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by Skylar Edwards Writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect word. We’ve all been there, in the middle of a sentence, with a word on the tip of our tongues. You find a placeholder, but it’s not the right one. It doesn’t correctly emulate that feeling that lies within. You find yourself wishing that you could translate yourself without any hindrance. A solution to this problem is to learn more vocabulary words.  Expanding our lexicon is beneficial to us as writers because it allows us to have a greater understanding of our craft. Sharpening our understanding of language allows us to effectively communicate with our audience; you will be better equipped with terms to accurately express yourself and your characters. Additionally, when we are searching for a word, we will have a wider word bank to choose from.  Learning vocabulary doesn’t have to be this big, scary thing. It doesn’t have to be all-encompassing—unless you allow it to be. You may ask yourself these questions: is this word specific to a certain genre? Am I looking for an emotion? Maybe you are just trying to describe how a character looks. There are many literary blogs, like those on Tumblr, which are created for this exact purpose. For example, I may be trying to describe how a character walks into a room. I see it in my mind, but I need some help. Therein begins the search for the perfect expression. Tumblr is a great resource for learning words that are specific to your situation. I’ll browse a blog and learn how I can accurately relay the image in my mind. For example, “he walks into the room” becomes he bounced, ambled, ran, or lurched etc.  Sometimes, you might just need a word that sounds more appropriate. You might find yourself composing a poem that calls for polished words. You’re trying to find another word for cat, but you’re blanking. In this situation, a thesaurus would aid you. Additionally, there are sites like WordHippo that provide synonyms, antonyms, and definitions. Using these resources, you may realize that feline fits into the poem better than cat.  In general, the best way to learn unfamiliar words is to read. Reading can include short stories, novels, poetry, or whatever your heart fancies. Find words that intrigue you, and that fit with the vibe of your writing. As you read, it’s important to keep track of unfamiliar words and words that you know but find interesting. When I read a novel and come across new words, I jot them down in a notebook with their definitions. Yet, there is much more that goes into the expansion of your literary knowledge. Learning must be interactive, or it won’t stick. There are a multitude of apps waiting—like Quizlet—to help you study. These expressions should also be used in writing exercises. For example, do a short story, drabble, or poem using five of the words. Writing is a convenient way to commit the new terms to memory. In addition to writing, use them daily: in email, in conversation, and in text messages. The more you use, the more comfortable you will be.  Remember that while expanding your vocabulary can affect your work tremendously, it is completely acceptable to have what may be considered a small vocabulary. Great writing does not always include what we may think of as sophisticated vocabulary. Distinctive styles require different words. Nevertheless, an expanded vocabulary can benefit you as a writer.

Issue IX : Welcome to Wonderland was met with a variety of submissions providing some of the most epic reads. From stories of enjoyable carnival rides to tales of something much darker lurking behind smiling faces, we got to experience it ALL!! So, what better way to celebrate these pieces than to share the inner thoughts that the writers had as they created them. We've mainly included pieces where the writers had more to say about their process and inspiration. Keep on reading to know what these pieces meant to them! POETRY A Trip Into Memory Lane - Ivory (@astra_written)  This piece depicts a carnival worker being part of an accident that kills those on the ride they work. I wanted to subtly depict the less glamorous side of wonderland, that still becomes a spectacle. There are a lot cases of inguries and accidents at carvinals, fairs, circus's and some of those are complete accidents, and others were entirely preventable. I think its interesting to consider the specatcle side of wonderland in this darker way, almost like these places entice you in with a sense of thrill and new experiences, and the danger is marketed as part of the fun. Even the performers themselves in circus' train a lot to make sure the risk of harming themselves and other performers is as low as possible. (i love the circus and fairs btw) Beware the Carnival - S. Parmele (@sophiaa_parmele) It’s basically about a haunted carnival wonderland or the downside to it. While it uses characteristics of “wonderland” it’s meant to represent larger themes such as self esteem, addictions, etc. Wonderland - Noor ul Ain Ahmed (@noorativ.diaries) "My poem, 'Wonderland', delves into the unsettling experience of ‘Alice in Wonderland Syndrome’ a neurological disease characterized by a person having an odd perception of their own body or the world around them, making them feel alien and bizarre. Through sensory details as well as an imaginary, almost utopian setting, the poem explores the disorienting voyage of someone slipping into a world where reality bends and wraps. The twisted version of Wonderland becomes a metaphor for the altered states of consciousness, where every step further down the rabbit hole blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined. Initially, I saw Wonderland as a metaphor for the unconscious mind, where mental illnesses like schizophrenia can emerge, distorting one's perception of reality. But then I added a unique twist, exploring the concept of 'Alice in Wonderland Syndrome', where bizarre physical experiences, like sudden changes in body size, can occur. The title's reference to the neurological disorder suggests connections to Lewis Carroll's story. Yet, subtle undertones also suggest the poem might be about the altered states induced by drugs, where individuals experience a kaleidoscope of emotions, detachment from reality, and a carnival of voices in their minds. My poem leaves the reader questioning its true meaning. Thus, the theme has close ties with my poem, I describe the carnival scene happening in the person's head, an individual stripped far away from reality and red herrings that allow you to add diverse elements to the poem. On the surface, this poem is about Todd's syndrome but as a reader, you have creative freedom to analyze this poem in any direction you want. It can be be about a person experiencing a high-time, euphoric dopamine release from taking drugs or a very ingenious character that might be imaging a bizarre scenario or someone who's just having an unusual dream. The possibilities are endless!“ Roller Coaster - L.R Anderson (@FantasticFantasy._) I wrote this piece with the song wonderland by Taylor Swift in my head and I wanted it to showcase the magic of a new experience and finding love in an carnival under the strung lanterns and stars glimmering above; an experience I consider to be rather forgotten in these modern times. Misfortune - Elizabeth Maxwell (@lizniprose) "My poetry piece is written in the form of a Dizain. It draws on the setting of a carnival most. with the ""lights"" and the ""teeming crowds."" I also included a fortune teller into this idea of longing for love and feeling like it is always out of grasp. The narrator believes her fortune must be wrong if she is present in a place that's meant to be so full of joy and love, and yet she is unable to find her one.” wonderland's call - Chaitra Shidhalingannavar (@imcnonymous) I think this poem represents wonderland not just as a physical place, but a state of mind where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred. It explores the themes of self-discovery, longing and identity. It begins with the search for solace amidst chaos, but ends in harmony with it. Born to Flee - Carrie (@c93rie) "Through using carnivals as a repeated motif, my piece expresses how dreams gradually glow fainter as we grow older. By portraying carnival rides as an imagery of childhood memories, I aim to evoke feelings of nostalgia, allowing the reader to reminisce about the short-lived rides and the fun we associate with them, at last connecting it to the broader theme of lost dreams.  Furthermore, by bringing the sky-wheel to life and incorporating a conversation between it and the narrator, I hope to add a lively touch to the otherwise silent carnival at night. Overall, I believe this small element enhances the sense of mystery and fantasy, which many imagine when reminded of the echoes of a carnival. “ Carnival of the Stars - Rose Phoenix (@blazing_blossoms) Well, I took some of the things expressed plainly in the prompt. Like the carnival setting, for example, the misdirection and distortion. Then I sprinkled in my imagination, and the strange twists and turns of navigation this imagination of mine. It also paints images that flashed in my mind as I read over the prompts.  Cat People - Gabriella pitts (@frankeng1rl) This poem is based upon a film called Cat People, which was a veiled metaphor for the repression of female sexuality and mental health. I believe it suits the theme because of the caged animals of a circus, which is how the narrator views herself. A caged animal who will die where she’s trapped. Neon Faces - Gina Hui (@dollface_magazine) I chose to write about a carnival setting, specifically a carousel and I used it as a symbol of spiralling out of control. It mirrors how me and most people feel, and how we disguise it with superficial joy. Crowd of One - Theodore Gray (@_worlds._.muse_) its from the view point of a person stuck within himself. He surrounds himself with bravado to navigate the stage called life and suffers from paranoia, loneliness and depression{all are mentioned symbolically in the poem. Nothing is expressed vividly, hence i assume no need for disclaimers.