Theme explained:

The theme for spring 2026 PSPP is:

“Free”  

Thoughts on the theme:

Personal stories of effort, choice, and consequence, or their lack.
… free from, free to, free of …

For free • Free of charge • Scot-free • Free of obligation • Free rein • Free lunch • Free as a bird • Freeloader • Free and easy • Free spirit • Too free • Free-for-all • Freefall • Set free • Get free • Get set free • Free to go • Guilt-Free • Error-free • Free-and-clear.

Tell us your story. 

The palate is wide open. Share your story in 750-800 words

For those who need a narrowing of the theme, please consider these ideas.

We are now in the 250th year of American independence. July 4, 2026 marks the occasion. Please consider a story of your personal experience that resonates with any of these, from our collective history to our current agitations around life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—just no politics. Personal stories only.

Personal stories of independence—getting it and keeping it.

Personal stories of choosing and losing.

Personal stories around choices made, choices allowed, choices avoided, choices regretted, choices championed.

We hope that helps.

The art of great writing includes the skill of writing about two things at once, the story you are telling and the story you want the reader to understand. Poets know this intuitively, of course. Stretch yourself.

We are often asked what our theme is “about.” We happily reply that we will know when our writers tell us. And, so now it is your turn. Tell us your story of “Free.” Then we’ll all learn together what it means.

Be safe. Spread kindness. Keep writing.

Write your story. Surprise us. Surprise yourself.