Tentacular is now open for submissions for the “Un/finished” issue!
Calling for uncertain souls who endlessly search for closure, as well as completer-finishers!
I’m looking for poems, ‘responses’ (see below) or art which connect with or embody the theme of unfinishedness (or the act of finishing, drafting, endings etc). This includes projects you might be working on that aren’t yet finished. I’m also particularly looking for people who are up for responding to as yet unfinished pieces of work, helping these come to fruition.
For a sense of what I’m looking for (the more playful and radical the better), and guidance on practicalities, look at this thought piece or at my list of ideas for how you could engage.
I’m deliberately exploring the digital possibilities. The issue will ‘start’ appearing at the beginning of September, and will continue evolving as work by more people is added, or as work which is already there gets changed, thereby becoming more finished or perhaps more unfinished? It will ‘run’ until 30 November 2025, at which point whatever is there will be considered the ‘Un/finished’ issue.
I’m reading from NOW onwards, and will often select pieces AS THEY COME IN, so don’t delay (unless that’s your thing, which would be very appropriate :)). At the same time, if you were to send me an amazing piece of work that I love on 29 November, the beauty is that I can put it in.
Get in touch, especially if you’re uncertain (!) about something, or want to pitch or chat ideas! It will be great to have your participation.
tentacularmag@gmail.com
Poetry
Open to any work that plays with purpose, challenges boundaries, ‘Selves, goes itself’. Please send 4 poems or fewer, on a maximum of 4 pages, unless there’s an explicit reason related to the theme why you’re breaking this rule. Translations (with permissions if required), visual poems, audio and short video pieces very welcome.
Responses
A seeing again, a reflection, a response in whatever form to something in whatever form. A fragment, an essay, a classic review, an experimental review, a poem or image that responds to something else.
Art & Photos
Up to ten images.
Or – a reasonable-length hybrid of any of the above.
Please use standard formats such as Word doc, pdf, jpeg, mp3 etc if you can. I will work with you to ensure the visual quality of your contribution is preserved as far as possible, whether in the house style or as an image. Follow this link for more details about how to lay out your work - not compulsory but saves me time.
Include a short bio.
Elsewhere
Elsewhere is a rolling blog-type section - for your more immediate write-ups of a launch or event, a time-critical opinion piece, or a response to a new issue of an online or offline magazine. The most recent post also goes onto the front page. For this, feel free to suggest contributions at any time. We can normally put up your piece within a few weeks.
