> Projects  > Literature  > Write from the Heart 

World Arts Platform is developing an ongoing literature/creative writing project which will enable writers from the various multi-cultural backgrounds across Hertfordshire to access publishing opportunities and the possibility of working across languages.

As a major county wide project, World Arts Platform is publishing a new writing publication. Published three times a year – July, November March - this new publication is for writers who use English as a second language, whether experienced writers or those who have never tried to get their writing published before.

We are publishing each issue as a free chapbook/pamphlet, distributed widely through Hertfordshire Libraries and other public points of distribution. As well, each issue will be available electronically on this website where we can also include other work that hasn’t featured in the print issue.

Work is accepted in English but also where appropriate bilingually, that is to say in an original language and an English Translation. We plan to support the publication with launch events and readings, and perhaps classes and workshops for writers who’d like to get involved. We make no restrictions on the form or style of submissions, though we reserve the right to use extracts or to make a selection from work submitted. So we’re interested in short stories and articles, poetry, and theatre writing.

Issues may be themed, perhaps with subjects of relevance to an immigrant community. These might include, Displacement, Home, New to You. The initial issues will be managed by Parrabbola as WAP Project managers, collaborating with guest editors with experience of writing in English as a second language. It is integral to the process that a resident editorial team be built up to take over the process and carry the publication on after the WAP period is over. A legacy element is important to the project.

Our first issue is available to download below.

For our second issue, the guest editor is Mihaela Nicolescu a young Romanian writer now living in London. The theme for the issue is Home.