}. The poems talks about this duality. The Brightest Star - C. Poserio (@pristineagony) "Instead of all the flashing lights and loud noises one would usually find in a theme park, there are some parts somebody can find some peace with a special person, like at the very top of a Ferris Wheel, right above everyone and everything. And despite all the noise, there's a special feeling when you take a break from the overwhelming nature and find that lovely, silently shared moment.” Take Me Back - Sakura (@drifting_tempest) "Take Me Back" tries to connect the themes of childhood, nostalgia and attending carnivals with friends. While the theme tries to welcome the person into a land of joy and never-ending magic, this poem offers closure by speaking of carnivals as a thing of the past. By counting till 16, and using the elements we see in fairs or festivals, the lines resonate with the childhood part that's stuck within all of us. When things were easy and dreams were like cotton candy, we could go on care free. Carnivals, hanging out with mates and such like, are what implies this poem is connected to a "Wonderland" of childhood.” Portrait of a Contemporary Angel  - Julia Hui-Ming Howe (@justjuliafied) Portrait of a Contemporary Angel captures a darker side of the Wonderland theme by portraying the surreal and exploitative world of child performers. When every aspect of yourself is turned into a spectacle, when your sole purpose is to entertain, what part of yourself will remain?  Not a wonderland. - Radhey (@radhey_mani) Wonderland is often perceived as a positive emotion, to which I agree. At the same time, not everyone's definition of wonderland is co-related to happiness. Through my piece I wish to convey a different, darker version of wonderland, one that reflects the struggle of millions of women who try to rise strong even after experiencing sexual assault (SA). It also aims to reflect their strength and resilience, how they try to defy their pain, and how they reclaim their power and dignity. Welcome to Wonderland - María Miralles Viu (@miralles_viu) The poem tells the story of how sometimes you can get so caught up in the flash and razzle-dazzle of a person that you don't realise it can be all fake. It's about trusting too quickily, getting lost in Wonderland with no way to make it back home because what was home before them anyway? carnival nights - Mee (@mees.quill.pen) I've basically written about how the world itself is a wonderland, a carnival, because there are always new and strange twists and turns that aren't always particularly brilliant and yet people choose to go through them every day and every night. Wonderland’s Wonders - Kalia (@ckrayonkid) It tells of a carnival that welcomes everyone, no matter the circumstance, and allows them a chance to explore what brings them joy. From the performances to the dazzling lights, no soul too weary for this carnival party. PROSE Never-ending Ride - gillian (@gill._.iannn) My piece is about finding both solace and terror in the meaningful memories of the past. In the beauty and chaos of the vivid moments where people continuously come back to, like going through your favorite ride over and over again just to feel something whether it’s the sheer adrenaline rush from the lights and movement or the chilling atmosphere when it makes you dizzy and nauseous.  Inheritance - Lucy Radcliffe (@bylucyradcliffe) My piece plays with the idea of 'wonderland' in a more chaotic space. There is a deeply personal and emotional landscape presented which plays with reality as it blends with distorted realities. The piece pushes the boundaries of what is real and what isn't, with the first person narrative and personal connections, it is even tip-toeing the sometimes blurred lines between fiction and creative non-fiction. The carnival setting is a modern-day wonderland, bright, loud and dizzy. The spinning rides and disorientating experiences within the port-a-potty, (the typical bathroom at these port-a-pottys) reflect the protagonists inner turmoils with grief of a parent, addiction and the fear of inheriting such struggles.  The Ferris Wheel - Isabelle Villanueva (@izzu_v) Taking place at a school carnival, the story explores magic in perhaps its most realistic form: the power of the present. A magic that the main character, Heart, comes to find for herself by the end of the story. The Ferris wheel in particular is a place that I feel is one of the most transportive places in a carnival. High above the glittering lights and sweet smells, you are quite literally in the middle of all that chaos yet somehow detached from it all at the same time. Anything could happen up there. And sometimes, the thought of those endless possibilities is all it takes for something to be somebody's wonderland.  