The Pearl

02/09/2023

17/08/2023

A little bonus reading today. Check out these two stories from our upcoming project, Lawless.

Full book to be released January 18, 2024. Interested writers should apply now!

Check out the sample stories for the Lawless Project!

16/08/2023

Parents, looking for something good for your teen reader?

Look no further. Good clean fun that's actually...well, good. 👇👇👇

ONE MISTAKE. TWO EMPIRES. COUNTLESS SECRETS. Amelia’s peaceful life as a librarian is cut short when she and her older brother Leon are sent on an errand to Eldnaire, the capital city of the vicious Vilnarian Empire. After witnessing a crime carried out in the woods, Amelia and Leon enter the cap....

15/08/2023

The sky is crying. So am I.

The rain drowns the small blue flower in my hands. I let the petals wash away, one by one.

I stare at the brown heap in front of me, praying that my father will jump out from the dirt and hold me safe.

He ain’t even breathing, I remind myself. How could he stand and hold you?
——————
This week we have a story by Madison Esshaki, the winner of The Company's Spring Writing Contest!

Madison's prize-winning historical fiction story "Look Alive" is now out on The Pearl. Click the link below to read the full story!

The sky is crying. So am I. The rain drowns the small blue flower in my hands. I let the petals wash away, one by one.

09/08/2023

Time to celebrate!

ONE MISTAKE. TWO EMPIRES. COUNTLESS SECRETS. Amelia’s peaceful life as a librarian is cut short when she and her older brother Leon are sent on an errand to Eldnaire, the capital city of the vicious Vilnarian Empire. After witnessing a crime carried out in the woods, Amelia and Leon enter the cap....

09/08/2023

The Librarian's Ruse is the #1 new release in YA Christian fantasy on Amazon.

Grab a copy for a teen reader in your life, and help propel this debut author to the top of the list.

ONE MISTAKE. TWO EMPIRES. COUNTLESS SECRETS. Amelia’s peaceful life as a librarian is cut short when she and her older brother Leon are sent on an errand to Eldnaire, the capital city of the vicious Vilnarian Empire. After witnessing a crime carried out in the woods, Amelia and Leon enter ...

09/08/2023

Mandy took a sip of her coffee, holding the cup in front of her with both hands. “What prompted you to come today?” Cathy’s mouth opened. She stared at Mandy a moment before swallowing. “You know why I’m here. My mother demanded it.” --- Cathy has a decis...

08/08/2023

Short stories too short? How about we bump it up to a novella?

The Librarian's Ruse by Thirzah is available now! Grab your copy of this wonderful YA fantasy adventure.

We know you love our short stories. Ready for something book-length? We’ll make it easy: how about a novella? The Librarian’s Ruse, by Thirzah, is now available from retailers worldwide. Find it on Amazon here. ONE MISTAKE. TWO EMPIRES. COUNTLESS SECRETS. Amelia’s peaceful life as a librarian ...

17/07/2023

Did you know that The Pearl is open for submissions?

Have a short story, essay, or poem that you'd like to share? Submit today. There are no fees or funny business.

Have a short story, essay, or poem sitting around? Let's bring it into the sunshine.

07/06/2023

It’s all wrong. Jeremy balls his hand into a fist but doesn’t dare raise it.

Mikey stomps away from Mom, hugging an armload of Richard Scarry’s Busytown books. “I wanna KEEP them!”

Stomps are building up in Jeremy too, but he grits his teeth instead.

Mom’s right. Mikey behaved better when Dad was around. Then Mom never looked this tired. Too tired for two boys with attitude.

——————

This week on The Pearl we have a heart-touching story called "Ask The Stars" by J. Bea Wilson.

Click the link to read the full story!

It’s all wrong. Jeremy balls his hand into a fist but doesn’t dare raise it. Mikey stomps away from Mom, hugging an armload of Richard Scarry’s Busytown books. “I wanna KEEP them!” Stomps are building up in Jeremy too, but he grits his teeth instead.

01/06/2023

Letters from a Cactus concerning Life, Love, and the object of speculation, Girl.

Dear Desk,

Today was big. I figured out the purpose of life.

SUNGLASSES.
——————
This week we have a humorous look on life given to us from the point of view of a cactus!

"The Cactus Epistles" by Abby Bales is now out on The Pearl.

Click the link to read the full story!

Letters from a Cactus concerning Life, Love, and the object of speculation, Girl. Dear Desk,Today was big. I figured out the purpose of life. SUNGLASSES.

04/05/2023

The House went on about the day’s upgrades while the man took his shower. He couldn’t imagine why this upgrade was any different from all the others and mostly ignored the lecture. By the time he climbed out of the shower, the House had finished its explanation, and the man had caught none of it but agreed to hearing all of it, if for no reason than to get the House to shut up.

