A Wisconsin Anthology of Resilience Through Words

A STATE OF HEALING

Celebrate the power of words as Wisconsin voices guide us from hurt to hope—through poems, essays, and stories that heal, uplift, and transform.

Our Mission

To gather and amplify the honest, unfiltered voices of Wisconsin—poets, essayists, letter-writers, and storytellers—who chart their journeys from pain to possibility. A State of Healing creates a space where regional wounds find words, shared resilience sparks connection, and every reader discovers that healing is not just an idea but a living, breathing story we write together.

Submission Guidelines

What We're Making

A State of Healing is a community-driven anthology of poetry, prose, and letters by Wisconsin writers, mapping our journeys from injury to renewal. We’ll hold space for stories of hardship, hope, and the small miracles that carry us forward.

We’re inviting submissions for A State of Healing, a book exploring how we heal, grow, and reclaim our strength. This project aims to amplify the voices of Wisconsin-showcasing the resilience, honesty, and hope within our communities.

What to Submit

We welcome Poetry (up to 3 poems), Essays (300–1,000 words), Letters (100–500 words), and Flash Fiction (200–500 words) that reflect themes of healing and resilience.

Who May Submit

Submissions are open to Wisconsin residents or individuals with strong ties to the state, celebrating our shared experiences and community bonds.

How to Submit

Email your submission to Click here to open email by July 31, 2025. Please include a completed submission form, a brief biography, and your chosen track.

Anthology Process Timeline

Follow our journey as we bring together voices from across Wisconsin to create a tapestry of resilience and hope.

May 5–26

Setup Phase

Organizing the framework for submissions and preparing our team for the influx of creative works.

May 27–Aug 1

Submissions Open

We invite writers to share their stories, poems, and essays, contributing to a collective narrative of healing.

Aug 2–Sep 5

Reading & Notifications

Our panel reviews submissions, selecting pieces that resonate with our theme of resilience and connection.

Nov 15

Publication Day (Tentative)

Celebrate the release of our anthology, a testament to the strength and creativity of our community.

Thematic Tracks

  • Healing: Explore the journey from pain to recovery through personal narratives.
  • Land & Place: Reflect on the significance of our surroundings in shaping identity.
  • Labor & Renewal: Delve into stories of work, rest, and rejuvenation.
  • Family & Ancestry: Uncover the ties that bind us to our past and future.
  • Community & Connection: Highlight the power of relationships in fostering resilience.
  • Humor in Healing: Discover the lightness that laughter brings to the healing process.
  • Memorial Tributes: Honor those we have lost and the legacies they leave behind.
  • Dreamscapes & Aspirations: Imagine futures filled with hope and possibility.
  • Courage in Crisis: Share stories of bravery in the face of adversity.

Join Our Community

Be part of our growing community of storytellers. Sign up for email reminders and submission guidelines. No entry fee required. All voices are welcome to contribute to our anthology, “A State of Healing. Please sign up using the form below.