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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 14h

📣Submissions are open!📣 You can submit in two ways: by email, or through Duosuma. Details here: turningleafjournal.com/submissions/

The Turning Leaf Journal
Submissions Open October 1 - December 1

A journal for artists, poets, and writers on the edge of change

What to Submit
We want essays, poems, and art that explore the turning over of a new leaf through life’s entrances, exits, seasons, formation, and destruction. Tell us what changed you, what you hope for, long for, and will never forget. And surprise us! Leave us questioning everything we thought we knew. Hybrid and experimental works (of subject and form) are welcome and encouraged. Submit these in the genre that most matches the goal of your work.

How to Submit
Email theturningleafjournal@gmail.com or send a tip jar submission on Duosuma.

Name file by genre & your name (i.e. CNF--Jane Doe).
CNF: 3 flash pieces, or 1 essay up to 5,000 words. .doc/x file
Poetry: 3 poems, page breaks between. .doc/x file, and a .pdf for forms that move around the page.
Art: 5 pieces, each titled. png/jpeg files only.
No previously published work. Derivative works okay (include source!). No AI, ever.

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Announcing the results of our first annual Ginkgo Prize! The awardee of our $50 poetry prize is “Ode to Loose Corn” by Cypher. We’ll give you a taste of it now, but you’ll have to wait until October 15 to read the full poem, along with work from 15 other artists and writers published in V3.2.

The Turning Leaf Journal, Ginkgo Prize in Poetry

"Ode to Loose Corn" by Cypher

Corn is the central image of this poem, and what Cypher does with it becomes one of the most unique takes on the "yellow" theme we received. "Ode to Loose Corn" is in perfect balance of deeper purpose/themes, specific imagery, and perspective.

"Ode to Loose Corn"
By Cypher

You who comes in quarter-
pound bags, settling
like a single father on a sofa.

I free you
from your plastic
cage and christen your light
with salt and paprika. Look
how well you wear
the seasoning -

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Want to read with us? We're looking to add a few readers to our masthead. Application details here: forms.gle/njBJoof8XTDf...

forms.gle

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Announcing our nominations for the 2027 Best of Net anthology. The pieces we selected this year are from V2.2 and V3.1. Many congratulations to our nominees, & gratitude to all of our contributors, nominated or not. It's because of you we have an archive of publications we love & are so proud of!

Poetry
Poetry
“earth・en・ware,” Adil Munim
“I Can’t Find God,” Sukriti Patny
“Fertile Ground,” Ellie Cottrell
“Instructions for Planting Hope,” Natalie Harveld
Scribbling, Kate Smith
“HONEY,” Liza Rose

CNF
“The Day We Let It Stop,” Kumar Sen
“Understanding Birdsong,” Eleni Vlachos

“sense of duration,” allison anne
“Rehousing” Of Thousands
“Wake Up,” Matt Laux

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Excerpt from Dianne Casey's poem "She Made it This Far" published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork submitted by Julie Blankenship, titled "Moving On." Read the poem here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/d...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Excerpt from Amy Buechler's poem "I heard on a podcast that if the sun explodes, I won’t know for eight minutes" published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork submitted by Merlin Flower, titled "Moving On." Read the poem here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/a...

Excerpt from "I heard on a podcast that if the sun explodes, I won’t know for eight minutes"

"If I happen to witness a searing, expanding bright light envelop my body—I hope it’ll feel like home."

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Excerpts from @lukejanicki.bsky.social's poem "To Pray" published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork found in the public domain.

Excerpts from "To Pray" by Luke Janicki

"my prayers in his hands
like lost petals"

"something ribbed
and formed of one’s flesh because it is
their same sex and not otherwise, not
made for removing in the first place, but for remaining,"

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Excerpts from @youbigtalker.bsky.social's "Understanding Birdsong," published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork found in the public domain. Read the essay here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/e...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Resuming our features from Volume 3, Issue 1, starting with this essay from Faith Palermo titled "On Conservation Conversation." turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/f...

Excerpts from Faith Palermo's essay, "On Conservation Conversation." Published in Volume 3, Issue 1 of The Turning Leaf Journal.

"To catalogue the past is to look towards the future."

"The present evaluates the past, picking through relic and artifact to find what’s significant enough to keep. Archivists of the past commune with their present counterparts, collaborating to determine what their peers in the future will regard as history."

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

FEE FREE!! 📣🌼✨ Only 3 days left to submit to our prize issue, themed "Yellow." Send us your flash CNF, your poetry, and your artwork! Submit here: duotrope.com/duosuma/subm... :: Artwork source: "Chrysanthemum" by Piet Mondrian. Found in the Public Domain.

