Literary Journal

Pure in Heart Stories

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About the magazine

Pure in Heart Stories is a literary and arts organization founded on the principle of showcasing work that embodies sincerity, moral clarity, and emotional honesty. Established as a response to what its founders perceived as an overemphasis on irony and cynicism in contemporary culture, the organization provides a platform for writers and artists whose work reflects a commitment to hope, integrity, and the human condition. Its mission is to nurture and disseminate stories that resonate with authenticity and ethical depth, without sacrificing artistic rigor. Through its online journal and periodic print anthologies, Pure in Heart Stories has cultivated a readership that values narrative craftsmanship and spiritual or philosophical inquiry.

Editorial focus

Pure in Heart is a Christian-based literary magazine for families where you’ll find poems, short stories, visual art, recipes, games, and more—created by writers and artists of all ages. Pure in Heart accepts work from adults, teens, and kids ages six and older.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 20 to Feb 28

Reading feeNo

PaymentNo payment

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Artists and writers should approach Pure in Heart Stories with an understanding of its core aesthetic: work that is sincere, morally grounded, and emotionally direct. Avoid irony, cynicism, or gratuitous experimentalism. Submit polished pieces that demonstrate careful craft and a clear narrative or thematic arc. Familiarize yourself with the journal’s past issues to align your submission with its tone. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter that articulates how your work resonates with the organization’s mission. Response times vary, so patience is advised.

Pure in Heart is looking for creative work that is appropriate for all ages. We like silly and fun, and we also like serious. We like depth. We want work that engages with kids and teens without talking down to them. We especially like work with Christian themes. Some examples of Christian themes include: good versus evil, a retelling of a Bible story, doing the right thing even when it’s hard, redemption, hope, awe of God and His creation, brotherly love, a creative look at biblical people, a righteous heart shining against the backdrop of a fallen world, and much more. Feel free to get creative and surprise us.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

1 listed

OpenDeadline · 2027-01-20