Not-Eliza - Owl (@owl_writes) Most of the story is set in a carnival where strange things happen to the main character, Eliza. Gooey, black creatures lurk in the shadows and in the maze of mirrors. Yet, these creatures aren't as they seem. The Lantern Holder - Nina V (@kyothena) I wanted to explore the theme of the carnival by mixing it with a magical, eerie feeling, because I feel like it is the perfect setting to add fantastical elements and highlight the wonder that one can feel when entering a circus or carnival. I also chose to add a sadder twist because I think that by its anticipation it allows the reader to feel a sense of mystery and be more intrigued by what is happening, which allows them to be fully immersed in the word made wonderland. Smiles Plastered On - Myra Gupta (@_.myraguptaa) Smiles plastered on explain the bitter irony of the world and how the joys and jollies that were celebrated are cast aside. How demoralizing it must be. Deprecating insecurities bloom into those who don't find themselves a home and lead their lives into a pit of despair. Every human in the world is doomed and yet, everyone waits for their entry to their wonderland.  welcome to the carnival - Yunseo Choi (@writtenbyyunseo) It describes a horror setting of a carnival, with elements that twist reality and give surrealistic elements to the situation. It also portrays a world in which the entire construct of reality is upended, showing a 'Wonderlandian' kind of scene in which the protagonist is victim to the pitfalls and terrifying scenarios of the world. The Once Familiar Place - FJGCSABA (@Malkia Padduyao) Since it has this carnival vibe, I decided to make a short story about a girl who used to love going to the carnival, but, she outgrew it, as she grew up, thats when she realised how much she loved it  red and white and red - Esther Joji (@_estha__x_) I wrote about a mirage of a wonderland tucked into the corner of my mind amidst the chaos that usually goes on there. The wonderland seems all fun and games from the torture and heartache you've experienced, but just when you reach your peak, you come tumbling back down. My poem encapsulates the entrapment and cycling of our intrusive, degrading thoughts- like an ambulance signal, going red and white and red, with very little room to escape. It can also be interpreted as feelings of PTSD or trauma, where the past haunts your present, and where you savor the few moments of peace and forget that comes with it.  The Peculiarities of Ophelia Roux - Joy Hazel (@jonnydapoet.priv) Wonderland is all about whimsy, insanity, things that don't make sense, absurdity and the bizarre - and for the most part in media, that's portrayed in a positive lens, very clean, very demure, very mindful and happy-go-lucky. But simultaneously, insanity and the absurd are scary things, and the notion that you're going insane or that something is wrong with your mind is terrifying at points (believe me, I'd know). Crazy isn't all sunshine and rainbows and tea parties with hares - it's not knowing who you are, loosing your grip on what is the most important in life - life itself. "The Peculiarities of Ophelia Roux" is meant to tackle these themes in a way that isn't as obvious as it may seem - masquerading as a murder mystery, it's actually a story about disassociation, mental health struggles and a fear of insanity - and to me, that's just as valid an interpretation of Wonderland as any other. ART Lustrous Light Show - Adowintry (@Adowintry) My piece is one filled with many little things in it, the chaos supporting the circus theme. There is also a certain darkness and uncertainty in it that makes one notice that it is not all that it seems… Emotions I - shahana saleem khan (@schahnasaleem) My artwork, featuring the ceramic masks displayed in a grid-like fashion, connect to this theme by exploring the idea of identity and transformation—key elements in a ""Wonderland"" narrative. The repetition and variations of the masks symbolize the different personas or faces we encounter (or wear) in a whimsical or surreal environment like Wonderland. Each mask, with its subtle differences, might represent the various identities or emotions that come to life in such an extraordinary world. the strangest things you've ever seen - Lilly Schymick (@lillysch25) The piece includes many traditional carnival inspired themes. The head in the popcorn bucket is very reminiscient of a circus fortune teller in its position. The stars and the eyes show that this is a strange chamber one has wandered into. What is wonderland but just the strangest circus? CREATIVE NONFICTION One Carnival Native to your Heart - Jolene Hii (@jolene.hjx) Somewhat of a personal anecdote that reflects my own fears, wonderland as depicted within my piece exists in a carnival, which also actually only exists within one's mind. It is a lingering memory that persists past youth and pleads to be re-entered. The piece uses a carnival as an extended metaphor for the ache of aging, societal expectations, and loss of childhood. Read Issue IX: Welcome to Wonderland on Gumroad here .

