Welcome to The Porcupine Review– a literary journal dedicated to the advancement of individual liberty, peace and prosperity through short fiction, poetry, art and music.

For the conservative mind

Now accepting submissions!

Are you a poet, artist, musician, or writer who feels out of step with today’s literary scene? Maybe you’ve noticed the industry tilting one way—favoring a single lens that doesn’t quite fit your own. If that’s left you wondering where your work belongs, The Porcupine Review is for you.

We’re looking for poetry, humor, short fiction, art, spoken word poetry, and music (yes music!) that doesn’t just follow the crowd. We want pieces that reflect your take—whether it’s rooted in tradition, wrestling with big questions, or simply seeing the world differently. The arts used to thrive on variety, not uniformity. Here, your voice doesn’t have to bend to fit.

Submit your best. Look back if you want, challenge what’s assumed, or just tell a story that’s yours. We’re here to share work that thinks, provokes, and stands apart. At The Porcupine Review, you’ve got a place to be heard. Let’s bring some of that lost range back to the page—together.

Poetry Page:

We’re looking for poetry that is literary, layered, symbolic, and emotionally resonant. poems that examine the quirks of human behavior, nature, faith, and the broader implications of the world we live in. We want to feel something when we read your work—whether it’s devastation, joy, unease, or wonder. If your poem makes us want to leap into the void or hug a stranger, that’s a win. If it leaves us quietly staring out the window, even better.

Poetry Guidelines

Short Fiction Page:

We’re seeking short fiction that resonates on a deeper level—narratives that are thoughtful, nuanced, and unafraid to explore the peculiarities of being human. Stories that reflect the social forces shaping us and leave a lasting emotional impression. Surprise us, unsettle us, move us. If we walk away from your piece feeling changed—even in a small, inexplicable way—that’s what we’re after. Send us your best and we’ll share it with the world.

Fiction Guidelines

Art Page:

Seriously, there are no boundaries here (less pornographic- please we don’t want to see your junk or your interpretation of junk). we want art that is symbolic of the theme of liberty. We appreciate complexity in simplicity. We want your art to become the symbol of a movement as familiar as the peace sign. Photographs are more than welcome. We appreciate a photo that captures a feeling or reflection of nostalgia and/or a longing for a time we wish were here now.

Art Guidelines

Spoken Word Poetry Page

We don’t just want to hear from you, we want to actually hear you. We believe no one can express the true emotion of poetry better than the author speaking. Indeed, poetry has its origins in this regard. The simple inflection of voice can alter its meaning, and nothing is more beautiful than that. Here’s what you do- Write-Rehearse- Record, then submit your spoken word to the Porcupine Review.

Spoken Word Guidelines

Music Page:

We’re looking for music that stops us in our tracks—something that makes us shut up and truly listen. Whether you’re a solo act or a full band, acoustic or electronic, instrumental or a cappella—we’re open to it all. Any genre is welcome, as long as it moves us. This is a truly unique opportunity within a literary journal to share your sound with an audience that’s ready to listen. So send us your best—we’re all ears.

Music Guidelines

Humor Page:

In heavy times, humor is a survival skill—and we’re here for it. We’re looking for your funniest poems, sharpest fake headlines, cleverest memes, and most expressive GIFs. Wit, absurdity, wordplay, or pure silliness—bring it on. If it makes us laugh out loud in a quiet room, even better. Help us laugh, smirk, or even groan in delight. Let’s make space for joy, one punchline at a time.

Humor Guidelines

The Editors

TPR

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