Wellness through writing; abundant expression & authentic truth

Thank you for your desire to contribute to this anthology of writing and intimate literature; thank you for being a necessary part of this community.

Issue 1: “The Descent…”

The 2024 theme for the Wellspringwords platform is “Sinking into Self-Trust”.

Using our Literary Anthology, we will explore, as a collective, what it feels like to sink into the experience of Self. In this Spring/Summer issue, we are exploring the sinking, or “The Descent…”.

What is it like to sink into yourself? What is it like to return home?

Is home an abandoned space, dark and full of ghosts? Or have you never really left?

Is your body the one true place you can feel held in this world? Or is it a numb environment, unsafe and unwelcoming?

When you go to touch yourself or call your name, do you feel you are within your own ownership? Or do others own your vessel and your essence?

We’re hopeful to welcome poetry, memoir/personal essay, fiction, and experimental writing, all about the initial journey of returning to your inner home, your interior world, your psychic and embodied experience.

For some, this return indicates a “dark night of the soul”. For others, it’s a welcome relief to pause connection with the external world and turn within. Whether you enter your interior world and find yourself in a dark void, or ethereal bliss, we want to read your written expression. And if you don’t know what it means to return to yourself, write about it. We want to read your experience, too. We’ll choose a few pieces from each genre to publish in Issue 1, our Spring/Summer issue.

Details about Issue 1:

  • Submissions window: January 15 - February 12, 2024 extended to March 1, 2024

  • Writers will be notified about if their submission was chosen by March 31, 2024. During this period, any necessary developmental editing will take place.

  • Issue 1 will launch in April 2024.

General Guidelines

  • Maximum word count for prose: 3,000; you may submit up to 2 pieces.

  • Maximum word count for poetry: 650; you may submit up to 4 poems for consideration. Ensure all poems are on one document, each with its own title.

  • Please use the below form to submit your writing. You may share your document via email (to bewell@wellspringwords.love) or through a Google Doc on the below form.

  • Themes to keep in mind + heart while considering your submission: Love, Body, Spirituality, Wellness, Identity

  • If applicable to your writing, please note any content “warning”, so we may be prepared when we read.

  • You are welcome to submit your writing if you identify as a woman of color. If you do not but are passionate about this platform and opportunity, please extend your passion by sharing this opportunity with a special woman of color writer in your life.

  • All submissions must be original and unpublished; we do not accept previously published submissions, either in print or digitally. We ask for First Electronic and Archival Rights: your selected writing will first be shared through our digital Literary Anthology before it is published elsewhere. We will then archive your writing to be accessed for future purposes/inspiration/teaching. By submitting your work, you agree to this.

  • As the mission of this platform is to amplify the expressions of women of color, any of the photos/external quotes you consider using should be representative of that.

  • All chosen submissions undergo an intimate and trauma-informed editorial process that includes developmental editing (where needed) aimed at supporting the writer in deepening and refining their authentic voice.

  • We hold your submissions in strict confidence and privacy, whether or not they are published. Your writing will only be seen by the Wellspringwords editorial team.

  • We are unable to offer monetary compensation at this time. This will change as promptly as we receive funding. If you desire to support this initiative, you may contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

As you prepare to join us, please take some time to read our About page and to enjoy the many published pieces by other talented women of color, found here.

When you’re ready, please fill out the below form with intention. We will be in touch to discuss your submission. Be well!

More about writing for Wellspringwords:

  • Explore your authentic Self, your wisdom within, and your creative expression through writing.

  • Receive editorial feedback from an experienced editorial team as you develop as a writer.

  • Add to your portfolio of written work.

  • Join the Wellspringwords community of writers and artists from around the world.

  • Enjoy a discount on all workshops and courses.

  • Must identify as a woman of color/woman of the global majority.

  • Writing must align with the essence of Wellspringwords — connecting to your deep, authentic Self, and expressing that creatively through words.

Submissions are currently closed.