Penned in Rage Literary Journal
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Call for Submissions Open
Send Us Your Stories, Essays & Art
May 1st- Midnight June 15th
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The Annual Bridgette James Poetry Competition:
2026 Longlisted Entries of Contenders for This Year's Prizes
- in No Particular Order
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EB 775284: A Spiritless Eureka
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BR05503: A Stranger Under My Skin
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EB 804257: Against My Will
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BR 360184: Ancestry and Borders
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BR 587470: Buy a casket for Dorcas (Ezenwa-Ohaeto Prize)
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EB 681539: Give me the ministerial seat
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BR02134: Homeland: Together We Sit and She Tells Me a Story
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BR 286741: Horseback
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BR175981: Margins
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BR 130656: Onye Iro: Litany of Exile
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BR 638241: Onye Ọbịa (Ezenwa-Ohaeto Prize +(Young Person Category)
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BR 43019: Out of Chaos Comes Beauty
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EB 120693: Outsider/ I was there but wasn’t there
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BR63217: Queer
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BR 238570: Raw/Rou
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BR 804693: Spectator at the Border of Massacre
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BR13804: Stranger Danger
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BR 634572: The creature’s lament (Young Person Category)
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BR 18458: The Etymology of Homesickness
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EB 856421: The Girl Who Asked for a Pen
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BR 804257: The Monster Home Made (Young Person Category)
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BR 824690: The priest's litany
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BR 79228: Theophany (Young Person Category)
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EB 569841: Uninvited
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BR 716845: What privilege
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BR 842519: The Free Man
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BR 348670: Congress of Voices (Young Person Category)
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BR 842519::The Free Man
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BR 856972: I hold God through my mother's hands
Remarks:
Country Most Represented - Nigeria (22 Longlisted Entries)
The Term: Young Person refers to a contestant 19-years-old and below.
Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto - Head Judge, 2026
2026 Poetry Winners' Outsider Anthology
Ladies and gentlemen
The second draft of the manuscript is ready to be read. No names included yet, just identifiers. A final draft will be circulated when the competition results are announced.
The Opening Poem/s will CHANGE following the announcement of the winner by Chinua Ohaeto.
Most poems have stayed exactly the same. But a good few came in with grammatical errors. No names yet; they'll appear in the third and final draft.
Formatted Poems
Size Matters as the saying goes. If you sent in a formatted or cascading poem typeset in an A4-sized sheet, please be aware that I've come down to a B6 (JIS 18.2 cm x 25. 7 cm) as in photo, therefore your poem will look slightly different due to smaller page margins. This is why UK poets are advised to use an A5 for chapbook manuscripts submissions.
Editing
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Minor/common grammatical errors have been corrected.
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Aesthetic changes have been made to some poems.
Your Input
Kindly proofread the SECOND version of your poem. To withdraw your poem, please email: pennedinrage@outlookcom Subject line: Redaction from Manuscript. You'll still remain in the competition of course, but won't be chosen as the winner because I want to represent the other contributors well.
I do not ever debate about grammatical rules as all changes are always cross-referenced with native English speakers.
Sincerely,
Bridgette James.
