slip-sliding away…..

If there’s one thing that the Corona virus pandemic has shown us, it’s that we – as humanity – are one. One species. On one planet. Living through the same global experience. The same anxieties about our world collapsing. The same fears about whether we will survive. And if we do, what our lives will be like afterwards.

But, along with the panic and worry, there have also been rays of hope and positivity: opportunities to slow down, reflect on what’s really important, and improve our lives in ways we otherwise may never have attempted.

Got something to share?

If, in these past few months, you’ve written something meaningful related to COVID 19 – be it poetry, prose, or anything else – please consider submitting it to this forthcoming publication, which aims to record the experiences, reflections, and words of wisdom from writers around the world.

This is a grassroots initiative, run by an individual – not a professional publisher. It will likely not receive significant advertising, but will rather rely on individuals – both writers and readers –  to share it with others if they feel it’s a worthy contribution to our world in these challenging times.

Note that this is not a paid opportunity. Neither you, as a contributor, nor I, as the publisher, will receive financial benefit from this. It will be a free electronic publication which aims to impact readers – so we rely on your generosity of spirit in contributing your work. However, you may receive additional exposure to readers worldwide – especially if the publication spreads successfully.

Submission guidelines:

• Submit all written material to dreamlife.publications.za@gmail.com before 31st July 2020. (Deadline may be extended in due course.)
• Include a short bio and other promotional info or links you’d like to share.
• We accept all forms of written material – whether poetry, prose, experimental formats, or anything else.
• Material must relate to COVID 19 in some way.
• Material must have been written after the outbreak of COVID 19 – i.e. November 2019. Material written before this is not eligible for this publication.
• Submissions may have been published elsewhere – either freely or commercially. Note that if your work has been used by a professional media publication, we require written confirmation from that publication that we may use the work without any financial compensation. (We will, of course, credit the publication if requested.)
• Submissions should not contain content that could be considered violent, sexually explicit, offensive, abusive, derogatory, or potentially defamatory.
• Along with your submission, please send any visuals (including your own artwork) you feel would complement your piece(s). There will be a visual element to each piece, and it would be best if you let us know what you think will enhance the reading experience.
• Although we will consider all submissions, we cannot guarantee that your work will fit into the overall flow of the publication.
• The publication will be electronic and will be free to readers. A print edition may be produced in future, depending on how it is received.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to receive your wonderful writing soon.

Yacoob Manjoo