The Turning Leaf Journal's first annual Ginkgo Prize.

Fee Free August 29-31. Prize issue submissions close August 31.

The Ginkgo Prize is about resilience, endurance, and wisdom from darkness, all culminating in a celebration of hope. A $50 prize in poetry and a $50 prize in flash creative nonfiction will be awarded. Artwork featured in the issue will be available for purchase, and the artists awarded majority profit.

This year's theme is "Yellow."

From the editors: "Yellow is such an unusual and rare color that, in the natural world, it always invites intrigue: Yellow always makes me take a moment to pause: What was that catching my eye? Signs of yellow invite investigation, bring joy and hope and newness to a world paler without them. What may often come as a flicker--wildflowers on the side of the road, a sticky note reminder--lingers more and more. Or, at least, the warmth and song of yellow becomes something sought after."

Fee Free August 29-31. Prize issue submissions close August 31.

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

📣 Big announcement!! 📣 Starting now, & every summer, we’ll open for submissions to a special prize edition of TTLJ. We’re calling it The Ginkgo Prize, and yes, there’s money! These prize issues are themed. This year, the theme is ✨yellow✨ Details: turningleafjournal.com/the-ginkgo-prize/

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

We're so grateful to be part of this year's Best of Net! We wouldn't be here without our winning poet, Suze Kay. Read her poem here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/06/01/s... And here: bestofthenetanthology.com/2026-2/2026-...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Two new book reviews are available from the Summer 2026 Leaflet! Thanks to @jmfletcher15.bsky.social and Vani Mandava for sending us these reviews. turningleafjournal.com/2026/07/15/a... turningleafjournal.com/2026/07/15/b...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Excerpts from Hannah Wyatt's poems "Pigeon Song I" and "Pigeon Song II: Pigeon Won't You Deliver Me From,' published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork from the public domain. Read the poems here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/h...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Excerpts from @wordsbyladonna.bsky.social's essay, "A Tender End," published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork by Kate Efimochkina. Read the piece here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/l...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Excerpts from Grace Guerroro' spiral poem "New Directions," published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork found in the public domain. Read the poem here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/g...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Excerpts from Liza Rose's poem "HONEY," published in Volume 3, Issue 1. We paired this piece with artwork from Catherine Fowler, found in the public domain. Read the poem here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/l...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Our first feature from Volume 3, Issue 1 is Kevin Krein's essay "There is a Space that Exists Between Helplessness and Anger." We paired this piece with artwork from Matt Laux titled "Heroes in Our Streets." Read the essay & the rest of V3.1 here: turningleafjournal.com/2026/06/15/k...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Volume 3, Issue 1 is here! Read it here: turningleafjournal.com/volume-3-iss... In 3.1, we see how history moves in circles, how no grief is ordinary, and how to find the root of what’s most important to us. Community is abundant in this issue--we hope you feel it!

turningleafjournal.com

Volume 3, Issue 1

Issue Cover Artwork by Anita Eralie Schley Letter From the Editor Dear Readers,Two summers ago, I moved to Minnesota, a move that meant leaving behind the places and the people I’d spent most of my…

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Our website is offline today for some maintenance and a mini makeover 🔨👷‍♀️ We'll be back up by midnight MDT for V3.1's release!

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Volume 3, Issue 1 launches on June 15th--one week from today! Here are the statistics from the submissions. Endless gratitude to everyone who submitted work! ❤️ This beautiful cover artwork is from Anita Eralie Schley.

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Today, we share one last piece from V2.2: “On My 28th Birthday” by Ashley Kirkland, accompanied by art from @allisonanne.com 🍃 Read the rest of this work, as well as the rest of V2.2: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/a...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Our feature today is from the hybrid piece “Cremation” by Lissa Staples along with the art piece “Evanescence” by Vidya Murali ⭐️ Read the rest of this piece and all of V2.2: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/l...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

We asked the editors what they love about Creative Nonfiction (CNF), and then we stole their heads to make this post. Have a question for the editors? Send us a DM or an email!

