WHO WE ARE
The Jam Jar is an independent project that aims to provide a platform for young creatives worldwide. We believe the art of storytelling exists in all forms, which is why we don’t refer to ourself strictly as a literary magazine; rather, we consider the Jam Jar a “creative journal” — a place where writers, artists, and innovators can collaborate to sculpt a collective meaning from visual art and language.
Our digital journal is primarily based out of the United States, but we welcome submissions from around the globe, from creatives of all ages!
WHAT WE DO
Each issue of the Jam Jar revolves around a central, broader theme, and our featured creatives will explore that idea through their chosen medium. We accept poetry, prose, visual artwork, photography, essays, collages, and short stories. For written work, both fiction and nonfiction pieces are allowed!Our aim is that no two contributors will interpret a topic in the same way. Through all-encompassing themes that are open to creative liberties, we hope to explore the vastness of the human condition through a diverse range of artistic perspectives.
ISSUE ONE: POTENTIAL
“Potential” [puh-ten-shuhl]
ADJECTIVE
1. possible, as opposed to actual.
2. capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence
— “The chasm posed a potential danger.”
NOUN
1. latent but unrealized ability or capacity
— “His apprentice has great potential.”What is more poetic than what may — or may never — come to fruition? In our maiden issue of the Jam Jar, we will be exploring the idea of potential in all its auspicious, exciting, and terrifying forms. Potential encompasses everything that isn’t and everything that can someday be. It can provide people with hope; however, gone unrealized or hanging just out of reach, it can also bring about great suffering. What does potential mean to you?
Stuck and can’t think of an idea? When drafting your submission(s), you may consider the following prompts:1. Potential often accompanies a considerable effort, and may herald a significant personal sacrifice in order to achieve a certain dream. What happens when the weight of our own expectations holds us back?2. How much of a role does the “inner critic” play in realizing one’s potential? How much of our potential is influenced by what we’re told by others?3. Imagine yourself standing with one foot out the metaphorical door leading to your biggest desire. What would convince you to step fully outside? What would happen if you closed the door instead?Submissions for the first issue of the Jam Jar will be closing on the 12th of September.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
All submissions should be made via Google Form. Make sure to adjust your privacy settings so that the link to your work is accessible for our team to open. For written work, make sure that it is editable. We will try to respond to everyone within two weeks of submission. Please refer to our Instagram page for information regarding issue themes/deadlines.Written work should be 15 pages or less, double-spaced, and ideally formatted in a 12-point font for readability. Written pieces will not be accepted in PDF form. Digital artwork and photography should be submitted as a high-quality PDF, JPG, or other standard format. Physical artwork must be a high-resolution scan — no photos please.When submitting a piece for consideration, please include the name you wish to be published along with your work. Both first and last name is preferred for standardization, but for privacy reasons either a last initial or a pen name works, too. You will also be asked to submit a short biography or artist’s statement for our publication.The Jam Jar prohibits the use of generative AI, and any piece that uses it will not be considered. All submissions must be your own, original work.
CONTACT
For questions regarding submissions, or other general queries, email us at [email protected] or contact us via our Instagram (@thejamjarjournal).