The next issue of Popshot will be on the theme of…“Heart.”

We have just finished putting together the Roots Issue (thank you to all who submitted), allowing us to open the doors for new submissions.

Our next theme is ‘Heart’.

Writers might want to consider the different meanings of heart, from its literal role in our physical bodies to the metaphorical role it plays in love, to the idea that there is a heart at the centre of everything, if you can get to it, whether vegetable (like the artichoke), political (or is it a lack of heart that is the issue?), from problems (if you could just find it…) or the wonderful (is there anything this good that is without heart?). Feel free to write about love, loss, lust, ambition or any other emotion that seems driven by this strange, bright red and all powerful organ. Feel free to go in a lighthearted direction, or take us deep into the heart of something darker.

Successful submissions must display excellent writing, creative flair and originality. We are looking for a mixture of humour, social commentary, honesty and thrilling storytelling. We welcome all genres and writing styles so long as they follow our guidelines for submission (for more on which, click here).

Submissions for the Spring 2023 issue are open until 9am (UK time) on Friday, 2 December 2022.

The Heart Issue will be published in February 2023.

Guidelines for submission are here.

Three entries maximum. Entries over the word count will not be considered. We’re very sorry but due to volume we cannot reply to submissions unless they are successful, so if you haven’t heard from us by the end of January 2023 please take it as a pass.

To discover more about Popshot, pick up a copy from WHSmiths or another reputable newsagent (here are a few other ways you can safely find it). You can subscribe to either hard copy or digital editions. Four issues are published per year showcasing the best emerging fiction writers.

To see your writing published and illustrated, head to our submit page for the full guidelines. Include the issue and form of your work in the subject line (i.e. Heart – Poetry). We are open to original contributions from anyone, anywhere in the world.

At Popshot towers we have just wrapped up the Haunting Issue, which will be on sale from 4th August 2022.

Got a question? Drop us a line at hello@popshotpopshot.com

To ensure that you never miss a future issue of the print magazine, subscribe from just £24 for 4 issues.