ABOUT VOICEWORKS. Voiceworks is a national, quarterly magazine that features exciting new writing by Australian young writers. It is a unique opportunity for young writers and artists (under 25) to publish their poetry, short stories, articles and comics, illustrations, drawings and photos, as well as receiving feedback on their submission. It is produced entirely by young people and relies totally on contributions from the readers to make up the content. The magazine is produced by the editor together with a group of interns and a volunteer editorial committee (EdComm), all of whom are under 25. EdComm assists the editor in reading submissions, editing content, proofreading, running launches, and writing feedback for all our contributors. The contents of the magazine depends entirely on contributions by young Australians. We do not censor the work that we receive unless it contains racist, sexist or homophobic material. We seek to empower young writers and readers as equal creators and participants within the larger arts community. Our goal is to allow young Australians to represent themselves through quality literary and artistic production. If you would like to submit content to the magazine, please see our submission guidelines page for more information. LATEST ISSUE. Voiceworks #78 Fluid Wake from the dream-haze and spit blood into the sink. Wipe mouth on threadbare T-shirt and apply lipstick. Stand in line for flu jab while T-shirt disintegrates in the rain. Dab favourite childhood antiseptic on those leaking sores and try to ignore the mysterious stains on the upholstery. If the... >> read more

#80: MISSIONARY (Autumn 2010)
NONFICTION PITCHES DUE & SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: Sunday 17th January

Their first night away from home, their first night together. She lies back and thinks of England. Legs splayed and praying. They do it with the lights out. Ecstatic. He’s the man, don’t forget. Spread the word, feel the earth move. Be saved. In the morning there’s blood on the sheets from a marriage consummated, or just her stigmata. They go out and convert under the foreign sun. As long as their souls are cleansed before they starve, they’ll all go to heaven. Isn’t that how they put men on the moon? Then burned their weightless bodies to hide the science. Knocked on their wives’ doors, imagined the day they started drinking and then handed them a pamphlet to make it all go away. Far from home? Is this your first time? How far will you go to stop being alone? Can you even look her in the eyes while you do it? No, no, this way. Oh God, oh God. Before it goes too far, withdraw.

... but theme isn’t everything – the theme blurbs are just a starting point. Think laterally about them, experiment, have fun. Tell us your thoughts, philosophies and stories. Remember the Voiceworks motto:

• themed work: good
• good work: better
• good themed work: BEST

If any of the deadlines fall on a weekend or a public holiday, submissions will be accepted on the following working day.