For years now, I have found solace and adoration in many literary magazines. Ever since I was a freshman in high school, my weekend activities consisted of writing meaningful poetry, mending my favorite pieces into a themed collection, and submitting that said collection to a multitude of literary magazines. My current favorites include The Adroit Journal, where I first discovered Ocean Vuong’s writing, Rattle for their unique Rattlecast Poetry Prompts of the month, and Polyphony Lit for their annual Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage contest. No matter where I go, the extensive bounties of innovative storytelling have followed me, inspiring my adapting mind and therefore catering to my developing prose.
Since then, these literary experiences have ignited a desire to formulate something of my own—an inclusive platform where emerging voices could be published, heard, and taken seriously. It was this designated spark that led to my creation of The Conscious Narrative.
Just last week, The Conscious Narrative came to life with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide a platform where young, emerging poets can submit their work without hesitation, ultimately creating a space where newfound voices can be recognized and respected—not just as young, but as serious, talented, and passionate artists. I’ve spent two years writing on the FM Wire staff, and in that time, I’ve learned how to harness the power of storytelling. Now, I’m bringing those adept lessons to this new project, one that exists to uplift and amplify the voices of middle school, high school, and undergraduate students who are often underrepresented.
What makes this magazine different is that it is open to writers from all over the world. Poetry, after all, knows no such borders. The voices of diverse young writers from divergent cultures and backgrounds harness the capacity to weave something deeply meaningful in the literary world, a global tapestry of intermingling stories that we can all learn from and connect to. Whether you’re writing from a dimly lit classroom in Flower Mound or a bustling café in Dublin, your words hold weight and will be taken seriously.
All in all, this is just the beginning. I founded the poetry publication over spring break, and everything is inventive and new—from our flexible submission guidelines to our innovative social media pages. There’s no long list of published authors yet nor any reputable statistics to boast about. However, what I have in mind is a genuine vision, a collective dream of what The Conscious Narrative could become, and an open invitation for you to be a part of it.
I would love for you and any fellow writers you know to join this foundation in its early stages. Find @theconsciousnarrative on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated, share your poetry by emailing [email protected], and join a community that prioritizes authenticity and inclusivity for young writers everywhere.
Our first poetry gallery will center on common, adolescent themes of personal identity, renewal, and breaking past confirmative barriers—topics that resonate with all of us, especially as we navigate the complexities of self-discovery. These are revolutionary stories we need to tell, stories that can inspire, rejuvenate, and connect us all.
As I look ahead to stepping into the role of Executive Editor-in-Chief at the FM Wire next year, I’m already glimpsing how this newfound project ties into my extensive journalism work. Both demand a pioneering dedication to storytelling, a passion for authenticity, and an unwavering belief that every voice, young or old, local or international, matters. And right now, I am so beyond thrilled to apply that same commitment to The Conscious Narrative.
Website: https://theconsciousnarrat.wixsite.com/wixsite
TikTok: @theconsciousnarrative
Instagram: @theconsciousnarrative
Email: [email protected]
