submissions

  • Theme

This year, the theme for our 56th edition of Figs & Thistles is Pop Culture! We are looking for submissions that reflect your unique insights on movies, music, media and all of the other forms of Pop Culture!

This means: You can write about, paint, draw, or photograph ANY interpretation you hold in the terms of Pop Culture. Subjectivity & Creativity are ALWAYS welcomed.

  • Possible (but not limited to) prompts for Pop Culture pieces.

    • A nonfiction piece about an experience at a concert

    • A fictional piece inspired by your favorite Sci-Fi film.

    • A poem inspired by a song.

    • Artwork reflecting your take on a Pop Culture reference.

    • Photography inspired by a Pop Culture aesthetic.

General Submission Guidelines

  • Submissions should be sent to figsandthistles@presby.edu

  • The submission deadline is February 15th, 2024. We WILL NOT accept pieces for the 56th edition if they are submitted after this date.

  • Submissions should have an accompanying title(s), A short biographical statement about yourself (about 50 words), your name, & PC box number.

  • Submissions should list the type of submission that is being submitted: Prose nonfiction, prose fiction, poetry, & artwork.

  • By submitting your work to Figs & Thistles, you give us permission to publish your submissions in the print edition & on our website. 

Submitted works may be used in other venues as well, such as the Presbyterian College bookstore. Publication in Figs & Thistles does not hinder your right to reprint or sell your works elsewhere; However, you should acknowledge its original place of publication.

Prose Guideline
  • Manuscripts should be submitted as a word or office document but google docs will be excepted.
  • Submissions must be typed in a twelve-point font with one-inch margins.
  • Prose pieces should be 3,000 words or less, query the editor before submitting longer pieces.
  • Prose submissions are limited to three pieces.

Poetry Guidelines

  • Manuscripts should be submitted as a word or office document but google docs will be excepted.
  • Submissions must be typed in a twelve-point font with one-inch margins.
  • Submissions are limited to five poems
  • Use left justification unless another format is required
Art guidelines
  • Photographs, drawings, and paintings are all accepted.
  • Artwork should be submitted as a jpeg with a resolution of minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
  • You may submit up to ten pieces of artwork for consideration.