——————

This week we have a riveting dystopian/sci-fi short story!

"The House" by Joe Graves is now out on The Pearl.

Click the link to read the full story!

The House went on about the day’s upgrades while the man took his shower. He couldn’t imagine why this upgrade was any different from all the others and mostly ignored the lecture. By the time he climbed out the shower, the House had finished its explanation, and the man had caught none of it bu...

26/04/2023

Dad and I sat on the edge of the rocky cliff next to the water. With our feet hanging in the cold water, we began to put our gear on.

My dad is obsessed with being in the water. My fondest memories as a kid were at the hotel pools. Dad became something else when he was submerged. He would torpedo from one end to the other, then walk on his hands back to the shallow end. He would float with his back facing up and my brother and I would pretend he was a boat dock. We’d see how many times we could jump off his back before he came up for air. Sometimes we couldn’t believe how long he’d stay under. We’d try to pull him up, convinced that he needed a breath.

——————

This week we have an inspiring new essay by Kyle Peters on The Pearl!

This essay is from Kyle Peters' latest book Every Bush Afire.

Click the link to read the full essay!

Dad and I sat on the edge of the rocky cliff next to the water. With our feet hanging in the cold water, we began to put our gear on. My dad is obsessed with being in the water.

30/03/2023

She paused, suspended in the depths of the sea. The clear water swirled around and faded into a light then dark blue that churned into the impending darkness below and beyond. There was nothingness around her, and nothingness below her, and even still nothingness above. Broken seashells scattered across the desolate ocean floor, buried in tiny granules of sand and rock.

——————

This week we have another short story in the fantasy genre!

"Nothingness" by Alli Prince is now out on The Pearl.

Click the link to read the full story!

She paused, suspended in the depths of the sea. The clear water swirled around and faded into a light then dark blue that churned into the impending darkness below and beyond.

22/03/2023

Fragile
Lurking in the mind’s shadows
Dormant seeds awaiting spring
Fraying, dimming at the edges
Like
A mouse fleeing a hawk
A decaying flower
A dream unraveling

This week we have a nostalgic poem by Celeste Ashley! Click the link below to read the full poem.

Fragile Lurking in the mind’s shadows Dormant seeds awaiting spring Fraying, dimming at the edges Like  A mouse fleeing a hawk  A decaying flower  A dream unraveling Like  Wind whipping where it will  Wandering willfully  Without asking leave Endlessly made Never unmade (Though sometim...

15/03/2023

I straighten, sucking in such a deep breath that it pushes against the beaded belt that squeezes my hips. If Father is going along with the prince’s commands, so must I. Prince Galephy cannot know or suspect that I will not be his bride tonight. Will father kill him and become a national hero? Will his soldiers swarm the castle and carry me away? Whatever happens, I must be calm and alert. I can’t run away again.

I can’t allow him to hurt anyone else.

“It is time, Lady Margaret.”

——————

This week we have an intriguing fantasy-esque piece of fiction!

"As He Says" by Lindsey Backen is now out on The Pearl.

Click the link to read the full story!

Prince Galephy cannot know or suspect that I will not be his bride tonight. Will father kill him and become a national hero? Will his soldiers swarm the castle and carry me away? Whatever happens, I must be calm and alert. I can’t run away again. I can’t allow him to hurt anyone else.

08/03/2023

Submissions are now open!

We're looking for stories, essays, and poetry that glorify the King but stretch the box of "Christian Literature." Have something we should look at? There's no cost to submit.

Learn more here and submit today:

Have a short story, essay, or poem sitting around? Let's bring it into the sunshine.

08/03/2023

"Rather than dream big, I think small. Rather than take a risk, I sit back, silenced by fear, like all the times I’ve talked myself down from my plans before even trying them, like when I was convinced I would take a solo trip across the country upon graduating high school, only to end up going a mere few states away. Am I the only one?"

---

Read this thought-provoking essay from Evie Albert, exclusively on The Pearl. Leave a comment on this post or share your thoughts on the full essay on our website.

What would happen if every Christian started to dream big, take risks, and live as if the sand were running out?

03/03/2023

For the hundredth time, I longed for land. I hardly cared whether it was the meandering river roads and elegant streets of our hometown or the boundless fields I pictured surrounding our future home. I only wanted solid rock beneath my feet.

——————

This week we have a story by Katya Keseman, the winner of The Company's Fall Writing Contest!

Katya's prize-winning story "American Seuel" is now out on The Pearl. Click the link to read the full story!

For the hundredth time, I longed for land. I hardly cared whether it was the meandering river roads and elegant streets of our hometown or the boundless fields I pictured surrounding our future home. I only wanted solid rock beneath my feet.

