TWBTO Literary Journal: Spring Collection 2024-RENAISSANCE (Submissions Open Feb. 1-March 1)
The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal Presents:
Spring Collection 2024: RENAISSANCE
SUBMISSIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 1-MARCH 1, 2024:
Click on “Contact” to learn more. Please carefully follow the submission guidelines. Work cannot be previously published. WE NOMINATE SELECT PIECES FOR THE PUSHCART PRIZE. Have questions? Please email us at thewayback2ourselves@gmail.com.
NEW: All literary journal submissions must be sent to our new email editor.twbto@gmail.com.
SPRING’S THEME: RENAISSANCE
What is this “RENAISSANCE” work?
When I think about springtime, I think of all the new life that is coming. Everywhere you look, especially if you live in the North, the snow is melting, and green sprouts shoot up from the ground. After a long, cold, hard winter, it is the spring that we need the most.
And I think, in many ways, we are all waiting for a spring in our lives as we look out our windows and peer through our television sets. Sometimes our souls are heavy. Sometimes our hearts are crushed. Sometimes our minds are perplexed. We need a renewal—a renaissance of sorts. We need hope in times that feel hopeless!
What I love about the word renaissance is the nuance of meanings that it brings forth.
First, renaissance is a French word and literally means “rebirth,” which is exactly what spring is. In addition, it immediately brings about the artistic and literary movement of the Renaissance Period across Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. This time is best remembered as a revival of the old and the brining forth of something new that would surpass antiquity. Today, we stare longingly at its architecture, sculptures, and oil paintings, and gasp at its unparalleled beauty.
In addition, the word renaissance takes on a whole new meaning as faithful creatives. Beyond its literal, historical, and artistic meanings, the word renaissance means spiritual rebirth and redemption for the believer. Renaissance invites us to be born again into second beginnings, absolute love, and eternal truth and beauty. There is nothing more meaningful than this. And ultimately it is THIS renaissance that our souls sing for in earnest in the winter seasons of our lives.
This is the spirit of our Spring Collection: Renaissance. This is the spirit of The Way Back to Ourselves. This Renaissance is an invitation to the way back to ourselves—and back to the Creator who created it all—the way, the truth, and the life.
We cannot wait to see what you will do with this invitation to be reborn.
You belong here,
Kimberly Phinney, founder & editor-in-chief
