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Dominican Writers Association presents "Palabras del Alma" Micro-Issue Series
"Palabras del Alma" Micro-Issue Series
"Palabras del Alma" is a bi-monthly publication series from the Dominican Writers Association that explores the emotional landscape of Dominican experience through words that capture our unique cultural expressions. Each micro-issue centers around a single word that holds special significance in Dominican emotional vocabulary—terms that often defy simple translation because they carry the weight of shared history, family dynamics, and cultural memory.
AMPARO, the Dominican understanding of protection that goes beyond physical shelter. Do you remember it?
This inaugural issue of our "Palabras del Alma" series honors the fierce guardianship of those who shielded us — from the world's harshness, from our own mistakes, sometimes even from themselves.
We invite stories of maternal shields — from the mami who worked "como una mula" to create stability, to the abuela whose "bendición" and "baños de ruda" kept evil eyes away, to the communities of "comadres" who protected each other's children with that "tú sabes que mi casa es tu casa" spirit. Share testimonios of sacrifice, poems of gratitude, reflections on what it means to be someone's amparo. We welcome work exploring all forms of maternal protection — including the complicated, imperfect, and unexpected ways we find shelter in others.
"Bajo mi ala" as our mothers would say. "Mientras yo viva, tú no pasas trabajo" as our grandmothers promised. "Te tengo guardao" as our community assured us. These expressions of amparo have shaped us, from the chin of affection to the full embrace of protection.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
What We're Looking For
Poetry: 1 poem (maximum 1 page)
Flash Fiction: 300-1000 words
Micro-Essays: 300-1000 words
Testimonios: 300-1000 words
Submission Limit
One piece per person will be considered for publication
Languages
We welcome submissions in English, Spanish, or Spanglish. As we say, "en el idioma que te salga del corazón."
Format Requirements
Written submissions should be in 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced
Include your name, email address, and a brief bio (50-75 words) in your submission email
Attach written work as a Word document or PDF
Subject line should read: "AMPARO SUBMISSION - [Your Name]"
Selection Process
A panel of DWA editors will review all submissions
Chosen pieces will be selected for publication on our Substack
All submitters will be notified of decisions by May 1, 2025
Rights
Authors retain copyright of their work
DWA requests non-exclusive rights to publish selected work on our Substack and in promotional materials
Contributors will be credited in all instances of publication
IMPORTANT DATES
Submission Period: March 3 - April 21, 2025
Publication Date: May 15, 2025 via Substack
Virtual Reading: Selected contributors will be invited to read
HOW TO SUBMIT
Email your submissions to editor@dominicanwriters.com
ABOUT THE SERIES
"Palabras del Alma" is a bi-monthly micro-issue series exploring uniquely Dominican emotional concepts through creative expression. Each issue centers on a word that captures a distinct aspect of Dominican emotional and cultural experience. Through this series, we aim to document, celebrate, and expand our understanding of Dominican identity through the lens of our shared emotional language.
As we say, "cada cabeza es un mundo," and each issue of "Palabras del Alma" invites you to share your world with us. From "el calor de hogar" to "la lucha diaria," our experiences shape our words, and our words preserve our culture.
For questions, please contact: info@dominicanwriters.org
Subscribe to our Substack: dominicanwriters.substack.com