23/02/2023

I wonder how it feels to fly.

I wonder if it feels like when
I leapt into the blue expanse
above the lake, and hung there for
an instant, in-between the rise
and fall.
——————
This week we have a new reflective poem by Drake McDonald! Click the link to read the full poem.

I wonder if it feels like when I leapt into the blue expanse above the lake, and hung there for an instant, in-between the rise and fall.

17/02/2023

The bright meadow and green pasture vanished, replaced by a repulsive, violet-tinged darkness. Dry, lifeless grass crunched beneath my feet. Its color a sickly looking brown, shrouded in the same dark mauve as the rest of the landscape. Trees—or what used to be trees, lay scattered around this dark wasteland, bare and bleak.

I looked up and my breath faltered. In the sky above stood a sun, unlike any luminary I’d seen before. Its light—if you could call it that—glowed dim and unimpressive. A dark violet ring choked out what little sunlight that escaped. Surely this wasn’t my sun, and surely this wasn’t my world.

——————

Looking for a new short story to read?

This week we have a chilling new science fiction piece that you won't want to miss! "Home" by our managing editor, Thirzah Griffioen, is now out on The Pearl. Click the link to read the full story!

The bright meadow and green pasture vanished, replaced by a repulsive, violet-tinged darkness. Dry, lifeless grass crunched beneath my feet. Its color a sickly looking brown, shrouded in the same dark mauve as the rest of the landscape. Trees—or what used to be trees, lay scattered around this dar...

26/01/2023

Witch-King Dwyr turned his face to the sky.
Witch-King Dwyr was waiting to die.
Flurries of powder blew past his crowned head:
The dust of the land and the bones of the dead.
From his hill to the shores all the earth lay decayed,
The ripple of ruin from a last debt unpaid.

——————

This week we have an epic new poem by Matthew Sampson! Click the link to read the full poem.

Check out this epic poem by Matthew Sampson.

18/01/2023

Mandy took a sip of her coffee, holding the cup in front of her with both hands. “What prompted you to come today?”

Cathy’s mouth opened. She stared at Mandy a moment before swallowing. “You know why I’m here. My mother demanded it.”

---

Cathy has a decision to make. A decision that will determine her future—and could deepen or destroy her relationship with her mother.

This week we have an inspirational new short story by Eliza June Sapphire. Click the link below to read the full story!

Cathy left her office on the fifth floor of the Holloway Plaza building and pushed the down button on the elevator. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, waiting for the metal doors to open. Stepping inside, she pushed the button for floor three, where her mother—Evelyn Holloway—had...

11/01/2023

What if you could live your life in intimate conversation with God? What if you could really hear his voice and see him at work in supernatural ways while going about the everyday stuff of your normal life? Kyle was a Christian, but a functional deist. Even as a young pastor he was living his lif...

11/01/2023

Today we're releasing our first book to you!

What if you could live your life in intimate conversation with God? What if you could really hear his voice and see him at work in supernatural ways while going about the everyday stuff of your normal life?

Kyle was a Christian, but a functional deist. Even as a young pastor he was living his life as if God was distant and really not that interested. Then God broke through.

One step at a time, Kyle began to see himself as a loved son, to live in the real embrace of the Father’s heart, and to walk with the Spirit.

Kyle’s story shines a light on a pathway to hear and interact with God in the midst of the mountains, valleys, and even the mundane moments of everyday life. His story will show you the way to a naturally supernatural walk with God, and the path begins right where you are.

Grab your copy on Amazon now:

What if you could live your life in intimate conversation with God? What if you could really hear his voice and see him at work in supernatural ways while going about the everyday stuff of your normal life? Kyle was a Christian, but a functional deist. Even as a young pastor he was living his lif...

09/12/2022

New original fiction from Anna Garner this week! Find the full version of this story exclusively on The Pearl!

"Moss cushioned Caligo’s cheek, enveloped his arms, caressed his body and feet. Green, the moss was, and feather-soft, a more heavenly bed than any human hands could make. Deep, sweet smelling.

"Blood. The moss wanted blood."

Read the full version and share the link below:

A new original short story from Anna Garner. Read the complete version for free.

23/11/2022

"At the back of the room, the bunker’s most anomalous feature, a casket-shaped wood trunk seemed to be in the process of eating my partner Rhonda. As I cornered the square table between us, the spikey scent of cedar incensed the air that otherwise smelled stale and dusty."

New original fiction exclusively from The Pearl. Read "Of Tchotchkes and Spaghetti Loops" by Michelle Diehl.

Two apocalypse survivors explore an abandoned bunker:

Original fiction exclusively from "The Pearl". Two apocalypse survivors explore an abandoned bunker looking for sustenance.