by Skylar Edwards We’ve all been there. You sit down to write with an idea that has been living in your head. It’s vibrant, full of potential, and then, suddenly, when you try to bring it to life on the page, it doesn’t feel right. The sentences come out flat. Your thoughts are disorganized. You begin to erase or delete more than you write. Before long, the momentum you started with is gone, and all that’s left is that frustrating, familiar thought: Why can’t I get this right the first time?  This is the myth that many writers fall for. We believe that the first draft should be clean, coherent, and devoid of any mistakes. In other words, the first draft should be perfect. We feel that the words should streamline from our minds to the page and that they should just work. Yet, good writing is not effortless. The truth is that the perfect first draft does not exist. The belief that it should is one of the biggest lies that holds writers back.  The idea that your writing must be right on the first go creates unnecessary pressure. Pressure, more often than not, leads to paralysis in writing. First, you begin to second-guess every sentence before it’s finished. You try to correct mistakes before they even happen. You start to hesitate when exploring new ideas because you are afraid that they won’t make sense. This paralysis leads the author in a loop of writing and deleting until the original energy disappears. It’s a one-way ticket to writer’s block.  We tend to forget that writing is meant to be messy. The first draft is supposed to be chaotic. It does not mean that you are a failure; it means that you are putting in the effort. The first draft is representative of the larger story inside your head. The ideas may appear in images or in singular words, unconnected and knotted. Yet, what is there from the beginning is the spark that drives the writer’s momentum.  That’s why the first draft should be treated as a private space. In order to begin writing freely, without the myth haunting us, we must understand that there are no rules when writing. This space is safe for us to make mistakes. There isn’t a need to sound smart or poetic, and there aren’t critics that will harp on your grammar. This is where you are allowed to sound unsure and contradict yourself and explore weird ideas.  But despite this understanding that the first draft shouldn’t be perfect, we still have that voice, the one tells you that your idea is dumb and that nobody will want to read your work. It’s our personal inner critic. They will have some valuable points, but they should not be speaking during your first draft. The first draft is about wrestling those ideas onto the page. It’s building the road as you go. The inner critic is after that perfect word, that perfect sentence, and if you keep waiting for it, you’ll never write anything at all. The best ideas show up when you let go of trying to achieve that perfect first draft and speak like yourself.  Revision is where we get to shape the messiness into something meaningful. Clarity emerges, structure forms, and purpose is recognized. That inner critic can finally step in to help guide the piece; they will move paragraphs, tighten up the language, and help the story grow. Yet, none of this can happen without a messy first draft. You needed something to work with before it could be shaped into something better. It is also good to remember that one size does not fit all. Approaching the first draft can look different for different writers; what works for one might be a total disaster for another. Some people feel comfortable outlining their work before writing, while others jump in with nothing but a single sentence. Some writers need complete silence, some need music, and others need background noise. Some revise as they go; others don’t even look back until the last word is out. Another part of dismantling the myth and becoming a better writer is figuring out what works best for you. This means exploring different processes without guilt. The author should not be a mold that you have to fit yourself into. So, the next time you find yourself chasing after the myth of the perfect first draft takes a step back. When you’re stuck, don’t get frustrated. Stop chasing perfection and go after progress. Take baby steps. Get those ideas out, no matter how rough they feel. Remember that bad writing could always be made better, but if there isn’t anything to begin with, there is nothing to improve.

Rewrite The Stars is a literary magazine for every teen writer or artist who dreams of publication! Submit Now! Do you have an idea for a blog post about the writing/reading/publishing industry that more people need to be talking about? Submissions for Issue IX: Welcome to Wonderland are closed Submit Now! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about our blog posts, call for submissions, and more! Thank you for subscribing! We'll see you in the stars <3 Read our latest issue: Issue IX: Welcome to Wonderland For this issue, we asked submitters to explore what Wonderland means to them, figuratively or literally. Our contributors evoke the thrill of the ride, help us feel the taste of cotton candy on our tongues, and transport us to a strange, surreal world where reality bends and twists all in its path. Read on to see in their own words what a carnival represents to them. Read Now Check out our blog: The Myth of the Perfect First Draft The idea that your writing must be right on the first go creates unnecessary pressure. Pressure, more often than not, leads to paralysis. Skylar Edwards Apr 23 3 min read Consumption to Creation : The Responsibility Media consumption affects us on multiple levels. Media can change how we perceive the world and shape our beliefs. Shreya Bhanuka Apr 9 3 min read Why Book Bans Matter It is a truth universally acknowledged that literature has the power to sway opinions and impact lives. Lily Mortensen Mar 26 5 min read Contact Us Email: rewritethestarsreview@gmail.com Blog: blog.rewritethestarsreview@gmail.com Events: events.rewritethestarsreview@gmail.com If someone contacts you claiming to be us from accounts that are not listed above, please report it to us immediately. Submit Thanks for submitting!

