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issue 6 theme:
cycles

In this issue, the SunLit’s theme is “Cycles”. Patterns can be found in every part of reality — nature, time, and the cycle of life itself. From the way that waves ebb and flow, to the human behaviors of the people around you, cycles permeate the fabric of our lives. Submissions to write or create art that gives meaning to these cycles are open now with an early deadline due December 1 for special recognition and the opportunity to perform your poem in our December 14 open mic, as well as a regular deadline of  January 28.  Below are some prompts to get you started, but as always, the theme remains open-ended: your interpretations and observations of cycles in the world around you.

  • Do you think history repeats itself?

  • Think about natural patterns: do any affect your life?

  • In your experience, is repetition in life good or bad?

  • Do you think time is progressive or cyclical?

  • How are you managing with the current stage you are in within the cycle of life?

  • Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle or pattern of behavior? Describe the experience.

  • Compare cycles in nature to cycles of human behavior: addiction, mental health, generational, etc. Think about cycles of matter, energy, and consciousness: is rebirth possible

  • What may come after death?


feel free to interpret these prompts from the point of view of your story's characters

submission guidelines

We’re excited to see and celebrate your work!

 

What does the SunLit accept?

Writers: the SunLit accepts Samohi students' short fiction, poetry, scripts and lyrical writing.

Artists: we accept photography as well as visual art such as paintings, collages, digital art and drawings. 

Questions? Email samoliterarymagazine@gmail.com

 

How do I submit?

Please send all submissions via email to samoliterarymagazine@gmail.com. Written work should be submitted as an attachment (google doc). Art should be uploaded as an attachment also (.jpg format preferred). For all art submissions, please name the photo file with your full name and the submission title (if applicable)

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In the body of the email, please include your:

1) full name

2) telephone number

3) current grade

4) submission title

5) for art only: medium of the piece (example: graphite on paper, oil on canvas, film)

 

Requirements:

Prose: 2,000 words maximum per piece.

Poetry: No length requirements

Art and Photography: Both black/white and color accepted. Digital submissions only; no physical pieces, please. The SunLit reserves the right to resize work if necessary. All work must be original.

 

The SunLit is open to previously published work and simultaneous submissions.

 

Gratuitous use of profanity will result in disqualification of your piece.

 

Though all ownership rights remain with the original writer and/or artist, the SunLit retains the right to correct any evident grammar mistakes and/or misspellings, as well as suggest methods to potentially improve a piece and better chances of the piece’s publication.

past themes

issue 5 theme:
first love

For our fifth issue, the SunLit will be centered around the theme of first love. Throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, we endure a multitude of first experiences. Perhaps the most impactful is the experience of first love. At this point in our lives, relationships to others and to the world around us are constantly in flux and often seem to be what defines our self-perception. Use the topic of love as a guiding light for your submissions; any interpretation of "love" (romantic, platonic, familial, general) is acceptable and encouraged. We have included some prompts below to provide you with ideas, but the theme, as always, remains open to your own creative inspiration.

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feel free to interpret these prompts from the point of view of your story's characters

issue 4 theme:
nostalgia

This issue, the SunLit’s theme is “Nostalgia”. Especially during high school, as we leave childhood behind, we’re drawn to the golden past, both our own and time periods we’ve never experienced. Whether imagining what could have been or celebrating what was, pour all those emotions into a piece of writing, poetry or art for a submission due January 28th.  Below are some prompts to get you started, but as always, the theme remains open ended: your feelings and experiences of nostalgia.

  • Write about an experience you like to remember

  • Have you ever felt nostalgia for something that’s not over? For a past you’ve never experienced?

  • What senses and songs elicit memories?

  • Can you feel nostalgic for the future?

  • When have you romanticized the past? Become disillusioned with it?

  • In what ways does nostalgia hold you back?

  • How have your present experiences influenced your view on the past?

feel free to interpret these prompts from the point of view of your story's characters

issue 3 theme:
new beginnings

This issue, the SunLit’s theme is “New Beginnings.” Two years of uncertainty and constant change is coming to a close and a new school year is well on its way. New friendships have been made, new learning has been done, and joy is returning in waves. Put your excitement, nerves, and anticipation for the beginning of better times into prose, poetry, photography or art and submit it to the SunLit by January 17th. Below are some prompts to get you started, but as always, the theme remains open ended: whether an exhale of relief or an inhale of glee, the feelings and experiences of new beginnings.

  • What is something you wish you could do again?

  • Does every beginning have to come with an end to something too?

  • What is the first thing you would do if you were given the opportunity to do anything you wanted without risk?

  • Do beginnings and endings happen in cycles? Linearly? 

  • If you could go back in time and start anything over, what would you start over?

  • How does it feel to begin something new?

feel free to interpret these prompts from the point of view of your story's characters

issue 2 theme:
connection and introspection

This issue, the SunLit’s theme is connection and introspection. It’s been a chaotic year, filled with isolation, battles of morality, and events that challenge one’s perception of the world and ourselves. Pour it all out into a piece of writing, poetry, or art for a submission due January 30. Below are a few questions and prompts for inspiration, but the theme remains open ended: your connections with the world and your internal introspection.

  • How are we connected?

  • How has a lack of connection (or connection in new ways) affected your own introspection?

  • How do people’s perceptions of you affect your own perceptions of yourself?

  • When was a time you discovered something about yourself?

  • When do you see yourself most clearly?

  • How do you go through change?​​

feel free to interpret these prompts from the point of view of your story's characters

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