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P=Poetry, N=Nonfiction, F=Fiction
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PFN – The Literary Times Magazine Issue 06: “Forbidden”
Theme for Issue VI: “Forbidden”
Forbidden (adjective): not allowed; banned or prohibited.
What does it mean for something to be forbidden? Is it an unspoken rule, a law etched in stone, or a quiet, lingering fear that keeps us from crossing the line? Forbidden is the space between desire and denial, between curiosity and consequence. It is the unseen boundary set by society, morality, or even the self—a barrier that tempts as much as it restricts. To forbid something is to give it power. The unspoken, the hidden, the unattainable—these are the things that haunt the mind, that shape history and human nature alike. Love forbidden by culture or bloodlines. Knowledge kept under lock and key. Art deemed too dangerous. Words that must never be uttered. Places no one should enter. Thoughts one must not think. But who decides what is forbidden? And what happens when the forbidden is pursued, uncovered, broken? Does it lead to liberation or ruin, enlightenment or chaos? In this issue, we explore the boundaries drawn around us—by law, by faith, by fear—and the ones we are willing to cross, no matter the cost.
- We accept submissions from writers of all levels, but we prioritize polished and well-crafted works.
- Submissions should be original and previously unpublished.
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please inform us at theliterarytimesmag@gmail.com if your work is accepted elsewhere.
- We do not accept works containing; self-harm, sexual content, graphic violence, Hate speech or discrimination towards any group, religion or individual.
- All written submissions should be in English, formatted as a Word document or PDF. Use a standard font (Times New Roman, Arial, or similar) and a font size of 12. Double-space prose submissions and use single spacing for poetry.
- Submissions will be accepted via google forms. Please write your full name/pen name, authentic email address (preferably a Gmail) and a brief bio (50-100 words)
- Please provide an authentic email address so that we can contact you in the future to inform you that your work has been accepted for submission. It is important to provide a valid and active email address to ensure effective communication and to keep you updated on the status of your submission.
- Clearly specify the genre or category your submission falls under (e.g., poetry, fiction, nonfiction) or it may lead to rejection.
- By submitting your work, you grant us first-time publishing rights. Upon publication, the rights revert back to you, the creator. We kindly request that you credit our magazine if your work is subsequently published elsewhere.
- Theme’s interpretation is completely up to the writer/artist but failing to adhere to the theme can also result in your submission being rejected, even if your work is well-written or technically sound.
- If you haven’t received a response from us within 1 month after the deadline, please consider your submission declined. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- If your Work does not get accepted, don’t get discouraged, rejection doesn’t define your worth as a writer or artist. Keep submitting!