Common Questions about Submissions
What is SoL?
Shards of Light is a student-run art and literary journal that seeks to celebrate exemplary original work from students, alumni, and faculty to foster a creative community throughout John Brown University.
Is there a theme?
We ask that submissions understand that we are a Christ-centered journal, but are not required to reflect this beyond a general respect for all peoples and religion. Check out our past journals to get a sense of the content we publish!
What if I’m not an Art/English major?
If you have art or creative writing to share with the JBU community, we would love you to submit, regardless of your major! If you’re not an art or English major but have something to share, please do!
How many pieces can I submit?
Send us as many submissions in as many genres as you like. We’ll look at everything you submit for consideration in our journal!
Who can submit?
Submissions are open to any colleges within Arkansas.
What are the rules?
Prose and poem submissions should not exceed 3000 words. Submit any art type in digital form. Please refrain from submitting copyrighted text or images!
What’s in it for me?
Publishing in Shards of Light is a great way to build your portfolio. We would love to celebrate your creative work with you!
When do submissions close?
SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED
Do I have to censor my writing?
We will consider each submission on a case-by-case basis. We acknowledge that a work does not have to be “sanitized” to be redemptive, but we don’t allow vulgarity for vulgarity’s sake. We do ask that you include a trigger warning for any submission that contains vulgarity or sensitive content. If we want to publish your piece but decide its content or language is an issue, we will work with you, if at all possible, to bring it to a place where we would be able to publish it.
Common Questions about the Practicum
Do I need to take SoL as a practicum to join the staff?
Yes, you do. You can sign up for the practicum as a zero-credit or one-credit course.
Do I need to be an English major to take the SoL practicum?
No, we offer the practicum to any and all majors. In fact, we’re working to offer the practicum in each student’s respective department, so stay tuned!
If I take SoL for credit, what am I graded on?
As long as you participate and complete your assigned tasks, SoL is an easy A! You’ll be graded based on a self-assessment and the Editor in Chief’s assessment of your performance.
What does someone on the SoL staff do?
We all have different responsibilities depending on which committee we’re on. We have a graphic design committee, marketing committee, events committee, and art & literature committees. Come join our staff and we’ll find things for you to do that meet your interests or skills whether that’s designing posters, planning events, creating social media posts, etc.!
How many times can I take the practicum?
As many times as you want! In fact, we encourage students to join SoL as early as their freshman year!