Symmetrical mirrored composition of ornate classical statuary framed by dark trees, with muted earthy greens and browns creating a dreamlike, contemplative atmosphere.

Pushcart Prize Nominees

The Parliament Literary Journal is honored to have nominated outstanding contributors for the Pushcart Prize — one of the most celebrated honors in small-press publishing. Below are the writers and works recognized across our nomination cycles.

2021 Nominees

Rachel Sempel

"Gag Gifts I Sell Myself"

A sharp and inventive piece nominated for the 2021 Pushcart Prize.

Stephen Kingsnorth

"Ctl X, Ctl V"

A formally daring work exploring memory and erasure, recognized in the 2021 cycle.

Caitlin McKenna

"Brittle Bones"

A delicate and powerful piece nominated for the 2021 Pushcart Prize.

Riley Winchester

"Take 5 Swirl"

A vivid and rhythmic work honored in the 2021 nomination cycle.

Madari Pendas

"Peluda"

A striking and textured piece recognized among the 2021 nominees.

Michael Brockley

"Buddy Bench Dedication"

A moving work of memory and place, nominated for the 2021 Pushcart Prize.

2023 Nominees

Nikki Gonzalez

Nominated Work

Recognized in the 2023 Pushcart Prize nomination cycle.

Eddie Brophy

Nominated Work

Honored among the 2023 Pushcart Prize nominees from The Parliament.

Scott Brustein

"Night time NYC"

Artwork featured in the Art-Inspired Contest and recognized in the 2023 cycle.

John Sexton

Nominated Work

A contributor whose work earned a 2023 Pushcart Prize nomination.

Christine Diane Allen

Nominated Work

Recognized among the 2023 Pushcart Prize nominees.

J.R. Solonche

Nominated Work

Professor Emeritus and poet, honored with a 2023 Pushcart Prize nomination.

Explore more nominated and published work in our Archives and Current Issue. The Parliament continues to champion voices at the intersection of literature and psychology.

The Parliament Literary Journal celebrates the art of the written word by honoring those works that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Each nominated piece represents a careful selection from our ongoing commitment to publishing exceptional prose, poetry, and creative nonfiction. These works stand as testaments to the power of language to illuminate the human condition, exploring themes of ecstasy and despair, triumph and struggle. Our editorial team reads thousands of submissions each year, seeking out voices that offer fresh perspectives and emotional depth. Being named among our nominees places a writer within a tradition of excellence that spans our entire archive of published issues.

Literature and psychology share a profound connection, one that our journal actively explores through the works we publish and nominate for recognition. The stories and poems featured in our pages often delve into the complexities of the mind, examining how memory, trauma, joy, and longing shape our experiences. This intersection allows readers to encounter narratives that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels. Our nominated works frequently demonstrate how psychological insight can elevate storytelling, creating pieces that linger in the reader's consciousness long after the final page. We believe that the most powerful writing emerges from this fertile ground between inner life and outward expression.

Our nomination process reflects a dedication to discovering and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. We seek submissions from writers and artists across the globe, valuing diversity of experience and perspective above all. Each issue of The Parliament is carefully curated to present a cohesive yet varied collection of works that speak to one another across themes and styles. The nominated pieces represent the very best of what we have published, chosen for their originality, craft, and emotional resonance. We take pride in introducing our readers to authors who are shaping the future of contemporary literature.

The archive of our past issues serves as a living record of literary evolution, showcasing how writers have grappled with timeless questions through ever-changing forms. Readers who explore our back catalog will discover a rich tapestry of voices, from emerging talents to established authors, all united by a commitment to artistic excellence. Each issue builds upon the last, creating a conversation that spans years and continents. Our nominated works join this ongoing dialogue, contributing to a legacy of thoughtful, provocative writing. We invite readers to delve into these pages and find inspiration in the diverse perspectives we have been privileged to publish.

Support for the literary arts remains at the heart of our mission at The Parliament. We believe that great writing has the power to transform individuals and communities, fostering empathy and understanding across cultural divides. Our nominated authors represent the vanguard of this transformative work, crafting pieces that challenge assumptions and open new ways of seeing the world. Through our journal, we provide a platform for these vital voices to reach an audience of engaged readers. We remain committed to the belief that literature, at its best, is both a mirror and a window, reflecting our own experiences while offering glimpses into lives and worlds beyond our own.