The Quill 03: Spring Edition 2025/2026

The theme for The Quill’s Spring 2026 edition is Absurdity. As political leaders proclaim themselves to be Jesus Christ and deepfake AI images become more and more inescapable, it can feel as though our world is more absurd than ever. How are students–who are still in the process of figuring out who they are–supposed to come into their own in a world that seems to have flipped upside down?

Perhaps, for some, this is not only unsettling but exciting. Absurdity can bring confusion, chaos, and a sense of instability, but it can also be freeing, opening up space for new ways of thinking and seeing that might not have been possible before.

As you reflect on the theme of Absurdity, consider what that word means to you. Do you feel a kind of release, as if a weight has been lifted? Or do you find yourself longing for clarity and rationality in an already hectic world? Take this theme wherever your imagination leads.

Submission Guidlines:

We welcome a wide range of creative work, such as…

  • Short stories

  • Poetry

  • Narratives

  • Literary criticism

  • Cultural commentary

  • Essays

  • Visual art (including illustrations, digital art , cartoons, and photography)

  • Music lyrics or compositions

  • Personal Reflections

Submission Info:

  1. Submit your work through the form currently on our submission page on thequillbard.com

  2. Include a brief artist’s statement (3-6 sentences). Explain what your work is, what inspired it, what you hope readers/viewers take away from it, etc. Your response should not exceed 6 sentences or fall significantly short of 4.

  3. Poetry and music: 300 words or less; Short Stories: 1,000 - 1,500 words; Essays/Reflections: 800 - 1,200 words; Visual Art: Up to 3 pieces per artist. If your work does not fall within the word limit, editors reserve the right to cut. 

  4. Submit by 5/10/26

Submission Tips:

  • Proofread your work for spelling and grammar.

  • Make sure your name is on your file, e.g., “FirstName_LastName_Title.pdf”.

  • For visual art, ensure your image is clear and properly lit.

  • Multiple submissions are welcome, but please submit each work separately.

  • Do not use ChatGPT. If it’s obviously not your work, we will reject it. 

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Editing Process: We value your voice and creativity, so our editing process is designed to support your vision. Contributors have the opportunity to have one of our editors to polish their piece. If you prefer to keep your submission as is, that’s completely okay too! Just let us know. 

  • How It Works:

    - An editor will read over your work and give their feedback. They will offer suggestions and comments. From there you may make any changes.

    - You retain full control over your piece – edits are suggestions, not requirements. Our editors are here to support you – think of it as a chance to refine your voice, not change it.

  • Why Participate:

    - Get valuable feedback to strengthen your writing.

    - Fine-tune your work for publication while keeping your unique voice intact.

    - Take advantage of the opportunity to see your work in print and experience the process of professional publication.

    Selection Process:

    - Our editorial team will review submissions based on creativity, originality, and relevance to the theme. We appreciate every submission and look forward to reading your unique takes on Metamorphosis: Things Lost and Found.

Anonymity Option:

We understand that some pieces are deeply personal. If you choose to publish anonymously, your identity will remain confidential.

  • How to Request Anonymity:
    On the submission form, write "Publish Anonymously" in the additional comments section.

  • If you change your mind after submission, reach out to the editorial team to update your preferences

Submit Now