Are you a writer wanting to get your story published? If so, Heartlines Literary Magazine may be for you.
Heartlines was developed by Languages and Literature Prof. Marie Hulme. Aspiring student writers can submit creative pieces for publication each semester.
“Interested English majors wanted to have a space dedicated to publishing student writing and art,” said Hulme.
Heartlines was established in fall 2022 by Hulme, Art and Design professor Nathan Lewis, and computer science professor Dr. Robert McCloud.
The issues are published bi-annually and first came out in spring 2023. With diversity in genres, there is a wide variety of pieces that students can read and write.
“Any current Sacred Heart University undergraduate student may submit up to two pieces of writing in any of the genres we publish: poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, flash fiction, and drama. In addition, we solicit original art from our Art & Design students to accompany the writing on the site,” said Hulme.
Writing and editing a Literary Magazine, ENG 316, is a course taught by Hulme where students learn how to write and edit Heartlines throughout the semester.
Heartlines also collaborates with students at Notre Dame High School to promote a unique issue, involving the works of young writers.
Our editors have visited the creative writing club and encouraged the high school writers to participate in a special feature in this semester’s Issue which will showcase the talent of those young writers,” said Hulme.
Gaining inspiration from sources other article sites such as The New Yorker, Heartlines makes it a mission to adhere to recognized standards. Senior and Co-Editor in Chief Ayasha Cantey said creativity and promoting messages is a crucial step of the writing process for Heartlines. For each publication, a theme is decided on. This semester’s theme was “transformation/rebirth.”
“We read The New Yorker to get a sense of what standard of work we want to showcase. Then the editors talk about what level of creativity they are looking for, and a certain message,” said Cantey.
Cantey has had multiple pieces published in Heartlines, including “Unrooting Love,” “The Dance of The Flame” and “Beauty.” Alongside her writing, photos she has taken is also showcased in Heartlines.
“It gave me a place where my voice could be heard. It gave me a space to showcase my creativity and it gave me that freedom that I was looking for. I think it does the same for other students as well,” said Cantey.
“Even if you aren’t an English major, we want you to submit and we want you to showcase different talents that you have, you could be a pre-med major who likes to write on the side or likes to take pictures. We encourage all students to submit,” said Cantey.
Senior Erin Dunn has had her work published in Heartlines twice. Dunn is the author of “Dawson House” and “How Did We Grow Apart.”
“Heartlines is a wonderful opportunity for creative students to express themselves and have pride in their work. For writers and artists alike who are published in Heartlines, the magazine allows us to have an outlet for our craft and receive valuable feedback that helps us grow,” said Dunn.
Students can reach out to any English professor to help with the submission process for Heartlines or go to the website, under the “submit” section, where you will also find the guidelines for submission pieces. For more information, visit heartlinesliterarymagazine.org.