Submit to our magazine now! Submissions We are currently accepting submissions for: Blog Article Non fiction - All year round Click here to know more. We are looking for pieces that young readers can relate to, pieces that make you feel something. Stories and poems about the teenage experience, fantasy that readers can use as escapism, worl ds that will suck them in co mpletely, pieces that will strike the very core of human souls are highly encouraged! We also appreciate pieces that are silly, weird, and might be out of place anywhere else. We seek to promote any work that makes us feel any kind of emotion - whether that's amusement, dejection, or nostalgia. Please check our specific themes for what we seek for that theme though! We currently accept submissions for our issues four tim es a year. (March, June, September, December). We are currently closed for issue submissions. Submission Guidelines Submission Inquiries GENERAL All pieces should be in English. If you are including any words in another language, please include translations below Send all pieces as a Google Document/Word Document because this makes it easier to add comments and give feedback. If you are sending a Google Doc, make sure to give us commenting access All pieces should be written in Times New Roman/EB Garamond and font size should be 11 or 12 We have changed our policy of reading name-blind, and will be reviewing submissions with the submitter's context in mind. We highly encourage all creators to add a note to their work so it helps us evaluate the context in which the piece was written and provides more depth to the work. Add the releva nt trigger/content warnings Strictly no smut/anything sexual as this is a magazine for teens Plagiarism, offensive slurs and hate speech are strictly not allowed, If we find any submissions with the same, we will delete it and bar the author from sending to us in the future. ISSUE We allow four kinds of submissions: pr ose, poetry, visual artwork, and creative non-fiction. Per cycle, an author or artist may only submit to one category . Within that category, you can submit how many ever submissions are allowed for that particular category. Specific limits and instructions for each category are listed below. We will design an individual layout for each accepted piece, and reserve the right to design the layout as we believe best fits the piece. For pieces that are accepted, contributors will be emailed about details of publication, issue release parties, and features on our blog. Contributors have the right to accept/decline invitations as they please. Excerpts from accepted pieces will be promoted on our social media. The contributor reserves the right to choose whether they would like to be tagged or not. BLOG No fiction or poetry submissions are allowed for our blog. Any such submissions will be deleted and rejected immediately. Pieces must be engaging and interesting pieces related to the bookish and writing industry. Any unrelated pieces such as makeup or skincare articles will be deleted and rejected immediately. For any research-related article, authors are expected to cite their sources below. Heads of blog department reserve the right to make any edits to the piece as they see fit. We also reserve the right to later archive a blog post if we feel it does not resonate with the theme of our magazine on a later date. We expect blog posts to be written in a fairly formal tone. Conversationality is fine, but a complete disregard of proper spelling and grammar is not. Topics for blog posts are expected to be interesting and unusual, and entice readers. Word count for blog posts is 500-800 words. We may accept longer articles, however this is dependant on the subject of the article itself. Prose: Any forms of prose are accepted with a maximum limit of 1500 words. Format it accordingly with the required line and paragraph breaks and submit as a Word Document or a Google Docs. During a single cycle you can submit a maximum of 1 story of less than 1500 words, or 3 micro stories of less than 500 words each. Attach them in the same document, split it with page breaks and submit it. Poetry: Any forms of poetry are accepted with a maximum limit of 30 lines. We are not strict on line count, however the poem must not exceed 2 pages. Format it accordingly with the required line breaks and submit as a Word Document or a Google Docs. During a single cycle you can submit a maximum of 3 poems. [For issue viii, we are only accepting one poem per author.] Attach