the bell

Writing from the Sanctuary

Browse Our Inaugural Issue

Welcome to the first issue of the bell. It took time to plan and curate–over a year than initially anticipated. But the end result is worth it! We offer poetry and short stories from across the country–Santa Cruz, Boston, St. Petersburg, Louisville, Philadelphia and Atlanta. In Kentucky, bell hooks is an icon so there's a flock of writers from the Lexington area and nearby Appalachia. Please read about bell hooks’ legacy and writers sanctuary and dive into the work!

Browse Inaugural Issue

Special section for the next edition of the bell

Call for submissions to the bell will feature a special section, Sunburst, that will shine a light on BIPOC authors. One writer gets a $200 prize and two runner-ups garner $50 each. Submissions must be original, never-published and sent to editor@thebelljournal.com. Sunburst is a special feature but the entire journal will include other writers. Indicate in your submission if you are sending as part of the Sunburst prize.

 

At the bell we believe that literature thrives when it reflects the full spectrum of human experience. Our editorial vision is rooted in the conviction that diverse voices across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, ability, age and geography—enrich the literary landscape. We seek submissions from writers whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented. We commit to editorial practices that ensure all work is evaluated with care and respect.

Submit my Work for Sunburst

"Living simply makes loving simple."

~bell hooks

Featured Works

Milk splashing from a tipped bowl, with flour dust and broken eggs against a dark background
Red flowering tree branches with bright green leaves against a pale sky
Smoke rises from a black gun being held and aimed outdoors.
Close-up of a hazel eye framed by purple flowers and long eyelashes
Sunflower with golden petals on a dark background, surrounded by scattered yellow leaves.
Rushing stream over rocky riverbed in a dark forest
Small brown bird perched on a curved branch against a blurred green background
Inside a bus, passengers sit in blue and tan seats under bright overhead lights.
Two owls perched on a curved metal railing in a forest at dusk
Person holding a clear rectangular panel against a blue sky with clouds
White dandelion seed head centered on a dark background, with a brown core and radiating seeds.
Two stacked smooth pebbles on a soft blurred background, with warm light
Pink dogwood blossoms with green centers on a dark background
Starry night sky with wispy clouds and faint colorful nebula-like lights
Bare tree branches with dried leaves against a bright blue sky, with a blurred bird flying nearby
Stone path winding through a leaf-covered forest with light snow on the ground
Blue peacock with fanned tail feathers displaying green and gold eye spots
A lace curtain hanging in an open window, with greenery in the foreground
White statue of the Virgin Mary with outstretched arms, framed by pink blossoms against a blue sky
Orange zinnia bloom with red flowers in a garden setting
White sheets hanging on a clothesline against a blue sky with clouds and distant mountains
Close-up of soft pink oyster mushrooms with delicate layered gills
Scoop of vanilla ice cream in a white bowl with a spoon against a blue background