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Today we are featuring the artwork “Depth of Mind” by allison anne alongside the poem “25” by Jon Raimon 🍃 To read more of this poem and the rest of V2.2, visit: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/j...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The spring Leaflet is now available! turningleafjournal.com/spring-2026/ To celebrate, we’re giving away copies of both Millie’s and Allison’s books to one lucky TTLJ submitter! If you’d like to win free books, you have until May 1st to send us your CNF, Poetry, Art, or Hybrid work. (🧵1/2)

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

This week, we are featuring the poem “prayer to mazu in mistranslation” by Julie Wong accompanied by a free-use image titled “hand over water” by Juan Gomez. Read the rest and view the rest of issue V2.2: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/j...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Only 3 weeks left to submit! turningleafjournal.com/submissions/

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Reposted by The Turning Leaf Journal

The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

We're open and eager to read your work! V1.1 contributors have patiently waited four issue cycles and are eligible to submit again! We can't wait to see what you've been working on these past two years. Submission Instructions: turningleafjournal.com/submissions/

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Today’s feature is a poem by Kevin Dwyer titled “happening upon a photo of dad before he left mom, before we were born, never to be heard from again [re-remembered as a bird burial]” with an artwork from the public domain by Theo Van Hoytema. Read more: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/k...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

This poem from V2.2 by Ellie Cottrell is titled “Fertile Ground.” We’ve paired it with artwork by Of Thousands titled “The Common Insect.” Read this poem and the rest of the issue: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/e...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

"SELFISH GIRL" by @suzchef.bsky.social was selected for the Best of Net 2026 Anthology! We're so excited for Suze. This is a huge accomplishment! We're grateful to have played a role in this--it's the outcome we hope for every time we nominate contributors for prizes. 🤍🌿

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Reposted by The Turning Leaf Journal

Suze Kay @suzchef.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Honored beyond measure to be included in this year's Best of the Net Anthology. My poem SELFISH GIRL, published by @turningleafjournal.bsky.social, is one of my favorite and most personal pieces. I'm thankful for everyone in the pipeline who made this possible.

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Today’s feature from Volume 2, Issue 2 is a poem by Veronica Tucker titled “After Leaving the Sanctuary” paired with a textile sample (Unknown designer, manufactured by J. Claude Frères & Co., in the public domain). Read more, and all of V2.2: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/v...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

This excerpt from the poem “earth • en • ware” by Adil Munim is paired with the art piece “At the Fringes” by @allisonanne.com. Read this poem and the rest of V2.2 here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/a...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

This week, an art piece called “Georges in the Forest” by Cécile Gonneau is paired with the poem “Holding the Sky” by Śivani Howe. Read this, and the rest of V2.2, here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/s...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Check out this feature from Brandy E. Wyant's essay "St. Peter's Bones." Read the full piece here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/b... And! And! Submissions open tomorrow 👀 So if you've got stuff like this piece, we want it!

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Today we are featuring an excerpt from the essay “Things I Observe at my Joint 18th Birthday Party” by Orli Baumgart, paired with art by @allisonanne.com titled “Outgrowth.” Read the full piece, and the rest of V2.2, here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/o...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

This week, we are featuring work by Kate Kadleck paired with art by Vidya Murali 🍂 Read the full piece in out newest issue, V2.2, here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/k...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Today's feature from V2.2 is a poem titled "I Can't Find God" by Sukriti Patny. We paired this with artwork from Of Thousands, titled "Self Tenderness." Read the full piece here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/s...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

"All Apologies" is a hybrid piece written by @girlprometheus.bsky.social. This experimental piece makes for an exciting, "choose your own adventure" type of read. Read the full piece here: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/i... This piece is paired with artwork from the public domain.

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Our first feature from Volume 2, Issue 2 is a poem by Kale Hensley titled "un/a/muse." We paired this with artwork from @allisonanne.com titled "sense of duration." To read the full poem, and the rest of V2.2, use this link: turningleafjournal.com/2025/12/15/k...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

It's here! Volume 2, Issue 2 is out! As always, here are the stats. Today we're celebrating each of these contributors, as well as everyone who submitted work to us this past fall. Check out the issue here: turningleafjournal.com/volume-2-iss...

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

All submissions have been sent out! If you haven't heard from us yet, that likely means something went wrong. Please reach out!

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Hi! We are still finishing our responses to submissions. The good news is, if you haven't heard from us it's because your work is on our shortlist! We've given ourselves until Nov 20th to make final decisions. If you need to withdraw a piece, please reach out asap!

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

The Autumn edition of The Turning Leaflets is now available! Visit our website to download the PDF and read it. Want to be part of the next leaflet? Submissions for craft essays and book reviews are always open! turningleafjournal.com/autumn-2025/

turningleafjournal.com

Autumn 2025

The Autumn 2025 edition of “The Turning Leaflets” craft project is themed around the idea of writing rituals. Two craft essays offer perspectives on ritual as an ingredient for the writing process.…

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The Turning Leaf Journal @turningleafjournal.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Submissions are closing in two weeks! Send us your art, CNF, poetry, & hybrid works! We'd love to see more work centered around themes of transitions, environment, & hope--but are open to submissions of any work categorized loosely within themes "Change." turningleafjournal.com/submissions/

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