List of 50 Poems & Authors in Collection - Order Will Change When Winner is Announced
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Theophany by BR 79228
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Onye Iro: Litany of Exile by BR 130656
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Queer by BR63217
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The priest's litany by BR 824690
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The Etymology of Homesickness by BR 18458
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Horseback by BR 286741
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What Privilege by BR716845
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Homeland: Together We Sit and She Tells Me a Story by BR02134
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Spectator at the Border of Massacre by BR 804693
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Hymn for a Headless Silhouette by BR 50870
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Beloved Country by BR 482165
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Stranger Danger by BR 13804
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Water Jugs by BR 02070
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Raw/Rou by BR 238570
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Invocation by BR45749
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the origin of silence by BR 29719
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Bohemian by BR 908162
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The Free Man by BR 842519
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Veil of deceit by BR 804718
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A Stranger Under My Skin by BR05503
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A stranger inside a familiar face by BR 907239
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Journey of Truth by BR568685
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The Girl Who Asked for a Pen by EB 856421
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A Spiritless Eureka by EB 775284
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The Monster Home Made By BR 804257
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The beauty salon by BR 571239
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When I Was Alone by BR 33017
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This Goliath Was a Victim by BR 08696
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Gaps, spaces and fences by BR 47527
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Invasive outsider’s aroma by BR 25520
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Alone and Happy by BR 497554
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In Search of Another Ending by BR 773405
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A bathroom is a logical place to hide by BR 114178
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I am a foreigner in my body by BR 172099
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I came here dyed with loss by BR 845494
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Scarf of Stigma by BR 02828
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Close, but aloof by BR 709458
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My Illusions & The Truth by BR 903584
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Audience of My Own by BR 294185
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Coronach on Easter by BR 891204
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and they said: BE LIKE THE PORCUPINE! By BR 83899
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Olamichayin Akulijele By BR 569203
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Buy a Casket for Dorcas By BR 587470
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Margins by BR 175981
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Outsider / I arrived early, as always by BR 590864
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Numbers, From the Outside By EM 610 7 1 2
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Grasping Steam by BR 80370
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I hold God through my mother's hands by BR 856972
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Wounded by BR95848
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Chasing dreams by BR 902746
Timeline & Queries:
Final Manuscript Circulated June 1st 2026. No More Poems Will Be Added
Query: My poem isn't listed.
Reason: Your poem wasn't chosen, I'm afraid.
Query: I wasn't longlisted, will I still win or appear in the shortlist on the 20th of May?
Answer: I'm afraid not.
Please check your inboxes for a request for a bio. Don't worry if you've already submitted one.
Please don't reply if you've returned your contract. Over 20 contracts are still outstanding.
Mission Statement
Penned in Rage Journal amplifies voices from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
The Journal is part of the Ella's Poems Project, launched in January 2022. This project uses creative writing activities to achieve these objectives:
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The main focus of this project is to promote a love for reading in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Ella’s Poems targets young people in the African continent, between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five - who are active online - in a bid to create a writers' hub on Facebook. Many creatives have found this sort of networking has not only helped them improve their writing skills but more importantly they'd been able to discover local writing opportunities.
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Ella’s Poem’s Project also celebrates the work of African creatives, such as their art, poems, stories and novels, irrespective of one’s social status.
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Many of the creatives who have benefited from this initiative have never written a poem or story in English before. So, our free writing competitions and published books, positively impact their lives.
SUBMIT a 40-line Poem, or a 1000-word Flash Fiction or Essay - Only One Submission Allowed Per Person Each Quarter, Thank You.
We Do Not Pay for Submissions.
Submit Free of Charge: This Journal Only Features Writers from Sub-Saharan Africa; its Diaspora & Ethnic Minorities
Response Time - up to 6 weeks
Editorial Feedback on Poems (To receive feedback on your submission): £2.00
Email Submissions from May 1- June 15 to: pennedinrage@outlook.com
Please Address Your Submission to The Editors of Penned in Rage.
About Penned in Rage Journal
Penned in Rage magazine is focused on publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, flash fiction, experimental prose and hybrid works, written by underrepresented writers. Each quarter a submission is chosen as the featured piece. The journal aims to create a community of subscribed readers who enjoy contemporary creative writing styles. Penned in Rage invites submissions from underrepresented and marginalised writers.
Submissions: Open in January, May (for the poetry competition; submissions from the slush pile will be considered for their suitability for the journal too) and October each year.
The 'unthemed' submission window will reopen Friday 01 MAY 2026 for the fifth online edition of Penned in Rage Literary Journal.
CLOSES 15 JUNE 2026.
