Upcoming Themes
How We Decide on Themes
F(r)iction is a literary anthology carefully curated to evaluate an important cultural topic from vastly different perspectives. From historical origins to nonfiction essays to the wildest reaches of fiction, poetry, comics, and art, each issue inspires us to think differently. For the full low down on what we’re all about, please check out the journal’s About page.
This mission—to create a little friction in the mind of the reader, to inspire us to think differently—is precisely why we agonize over theme. We specifically seek topics with cultural and intellectual relevance to curate each issue around, guided by the wonderful material that our senior editors pitch up for publication. Then we draw together the best 20 or so stories, poems, essays, and comics that tackle the topic—seeking a wide range of perspectives, diversity of voice, and uniqueness of form—to create a little mental “friction” for our readers, hopefully inspiring them to question and reevaluate their thoughts about our world (or, at the very least, to become enchanted by something fresh and engaging!).
Because, after all, isn’t that the point of great art and literature?
Theme is also a fantastic frame for our artwork, allowing us to develop the colour palette, graphic design, and look of each issue so that it is visually as engaging as the incredible content within.
To this end, we have created this page as a guide to our next few themes. So that it works as a helpful resource for any authors interested in submitting, or from whom we’ve solicited work, we will be sure to keep it updated with upcoming themes!
To be truly up to date, sign up to our F(r)iction newsletter below!
AI / Artificial Intelligence (Open until July 15, 2026)
As AI enters more and more aspects of our lives, the debate over what art is becomes a question of creator, of humanity, of plagiarism, of what constitutes the spark of imagination. While some see AI as a source of opportunity and collaboration, others see a force destined to erase artists, and automate the act of creation…
The Artificial Intelligence issue of F(r)iction doesn’t shy away from that fear. Let’s explore the complex terrain of artificial intelligence. Bring us artists battling the algorithm, the AI muses behind the next superstar, sentient machines yearning to break free, deepfake deities, and explorations of what it means to be augmented by technology… whether it’s an AI companion or the phone in your pocket.
We want work that leans into the weird, the wounded, and the wildly imaginative. We’re also seeking essays, comics, interviews, and hybrid forms—especially from artists, writers, and creatives grappling with what it means to make art in an AI-infused world. Let’s talk about it. Let’s make something that can’t be copied.
*AI Generated Submissions Will Not Be Accepted.*
How Do I Get My Hands on a Copy?
To preorder these issues, subscribe today!