Celebrating diverse voices, creative writing, and the arts
Yelena Bailey-Kirby launched the Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine during the fall semester of 2023 when she began to accept submissions, and the first issue was released in February 2024.
We are proud to feature literature that resonates—pieces that move, linger, and embody the best of contemporary poetry, storytelling, and other creative expression. Hence, everyone is invited to read, listen, and enjoy the incredible authors’ work in Issue One: Spring 2024 (Feb 2024).
New stories and poems can also be accessed in Issue Two: Fall 2024 through a shareable link below as of the release date on Monday, October 21, 2024. In addition, everyone is welcome to listen to the author’s work in Issue Two by listening to them reading their poems and short stories through the audio links below their pictures when you scroll down this page.
Moreover, free online writing courses will be offered to anyone who wants to sign up and join one of the upcoming sessions when you go to the Courses page in the menu above. If you have a passion to write stories, poems, memoirs, screenplays, novels, and so much more, we want to inspire your creative spark and get you writing.
Finally. the portal to submit your work for Issue Three will be open to everyone between November 15, 2024 and December 15,2024. Please visit the Submission Guidelines page in the menu above and familiarize yourself with the criteria on poetry, fiction, plays, non-fiction, and art/photography along with a call for submissions in the new creative categories of music, movies, and dance performance.
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ISSUE ONE - SPRING 2024
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ISSUE TWO - FALL 2024
Our interactive, digital magazine features
diverse voices & creative individuals.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AND DECEMBER 15, 2024 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.
Listen to authors read their work in our Issue Two: Fall 2024.
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My Body, My Choice, My Story; Upgrade; Time Is; and Honey Pot
Poems by Mary Bridges
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I Caught It, Momorial, Naptime, and Vainglorious
Poems by Elle Lynn Daines
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When I Think of You and You Owe Me
Poems by Portia Davis
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It Happened and The Other Woman
Poems by Arika Elizenberry
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Run, Rabbit, Run
Short Story by Eddie Gehl
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The Things I am Not and Time's Up
Poems by Rylee Hjorth
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Sestina, The Noble Eightfold Path, Sage & Thyme, and Paint a Picture as Waves Travel Through Space
Poems by Ki Imberi
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Survivor's Guilt
Short Story by Kisha Pope
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Timeless
Short Story by Sofia Reynoso
Our Free Online Writing Courses & Webinars:
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In the Introduction to Poetry Writing course, learners will discover the essentials of creating expressive and impactful poems. The course covers key poetic techniques such as rhyme, meter, imagery, metaphor, and other figurative language to help participants craft vivid and emotionally resonant works.
Students will explore various forms of poetry, from free verse to structured formats like sonnets and haikus. They will also learn how to use sound, rhythm, and line breaks to enhance meaning and mood. Through writing exercises and writing prompts participants will develop their unique voice and gain confidence in shaping language into art.
Perfect for beginners, this course invites students to explore the limitless possibilities of poetry with our step-by-step guide on the poetry fundamentals to spark your creativity and make writing poetry accessible to everyone.
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In the Introduction to Memoir Writing course, learners will explore how to turn personal experiences into compelling narratives.
The course covers essential techniques such as developing a strong narrative voice, structuring life events, and using vivid details to bring memories to life.
Students will learn how to balance storytelling with reflection, blending truth and artistry to create engaging memoirs. Through writing exercises and writing prompts, participants will uncover key themes, explore emotional depth, and craft meaningful stories that resonate with readers.
Ideal for beginners, this course provides a supportive environment for discovering the art of writing from personal experience to write engaging and inspiring memoirs.
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This course invites you to explore creative writing as a pathway to emotional healing and self-awareness. Through storytelling, poetry, and journaling, we’ll examine how writing can be a safe space to express complex emotions. We’ll explore examples of writers like Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, and Maya Angelou, who have used writing as a means of self-care. In our section on Emotional Exploration Through Poetry, we’ll delve into how poetry can capture and release deep emotions with few words. Students will learn poetic forms such as free verse, haiku, and sonnet to experiment with expression.
In Storytelling for Healing, we’ll discuss how narrative therapy allows individuals to reframe personal stories, using characters and plots to symbolically address struggles. We’ll also focus on Writing in the Present Moment, introducing mindfulness-based creative exercises to alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and cultivate resilience.
Designed for those interested in using writing as a therapeutic tool, this course offers guided exercises and prompts to help students tap into their emotions, process experiences, and develop self-awareness. Suitable for anyone seeking emotional healing, stress relief, or a deeper connection to personal growth through writing.
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In the Introduction to Short Story Writing course, learners will explore the fundamentals of crafting compelling narratives.
Topics include developing engaging characters, creating vivid settings, mastering plot structure, and writing impactful dialogue.
Students will also learn essential literary techniques like point of view, pacing, and theme, as well as how to hook readers with strong openings and satisfying conclusions in their fiction.
Through practical exercises and writing prompts, participants will gain confidence in their writing and sharpen their storytelling skills, while also learning how to analyze short stories for inspiration.
Ideal for beginners or anyone who needs a refresher to start writing again, this course helps unlock creative potential in storytelling for anyone interested in becoming a fiction writer.
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In the Introduction to Novel Writing course, learners will dive into the process of crafting a full-length novel from concept to draft.
The course covers essential elements such as plot development, character arcs, world-building, and narrative structure. Students will learn how to outline their story, create dynamic characters, and build tension to keep readers engaged.
Key topics include pacing, point of view, and theme, as well as tips for maintaining momentum over a longer project. Through guided exercises, writing prompts, and feedback, participants will gain the tools and confidence to bring their novel ideas to life.
Perfect for aspiring novelists, this course provides a solid foundation for writing a compelling, cohesive story as you tap into your creativity and imagination to get started on writing a novel.
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In the Introduction to Screenplay Writing course, learners will discover the fundamentals of writing for film and television.
The course covers screenplay structure, character development, dialogue writing, and visual storytelling techniques. Students will learn how to format a script, craft compelling scenes, and develop plotlines that translate well on screen.
Key topics include pacing, scene transitions, and creating strong visual and emotional impact. Through practical exercises and writing prompts, participants will build the skills needed to write engaging screenplays.
Ideal for beginners, this course offers a step-by-step approach to turning ideas into scripts ready for the screen.
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We heard your feedback and thank you for sharing interests in other courses topics that you want us to offer. Therefore, we will have more information to announce about writing in different genres in Jan 2025.
REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING WRITING
COURSE AS UPCOMING DATES WILL BE
UPDATED WHEN AVAILABLE.
Sign up for course offerings will open soon in November. Spots will be limited as it is treated like a workshop session for a more engaging learning environment and safe sharing space when everyone is encouraged to read their writing for feedback from the course presenter and attendees.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Listen to authors read their published work from Issue One: Spring 2024.
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The Tree's Human
Short Story by Emani Booker
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The Color of Truth
Novel’s Ch 2: “Journey” by Mary Bridges
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Lovers Call and What's It to You?
Two Poems by Arika Elizenberry
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Bodies Beneath Us
Short Story by Curtis Garcia
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Most Assuredly Not and My Last Will & Testament
Two Poems by Kassity Higgins
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Angel in the Afternoon
Short Story by Robert Houston
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Madrina Rita
Short Story by Monserrat Martinez
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Estoque
Short Story - Enrique Meza
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All at Once, Senses, and Purple Hearts
Three Poems by Francé Terredanio