Submissions: You may submit a 40-line poem for consideration. Styles accepted: free verse, haiku, Fibonacci, prose et cetera preferred over meters. Maximum lines 40. Flash Story - maximum 1000 words; Fiction, Nonfiction and Non-academic essays accepted. We do not publish metered poetry of any shape or form, neither do we accept anything that offends other social groups. Flash fiction not exceeding 500 words on any genre or topic may be submitted, as may non-academic essays or creative nonfiction not above 500 words. Underrepresented writers from anywhere may submit a poem or flash fiction for consideration. We only consider submissions sent through our online submission portal https://www.ellaspoems.com/#subscribe-to-penned-in-rage-journal or by email. Please provide a brief 30-word third-person bio to accompany your submission. Only one poem not exceeding 40 lines and/or one story of not above 500 words will be considered.
Simultaneous Submissions & Withdrawals: We accept simultaneous submissions, but we must be immediately notified if a piece is accepted elsewhere. If you wish to withdraw your submission, please email me directly at pennedinrage@outlook.com with the title/s of the work(s) you are withdrawing.
Previously Published Work: Except for submissions to be considered for Creative of the Month, we will not publish pieces which have appeared elsewhere, including social media sites.
Publishing Rights: We ask for first time worldwide rights for accepted pieces. Following publication, all rights revert back to the author.
Payment: Penned in Rage Journal was borne out of a small, self-funded project. At this time, we are not able to offer payment to our contributors for published works; however, the PDF version of the journal is widely circulated to subscribers and promoted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
How is the journal published?
Triannual Online Publication - Downloadable PDF: January 31st, June 30th, October 31st
TABLE of CONTENTS
1. Editorial by Chukwuebuka Freedom Onyishi
2. The Metaphor of How We Render the Anthem of Broken Clouds by Abubakar Auwal
2b. Theoretical Constitution of Broken Metaphors by Abubakar Auwal
3. Happiness is Selfish by Gargi Sidana
4. Scars and Stars by Msendoo Rachel Tarter
5. The Pariah’s Resume by Owen Lwanda
6. What Anger Learns When it Stays by Abraham Aondoana
7. Go Home by Uche by Chidozie Okorie
8. The Janitor of the ICC by Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon
9. The tongue we never lost at sea by Uchechukwu Onyedikam
10. Art by Philasande Musawenkosi Ntombe
11. Age of Content by Osahon Oka
12. If you come to my country Mambas will swallow you by Obaji Godwin
13. A Review of Michael Emerald Oladosu's chapbook: Every Little Thing That Moves
14. The Passage by Chisom Umeh
Latest Edition of Journal
Please Click Link to Read Happiness Is Selfish by Gargi Sidana. 'Happiness is a selfish choice — mere bits of trial and error. A cauldron of peace that hung above the zenith. I fail to find things on tracks or subway, alleys or along the walking corridors. A chiselled way to smile back at none other than moist feelings. I trench the tunnels of sheer sadness — I'm the host. There, I saw a flickering child smiling through the curls of her lips. There, I witnessed happiness smiling back at me chasing joy from nowhere.'
The Metaphor of How We Render the Anthem of Broken Clouds, by Abubakar Auwal. 'my father’s name is the cnemial anatomy/ i landed my bones on. i mean a synonym for the stories /that hold water and turned me into a flower/ & the haven of crippling solace; a tale chewing/ its ribs. the flowers. the monsters. the demons./ & tales that consume the mountain, god buried his /toothbrush for the nighthawks, for the fire singing /to define the history of sky.'
Ten (10) Fabulous Prizes Are Up For Grabs (Results Posted in MAY)
The 2026 Annual Bridgette James Poetry Competition Has Closed
Prizes:
Paid Via a Money Courier, Such as TapTap, Remitly or Western Union into the Winner’s Bank Account.
First Place - $100 USD + Publication in Anthology: Winner Appears on Blurb. Example: Soil Unfurling from Stem
Second Place - $20 USD + Publication of two (2) Poems in Anthology
Third Place - $15 USD + Publication of Poem in Anthology
Commended Poem/s- $10 USD
The Ezenwa-Ọhaeto Best African Poem Category (This Prize is in Honour of the Memory of the Writer, Mr Ezenwa-Ọhaeto.)
