Narratively

27/06/2025

Sixteen years after going to prison, Kwaneta Harris tells her 13-year-old self everything she wished she knew sooner. About the regrettable actions she’ll take and where they will lead her — and also about the redemption she will experience and the light she’ll eventually find in the deep, deep darkness. Tissues required for this one.

Illustration by Julie Benbassat.

Note: This piece is part of a larger collection of letters from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people to their younger selves. Dear Teenage Me: Voices From Beyond the Barbed Wire is edited by Christopher Blackwell, Deborah Zalesne and Jamie Beth Cohen, and is currently seeking representation.

18/06/2025

We have some exciting news: We have launched a new site! Narratively Academy is a space for writers to sharpen their craft, connect with peers, access top-tier experts and publishing opportunities, and develop all the tools they need to pursue their storytelling dreams. Head over to see what we're all about and join in on the fun. And please join our (virtual) launch party today at 1 p.m. ET on Zoom. Click below for details!

We're so happy to have you here. Here's a look at everything we have on tap at Narratively Academy.

30/05/2025

Matt W. Miller was a green professor teaching writing to incarcerated students when he met a young man who was an excellent student — and was also serving time for a horrific crime. In this week’s feature, a 2024 Narratively Memoir Prize finalist, Matt reflects on his time teaching James, their profound conversations about literature and how he feels about his actions in hindsight.

Head to the link in our bio to read this captivating story.

16/05/2025

In the early ’80s, there was a series of mysterious infant deaths at a well-renowned Toronto hospital — and no one could explain why. Journalist Leigh Kamping-Carder set out to uncover the truth.
This week’s feature, the last in our Heart of the Matter series, a collab with Creative Nonfiction, follows Leigh’s investigation into the story and the reason she was interested in telling it in the first place — she was once a patient at the very same hospital.

Click the link in our bio to dive deep into Leigh’s story.

13/05/2025

Ever gone down a research rabbit hole trying to uncover the life of someone mysterious and extraordinary? In our latest StoryCraft piece, Michelle Young walks us through her deep (deep!) dive into the archives to uncover the untold story of Rose Valland. Rose was a le***an Resistance spy and art historian who helped dismantle the Nazis’ massive art looting operation in World War II France.

Michelle’s new book, “The Art Spy,” which is out today, reveals the hidden legacy of one of history’s most daring heroines.

Tap the link in bio to read Michelle’s journey on getting there — and how you can get there, too.

08/05/2025

Next week! Click the link in our bio to sign up.

06/05/2025

ICYMI: Last week we introduced you to Romeo Uncaged — the only legal cis male s*x worker in America. His story is raw, rare and now free to read for one week only. Don’t miss your chance to dive in!

Find the link in our bio.

02/05/2025

In collaboration with Creative Nonfiction, we are over-the-moon excited to share another new story for our ongoing series, Heart of the Matter. In it, Dr. Bartley Griffith shares the miraculous journey he went on with a very sick patient that led to the world’s first pig-to-human heart transplant.

30/04/2025

Here, here: A reminder that there’s now only one day left to submit to the Narratively x Belletrist True Romance Prize. If your love story is still waiting in drafts, now’s the time to polish it up and send it in!

Click the link in our bio to learn how to submit — and have the chance for Hollywood actor Emma Roberts to read your love story — before it’s too late!

28/04/2025

We’re down to the wire with only 3 DAYS LEFT to submit your essay about lovvve to the Narratively x Belletrist True Romance Prize! Get to typing, because Emma Roberts (yup, that one!) and Karah Preiss can’t wait to read your love stories.

Head to the link in our bio to learn more on how to enter.

25/04/2025

In the quiet town of Wells, NV, one male s*x worker is challenging the stigma around his profession — and redefining what it means to sell intimacy, on his own terms. Former Marine and professional judo competitor, Christopher Metzgar gives us a look into his life as the only legal male s*x worker in the U.S.

Head to the link in our bio to read this story and share with friends.

24/04/2025

ICYMI: You’ve got just one week left to submit to our Narratively x Belletrist True Romance Writing Prize — and actor Emma Roberts and producer Karah Preiss can’t wait to read what you share!

In the words of Emma Roberts herself: “I’m so excited to read your love stories, from the utterly bizarre to the sweetest meet-cutes. ... Leave no love story unturned.”

Head to the link in our bio to read more about the contest and to enter.