them in the same document, split it with page breaks and submit it. Art: We accept both digital and traditional art, however if it is traditional, we expect a good quality picture with no disturbances. We allow a maximum of 3 pieces per submission. [For issue viii, we are only accepting one piece per artist.] We ask that you merge all 3 of them into a single file and submit it. Creative Non-Fiction: Creative non-fiction includes essays on current world issues, book reviews, personal anecdotes, etc. We allow a maximum of 1 piece per submission, with a maximum word count of 1000 words. Photography: A maximum of three pieces can be submitted. The clarity must be high. Should be submitted in JPEG format. Submission Categories Prose Poetry Art Creative Non-fiction Photography Our New Policies If you submitted to a previous issue, you have to wait a whole cycle to submit to RTS again. For example, if you submitted to issue 8, you cannot submit to issue 9 and have to wait until issue 10 to submit to RTS again. This rule will go in place from today, i.e. if you submitted to issue 7 you can still submit to issue 8. This does not apply to features or mini issues, and you can submit to how many ever of those that you please. When we first started our magazine, we didn't have a lot of submitters so we wanted to encourage whoever wanted to to submit. However, now we believe we have a decent enough reach not to worry about reaching an adequate number of submissions, and thus we want to promote more writers instead of the same writers again. Don't get us wrong - we absolutely love recurring contributors! However, we'd like to give new people discovering us more of a chance too :) If you submit a piece that does not adhere to the submission guidelines, your piece will not be read, your submission will be automatically rejected, and you will be issued a warning. In the past we have been a bit more lenient with submissions that didn't meet the requirements, however it becomes extremely hard for our editors to keep track. Please read all the guidelines on our website thoroughly including the number of pieces you are allowed to submit and the instructions on how to title your document. Any piece that doesn't meet the guidelines will be put on a warning list, and if any single person gets three warnings they will be blacklisted from submitting to RTS. This also applies for people submitting our application form to closed positions (if a position is closed, it will be indicated on the application form itself). Note: The only exceptions to this rule we will accept are with respect to word/line counts, and that is only for marginal differences (<100 words). If your piece exceeds the maximum word count, please DM our Instagram or email to make sure it's okay. Only after receiving our confirmation that it's okay to submit can you submit this piece without receiving a warning. Anchor 1 Facts & Questions All Your Questions Answered In One Place Why should I submit? If you wrote a story that you're really proud of, or created an art piece you adore, and want more people to read and see it, we highly encourage you to submit. We understand how difficult it can be to put yourself and your work out there, but we're also young writers who started from humble beginnings, so we hope you trust us and take a chance. At RTS, we review all the pieces and provide individual feedback for all of them (only if requested for). We also take very good care of your piece (check this post for more motivation to submit!). No matter whether we decide to publish your piece or not, rest be assured that we will treat it with the respect it deserves, and make sure you're on the right track of your publishing journey <3 Who can submit? The aim of our magazine is to provide a platform for young and marginalized artists. We hope Rewrite The Stars Review serves as a platform for amateur artists where they can publish for the first time and use this magazine as a stepping stone into the formal literary world. Although we predominantly publish work by young artists in the age group 13-25, we do believe that there is no age for someone to begin writing. We will consider work from older creators, however we may prioritize publishing work by writers submitting for the first time, rather than authors with an extensive publication history. That being said, we encourage artists and writers from any part of the world to submit! What/When can I submit? We have submissions to our magazine which publishes quarterly. Check