Theme: I am an outsider
Prize: $20 USD; Runner-Up: $10 USD
Ella's Poems Project - Charitable Awards:
Young Person Category - $10 USD
Bridgette James's Favourite - $20 USD
Long List Posted: May 17th; Shortlist Published: May 30th; Winner Declared LIVE on ZOOM: Sunday, May 31st 2026. Zoom Link Will Be Sent to Subscribers Via Email.
Disclaimer:
All shortlisted entries will be offered a contract and included in a winners' anthology to be published bypublished on Amazon.
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Why We Struggle With Reading in Sub-Saharan Africa
1. Socioeconomic Factors- unaffordability of books -
Earnings and outgoings spent on essentials instead e.g.- grocery shopping, utilities, bills, transportation, healthcare.
The absence of a love for reading has also negatively impacted on creative pieces, leading to a disproportionate amount of formal or metered poetry being produced and published in the continent.
Meet One of the Poetry Editors of Penned in Rage
Onyishi Chukwuebuka Freedom (he/him) is a Publicity Secretary for Muse no. 51, and a graduate of the University of Nigeria. He is the winner of the 2025 Coalition of African Literature in partnership with the University of Leicester’s Avoidable Deaths Network and the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize nominee, runner-up for the 2025 Bridgette James Poetry Prize, a shortlist for the inaugural BCD-Utulu Prize, Reader at Chestnut Review, and longlisted for the Paradise Gate House. His work has appeared in Eye to the Telescope: (non)binaries, Harrow House, Northern Writers Forum, Heathentide Orphans: Zoetic Press, African Studies Review, Pill Bottle Press, The Port Harcourt Literary Review, Wherein The World, African Studies Review, The Biochar, Strange Quark Press, Kathai Literary, The Nine Muses Review, Ojuju Magazine, Poets in Nigeria Initiative, EveryBody Magazine, University of Bournemouth Journal, African Migration Report, The Muse Journal, Hidden Peek Press, and elsewhere. He tweets @Bukaty33612.
Read more about him here: https://ellaspoems.com/general-9#editorial-chukwuebuka-onyishi
Contributor Payment Notice
I value and appreciate every creative voice that contributes to my publications. At present, I am unable to offer financial compensation for submissions. All contributions are on a voluntary basis - except where work was solicited for $10 USD - and I aim to provide a platform for your work to reach a wider audience.
About the Editor-in-Chief of Penned in Rage
I’m pleased to announce that head judge for the 2026 poetry competition is Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto. Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto is a PhD candidate in Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he is also a teaching assistant. He holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature. Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto is the author of a collection of poems: The Naming (University of Nebraska Press, 2025) and the chapbook: The Teenager Who Became My Mother. https://www.chinuaezenwa-ohaeto.com/
Osahon Oka Won The 2025 Bridgette James Poetry Competition
Osahon Oka is a Pushcart nominee whose poems opens the anthology Soil Unfurling from Stem. Mr Oka has been widely published in his home country: Nigeria. He will serve as a competition judge in the 2026 Bridgette James Poetry Competition.
Meet One of the Poetry Editors of Penned in Rage
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Get featured on Bridgette’s Writing School Facebook page. Please send an email, subject header: Paid Feature to pennedinrage@outlook.com Please DO NOT Pay until you’ve received a confirmation that your book will be advertised on social media. Packages – A 2-day package: (two) days advertisement - £5.00 (Pounds Stirling) A 5-day package (five) days advertisement - £20.00 (Pounds Stirling).
Submit a Poetry Manuscript to be Edited or Reviewed - £10.00 (up to 20 poems); £20.00 (up to 40 poems). Email: pennedinrage@outlook.com
Soil Unfurling from Stem is a multi-author collection of nature poems from sub-Saharan Africa. Contributors include Dr Kayode Adesimi Robbin-Coker an English Language and Literature graduate of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Dr Jive Lubbungu from Zambia, Chukwuebuka Freedom Onyishi, the current Winner of the 2025 Coalition of African Literature, a Nonprofit organisation in Nigeria and fifteen-year-old Namibian secondary school student, Utaara Tjozongoro.
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