Writing, drawing, painting, composing — these things slowly start to feel optional. Something we’ll return to “when there’s more time.” But that time rarely comes.

The truth is, creativity isn’t separate from learning. It’s part of it.

When students write — whether it’s fiction, poetry, or reflections — they learn how to organise their thoughts and express complex emotions. When they create art, they learn to observe carefully, interpret meaning, and see the world from new perspectives. These skills don’t just improve academic performance, they shape how we understand ourselves and others.

Creative spaces are also some of the few places where students are not being evaluated. There are no marks attached to a journal entry. No grading rubric for a sketch made just because inspiration struck. That freedom allows students to experiment, take risks, and develop confidence in their own voice.

Art and writing also provide an outlet. School can be intense, and expectations can feel overwhelming. Creating something — even something small — offers a pause. A moment to process. A way to turn thoughts and emotions into something tangible.

Most importantly, creativity reminds students that they are more than their grades. They are thinkers, observers, storytellers, and innovators.

Encouraging students to continue writing and creating isn’t just about producing artists. It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can think critically, feel deeply, and express themselves clearly.

And in a world that constantly demands performance, that ability matters more than ever.

~ Aanyaa Tekwani
Blog Editor

The Blue Bell Review

The whirlwind of our first issue has finally quietened down, but I still find myself drifting back to our Archive Page, marvelling at what our team and our incredible young creators built together. Seeing those pages live still feels like a bit of magic.

But we aren’t stopping there. It is officially time for Issue 2.

We are looking for raw and honest work that display unique perspectives. That could be through poetry, photography or programming! It is up to you.

Details:

• Who: Creators aged 6–16, based anywhere in the world.

• What: Writing (prose/poetry), Art, or Multimedia.

• When: Submissions are open NOW.

  Submit Now!

⚠️ The Deadline: To be considered for Issue 2 (July 2026), please send your work before the end of June. If you miss this window, your work will be moved to the queue for Issue 3 (November 2026).

Don’t wait until November to see your name in print—SUBMIT NOW!

A Little Something Extra...

We are also in the early stages of planning our next Collaborative Contest, following the success of our February event with Phosphorescent Lit. Keep your eyes on this space—we’ll have more details for you very soon.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve been creating.

Submit Now!

My parents told me to “go for it.” Today, that ludicrous idea is a 40+ page issue featuring work from five states in India, along with writers from Singapore, Luxembourg and USA.

Inside Issue 1

The heart of this issue is our Ink For Iridescence initiative. We partnered with the Sakhi Trust to spotlight the brilliant young artists of Hosapete—children who rarely get a chance to showcase their work.

You will find the winning piece of the Young Writers Ekphrastic Contest we hosted with , and the work of several creative teenagers on Substack including and !

This issue, is collection of raw and honest perspectives, ideas and thoughts. Nebulae and marigolds, flags to pongal pots. this issue has it all!

Read the Debut Issue Now

Read Issue 1!

A Note of Gratitude: To my incredible Editorial Board (Aanyaa, Kyle, and Havish), Phosphorescent Lit, Sakhi Trust, our Adult Advisory Board, the people who noticed and motivated us on Substack and every single parent who encouraged their child to submit: Thank you. We did this together. We built something that matters.

Elaine Elizabeth Jinto

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

The Blue Bell Review

We've revised our submission guidelines to make it easier than ever to share your work. No more registration step — just click, submit, and you're done!

We intitally asked potential contributors to fill in a regsitration form to ensure the safety of our teen editorial board, but we have decided to try handling submissions without this step.

You can submit here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2L13zTk9g7i3UozTq1LNfYW8lQsboqKX4alsnR0uo874Uag/viewform

We accept writing, art and multimedia from students aged between 6-16.

Plus, the Ekphrastic Contest deadline has been extended to February 21st.

Visit: https://thebluebellreview.info/post/ekphrastic-contest-2026 to get started.

Open to students aged 6-16.

THE PROMPT: Write A Story/Poem About Time Travel

In the next piece you write I want you to write about ‘time travel.’ And I am not talking about the cliche science fiction story of someone going back in time and changing the course of history. I want you to think about how else time travels.

There is a book called ‘Into The Sideways World’ by Ross Welford that talks about a world parallel to ours, so we are in fact going sideways in time. (If you read it or have read it, we would love to feature your book review).

Another thing you could think about is the difference in time zones. If you are based in the US for example, you are reading this thirteen hours ahead of when I actually sent it. Or you could think about how time seems to speed up when we are doing things we enjoy or slow down when we hate what we are doing. Another thing worth thinking about is how it often feels like after a day of travelling or some momentous change, that you have been moving around for days instead of a few hours.

I think memory has a great deal to do with time too. I can remember what I had for dinner when my cousins came over, but forgot what I ate this morning. How does time influence what we remember and forget?

The Contest Rules

• Word Count: Maximum 500 words.

• Genre: Flash Fiction (or a hybrid prose-poem!).

• Deadline: February 15th.

• Age Limit: Individuals aged 6-16, based anywhere in the world.

• Website Link: thebluebellreview.info

The BBR Creator Incentive Pack

Because we believe in the power of young voices, we are offering our most ambitious support package yet:

For EVERYONE who submits:

• We will subscribe to your Substack to follow your creative journey.

• Every participant will receive a personalized editorial note from our team to help you grow.

• A digital ‘BBR Explorer’ certificate for your creative portfolio.

For the TOP 3 Winners:

• Publication in our flagship issue in March!

• We will officially “Recommend” your Substack on our BBR Substack profile (the best way to find new readers!).

• A formal letter of commendation from our Editors for your school records or portfolio.

• An official “Flash Fiction Champion” award + Bragging Rights!

How to Enter (Our Two-Step Process)

To keep our global community organized and safe, please follow these steps:

1. Step 1: The Registration Form. Fill out your details here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAdaTC9L0xtkTXizBxgyOKSX5l2ZoXCc_WjUOjFlboiY9jnw/viewform so we have your contact info. (We do this to ensure the safety of our student editorial board and the safety of those who are submitting).

2. Step 2: The Submission Form. We will send the submission form you via email within 12 hours. You can submit your story on that form.

Once you’ve submitted, leave a comment below so we can celebrate your entry with the community!