this page for more details. For our issues, we accept fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, visual art and photography. We accept submissions to our blog year round! We are looking for articles about the reading and writing community, whether this be your hot take on a popular trope or a rant about literary magazine rejections. Check this page for more details. Apart from these, we also will occasionally be having special events and contests! More details on this are published on our socials, follow us on instagram for updates <3 Where do I submit? Check the Issues page to submit to our magazine, and the Blog page to submit to the blog. Please adhere to the submissions guidelines as this makes it easier for us to review them. Interested? Submit now! Blog submissions are open year-round. Submissions for Issue IX: Welcome To Wonderland are closed! Submit to blog Submissions closed

Rewrite The Stars Review's Ninth Magazine Issue! Issue IX: Welcome to Wonderland April 2025 Welcome to Wonderland. For this issue, we asked submitters to explore what Wonderland means to them, figuratively or literally. We asked for stories, poems, essays, artwork, and photography that captured the mayhem, madness, and magic of carnivals. Whether it's the bright lights of the Ferris wheel, the eerie silence of the funhouse, or the strange characters lurking amidst the shadows of the tents, we wanted to see your most imaginative and vivid interpretations. Our contributors evoke the thrill of the ride, help us feel the taste of cotton candy on our tongues, and transport us to a strange, surreal world where reality bends and twists all in its path. Read on to see in their own words what a carnival represents to them. Read Now CONTRIBUTORS POETRY Riddhi Iyer To be Human (Staff Contribution) Aurora Skye Vessel Ezra Mukami Untitled Jaiden Geolingo Here, Grief Angela Acosta Approximation of Latin American Diya Kapoor the big thing that lives in the sky Nirmit Mittal To Gaza Lydia Rae Bush Risk Ruth Towne Sweets to the Sweet Gabby Parkinson Lost in Translation Ray Shubert Purpose Mia Jevtic sentenced to your love Rah Royal the first twelve years of my life Liv Gamble How To Exist Nina Stadermann Reverie Muskan Gupta Poof and Gone Milan Singh Blur AC. Sandglass Just Talk Alexys K. Beautiful and Human Ruby Dyan My Day Wong Eu Kenn Michelangelo's Sculpture Sundos Hejazi art of life/life of art Kit Thurston-Mathews A Kitten's Offering Aunezti Burk What Day Is It? Rowan Through the artist's lens Nevaeh Phillips Life doesn’t end Chloe we were Urja Srivastava an understanding of the human experience Inaya Aly Khan Lunacy in a Fifteen Year Old Zoe Moon Xoxo Yuvika Gupta The Life Express Chloe Ho Chamber Music Maryam Majid I don't believe in atoms (I want to touch something) Jessamine Jin Infinities Cora McCullough Is Kindness Words Or Actions? Liv L. Ascend Bryan Duong Milstead faded gleam, renewed dream Halley Kunen Engine Flitting Malcolm Wernestrom it's a dog eat dog world Ivy J My Eurydice Friends W. E. Everhart Humanity weeps Asad R. Unexpected Transmission layla h. your best girl Rahil Najafabadi The Correspondence PROSE Isabel Loytty Highway Shannon Tran Grief & Bliss Elizabeth Butler Unnatural Selection E. Syson Seventeen Years (and an Extra Few Weeks) Alana Rodrigues Birch, Law of the Wild Aleeza Aneel who? me? Kiara Turner My Angst and Me Nusayba Bokhari Seeds alarminglytired (Nyx) As The Zephyr Wind Blows Claire M.M. A Ferryman's Fate Soraya Saros Crop of Prometheus Madison Cossaboom We Are The Fish Meagan Da capo sunny Our Paths Will Cross Again, I Promise Aki Rayne The Man by the Pond Arianna Kanji to be human is to wait Andrea Balingit The Exam Svara Carmel Narasiah Enough Alin Sengjaroen Tenderly Yours Phoenix Eddolls Death's favourite mortician Roukia Ali "The Old Brag" Ara Djati When Light Refracts Kaitlyn Fan Headed Towards Home FJGCSABA What are we defined as? How? Robert Aden Lonergan STRAWBERRY MILK CREATIVE NON-FICTION Kai Existential Espresso Kaitlyn Abrielle McCormick Eden Sydney Lynn A Letter From Ireland Zainab Ansari older and bigger Sophia Quintana The Numbers Game Clara Salo Meaning in Platonic Forms Elizabeth Maxwell What's next? Julia Vellucci Roses and Resilience ART Yasmin Kareem The depths within Desi Distel Northside gang:) Tehya Metzinger The Lake Sleeps Under the Willow Mitra Arianfar Lingering Touch PHOTOGRAPHY Sophia Liu Invisible China FEATURED INDIE AUTHORS Pavla Leitgebova The Deadliest Wish Sera Amoroso The Makria Cycle-Torsion