17/11/2022

"The school was a conservative one, with a traditional Evangelical bent. Certain things were strictly forbidden among the student population. Dorms were separated by s*x, and the opposites of each were only allowed in to the other’s at certain times and with doors open and transparency for all. Resident Assistants paced hallways to make sure coeds were keeping room for the Holy Spirit between them. Drinking alcohol was prohibited even for students who were of age. Staff had to follow suit, because there was even a question of whether or not Jesus made real wine appear, or if it was just really good grape juice. A dress code was in place, and the biggest prohibition of all was dancing."

Read "That's Really Weird (for Jesus)" by Michael O'Donnell exclusively from The Pearl:

When I was in college there was a girl named Alicia who used to make a scene everywhere she went. She was animated and expressive, with shiny black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a gap-toothed grin. Alicia liked to try to make people feel seen and appreciated. She was loud when she talked, loud when....

04/11/2022

"Rays of sun strike the sapphire surface
Pushing, breaking through
Warmth blends with the cold current
Like an artist creating colors"

This week we're launching some poetry. Check out this gem from our managing editor, Thirzah!

Beneath the unbroken blue A crystal clear mirror Reflecting and refracting the glaring sunlight Rays of sun strike the sapphire surface Pushing, breaking through Warmth blends with the cold current Like an artist creating colors Now a breeze blows over the water The surface starts to ripple, stagger...

20/10/2022

"I am the beast, and he is my boy. A young, cruel boy with a smashed-glass smile. We are hunting tonight, because he is hungry.

"There is a strip of asphalt outside the town; it is our hunting ground, straight as an arrow and black as night. We idle beneath the only light. It slips from red to green to yellow and back again. We wait, but not for long."

Read the full version of "Stalled Out" by Jenni Meade, from the The Pearl.

This creative story will make you feel in a way like you won't expect. Let yourself be moved.

Read the full version of "Stalled Out" by Jenni Meade, winner of the "Kingdoms at War" writing contest.

14/10/2022

"I curled up in the passenger seat of my latest foster parent’s car, my head buried in my arms. Just waiting for Ella to get in the car and take me as far away from school and all traces of my latest anger outburst as fast as possible."

Read "Dandelions" by Emily Gwaltney, exclusively from The Pearl.

I curled up in the passenger seat of my latest foster parent’s car, my head buried in my arms. Just waiting for Ella to get in the car and take me as far away from school and all traces of my latest anger outburst as fast as possible. The driver’s door clicked open and Ella […]

12/10/2022

"Hers was a quiet beauty. She called no attention to herself. Her dark eyes seemed to take in everything at once. Everything from the trash on the corners of the streets down to the bright spots on a firebug’s wing as it lazily drifted by on the ashy breeze. She saw everything. Everything. She saw me. Me."

Don't miss this amazing short story by Abby Bales.

“For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” John 6.33-34 Sonia. Sonia. My beautiful Sonia. How I loved Sonia. How I miss her. Will you let me tell you about Sonia? Close your eyes and breathe,...

04/10/2022

Sandra Collins gazed up at the ship’s bow, unsure whether this was a good idea or not. Two women dressed in sailor’s garb walked by carrying a large wooden trunk between them. Multiple voices echoed across the dock causing Sandra’s nerves to raise even more. She took a deep breath before taking a step towards a woman in a red overcoat who was barking orders.

“Maria! The coffee isn’t going to load itself!” Her voice was loud above the din.

“Yes, Miss Dahlia.” A reply came from the group.

Sandra paused for a moment. The Dahlia woman noticed her before she could run away.

She pointed at Sandra. “You there! What business have you here?”

Sandra swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. The woman clenched her jaw then stalked to stand before Sandra...

---

Keep reading "New Hands on Deck" by Michaylah Malone at PearlMag.co.

Winner of the 2021 Fall Writing Contest from School of Kingdom Writers.

Sandra Collins gazed up at the ship’s bow, unsure whether this was a good idea or not. Two women dressed in sailor’s garb walked by carrying a large wooden trunk between them. Multiple voices echoed across the dock causing Sandra’s nerves to raise even more. She took a deep breath before takin...

29/09/2022

Every time after that, when Mama booted me outta the trailer, I headed straight to that cemetery. I sure loved how the leaves rustled around me like whispers while I plucked moss from the old headstones. I liked being all by my lonesome. That was until one day when a voice said, “Well, hello there.”

---

Check out Shelley Jewell's story, "The Cemetery", winner of the Kingdom Writers Guild's Summer Writing Contest:

The winner of the 2022 Summer Flash Fiction Contest from the Kingdom Writers Guild.