Submission Guidelines

Expression Circle Magazine: Guidelines for Student Contributors

Expression Circle welcomes bold, imaginative, and heartfelt creative writing from Daystar University students. We accept short stories, poems, memoirs, personal essays, flash fiction, spoken-word pieces, experimental writing, and other original literary works that move, provoke, delight, or connect readers. Submissions should generally be between 500 and 2500 words (shorter pieces are very welcome for poetry, micro-fiction, or brief prose). Please submit in Microsoft Word format (.docx). Scan files for viruses before sending.

Submissions are accepted on the understanding that they are original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Publication is at the discretion of the editorial team, and all pieces undergo peer review and/or editorial assessment for quality, originality, emotional resonance, and alignment with our values of creativity, authenticity, and artistic excellence. Editorial decisions are final. Accepted works are copyrighted to Daystar University for publication in Expression Circle. Authors retain rights to republish or use their work elsewhere after appearance in the magazine, with credit given to Expression Circle.

1. Title
   The title should be evocative, memorable, and reflective of your piece’s mood or theme. Include your full name, student ID/program (e.g., B.A. Communication Year 2), and email address. If co-authored, list all contributors and indicate the corresponding author.

2. Short Description or Artist’s Note (Optional but Recommended)
   A brief note (100–200 words) that gives context — what inspired the piece, its emotional core, key images or feelings you want to evoke, and why it matters to you or other readers. Include 4–6 keywords or tags (e.g., grief, identity, Nairobi nights, love letter, surrealism, coming-of-age) to help readers discover your work.

3. Opening / Hook
   Draw the reader in immediately — with a striking image, a haunting line, a vivid scene, a question, or a powerful first sentence. Set the tone and invite the reader into your world.

4. Main Body
   Let your voice shine. Tell the story, weave the poem, unfold the memory. Use vivid language, sensory detail, rhythm, and emotional truth. Subheadings or stanza breaks are welcome if they serve the piece. Feel free to include simple visuals (sketches, photos, typography) if they enhance the work (with captions and permissions if needed).

5. Ending / Closing
   Land the piece with resonance — a final image, a quiet revelation, an open question, or an emotional echo. Leave the reader feeling something: moved, curious, seen, or inspired.

6. References / Epigraphs (If Applicable)
   If you quote songs, books, poems, proverbs, or other sources, cite them simply and respectfully (MLA or Chicago style preferred for literary work). Keep references minimal and meaningful.

7. Authorship and Originality
   Include your program/year of study and any relevant creative background. Confirm the work is entirely your own (or co-created with clear credit). Add a short bio (2–4 sentences) for publication, e.g., “Kiptoo Cherono is a second-year Literature student who finds stories in Nairobi’s matatus and quiet evenings.”

Upon acceptance, Expression Circle requires assignment of first publication rights to Daystar University. Authors must secure permissions for any quoted material, images, or copyrighted content used. We especially welcome inclusive, honest, and uplifting submissions that celebrate the diversity of voices and experiences within our university community.