schall's "The Truth of His Humanity," an article in which he ponders the birth of Christ and the significance of the fact that he was not only true God, but true man. This article, imbued with Fr. Schall's usual insight, is recommended reading for these final days of Advent. Through it, Fr. Schall wrestles with several important questions surrounding the Nativity:

If we wonder about the apparent slowness in spreading this Good News of the Incarnation and Nativity, we are tempted to question of the Father's schema for our redemption. Surely, it could have been a more "efficient," a more rapid, process. It seems to lack power and proper planning. It seems haphazard and not particularly effective for its apparent purpose, which had to do with going forth and teaching "all nations" the meaning of what transpired in these places.

Those who have been following the exploits of "J," the arrogant if witty protagonist of Eleanor Donlon's "Magdalen Montague" series, will be glad to know that we have published part III: "The Return to Magdalen Montague." "The Return" reveals a dramatic transformation in J's character. Readers will have to visit the website to find out what it is, but for the moment I give you his father's reaction to the change:

First he goggled. Then he stared. Soon he glowered… and he glared! Immediately following this lively display of emotion, he commenced sputtering like a frustrated kettle, his face turned a regal shade, and he swore at me soundly, starting with, "Damnation!" and concluding with a series of expletives beyond even my ken.

There's these, an expose of "The Dirty Linen of Literary Studies," some more poignant (if disturbing) work from the splendid poet Gabriel Olearnik, an article about a parish in which Latin Rite and Eastern Catholic communities worship under the same roof, a beautiful oil painting inspired by the life of St. Josephine Bakhita (the saint recently mentioned in Pope Benedict's encyclical, Spe Salvi), as well as more excellent fiction pieces, essays, poems, and works of art. Enjoy!