Deadline for all Content Call to be considered for print is Sunday, 2nd of February 2025 unless otherwise stated.
Please reach out to the respective section emails or leave a comment below to claim a prompt. The prompts are simply guidelines, if you have other ideas that relates for the theme, you can of course still reach out and pitch your articles!
Features — features@palatinate.org.uk
Hi Contributors!! We hope you’ve all come back well-rested after the weekend and are ready for another Features Content Call. As always, please remember that we always love to read your own article pitches. Please do send anything that you think fits with the reflective nature of our section through to us!
The next edition of Indigo will focus on Valentines’ Day, and in line with this, we are planning to do a multiple-contributor piece exploring different, alternate approaches towards the celebration, and discussing what Valentines’ Day means to them. We want to move beyond the basic narrative of the day being solely a romantic one, so we’re really interested in reading how you feel about this notion, and how you personally interact with it! Here’s some ideas and prompts to get you started:
Alternate forms of love – be it platonic, familial or love for your community, love often isn’t seen solely in terms of the romantic element. How do you feel about this notion? Do you agree, or do you feel that the romantic component of love could actually be broken up and viewed in different lights? Do you think it’s more complex than usually presented? Whatever your views on the matter, this prompt should talk about the sorts of love that usually don’t dominate accounts of Valentines’ Day.
Love in broad terms – romantic relationships and relationships in general aren’t the sole way through which we can view love. Kindness and empathy are also important forms of love, and help to spread happiness to those who might feel a bit down at times. What acts of compassion help you to stay positive? Or, what fleeting moments of Valentines’ Day kindness have stuck with you? This prompt should aim to look at love not just in terms of love between acquaintances!
The emotional side of Valentines’ Day – Valentines’ Day isn’t just about romance, or even love; there could also be an element of emotional authenticity that you could discuss. Does the celebration make you reflect on your feelings, and have you been truer to yourself as a result of it? Or has Valentines’ Day been a time when emotions have run high for you? This prompt could explore Valentines’ Day not only in terms of how people discuss emotions, but also in terms of elements like loneliness that the celebrations can often provoke.
The changing conception of Valentines’ Day and love – for many, Valentines’ Day is no longer just about loving, long-term relationships between men and women. Do you think the way the celebration is treated has changed, and why? This prompt could explore not only reflections on Valentines’ Day from a standpoint of sexuality and gender, but also in terms of cultural approaches towards the celebration in general.
Of course, if you’ve got a thought-out idea that still fits the boundaries of this content call, you don’t necessarily have to use these prompts. We’re always interested in publishing your own viewpoints. Pieces should ideally all be between 250 and 300 words long and should include a title as well!! Happy writing!!!
Film & TV — film@palatinate.org.uk
Here are a couple of prompts relevant to the Valentine’s theme for this print issue, but feel free to email us to pitch any of your own ideas (for the Valentine’s print or in general)! Please email the finished article as a Word document to film@palatinate.org.uk by the deadline.
Aroace Representation in Film & TV: The aroace community is one that does not get nearly enough representation on screen, yet there are still some mature, iconic films/shows that portray characters on the ace spectrum—Bojack Horseman, for one, and the recently released Lithuanian film Slow. Strong, independent characters who resist conventional romantic or sexual relationships (e.g. the Disney princesses Merida and Elsa!) have also often been interpreted as aroace-coded. In this (anti-?)Valentine’s print, we would love to hear from the community about their thoughts on aroace rep in one or several films/shows.
Celebrating Love: Following on from prompt 1, this Valentine’s issue is also about celebrating love of all kinds—LGBTQ+, friendship, family, kindness between strangers. Feel free to write on any films or shows that heartwarmingly portray the relationships we can form with other people. We’d also be particularly interested in hearing about how love and relationships (e.g. LGBTQ+, familial) can manifest differently in different cultures.
Valentine’s Classics: Finally, we’d like to hear about your favourite romance picks to watch around Valentine’s, regardless of whether you’re sharing them with a partner or a friend. If some of these films/shows seem cliché or overplayed, what has contributed to their broad and enduring appeal?
Ongoing Series
Comment what example you’d like to focus on when requesting one of these articles!
The Indigo Canon: What film or television feature/series do you think deserves to be labelled as a ‘classic’? We’re open to multiple pitches for this series, just say which show/film you’d want to discuss in the comments!
Must-Watch Docs: This is an ongoing series that gives you the opportunity to write about a documentary that has impacted you. Whether it’s about the environment, social issues, history of art… you name it, we want to hear what you think about it!
Director/Actor Spotlight: Is there a particular director/actor you think deserves some recognition or has had a particularly interesting career?
‘Being seen on screen’: which films or TV series have you seen that have accurately depicted real life experiences that you relate to? For example, queer representation, racial inequalities, life as a young person etc. How have these helped you understand communities/identities?
Again, if you have any other ideas feel free to contact us at film@palatinate.org.uk
Happy Writing!!
Food and Drink — food@palatinate.org.uk
This Valentine’s Day, we suggest you explore the topic of aphrodisiac foods. Delve into the history and allure of ingredients like oysters, chocolate, and strawberries, and discover simple ways to incorporate them into your Valentine’s dinner. These sensual foods have long been associated with romance, making them perfect for setting the mood.
For those celebrating love in its platonic form, we suggest turning your attention to Palentine’s Day—a celebration of friendship. From creative dinner party ideas to building a cocktail station, this feature will help you plan a heartwarming evening with your closest friends.
If you’re hoping to impress your significant other, we suggest exploring easy ways to shine in the kitchen. With foolproof recipes and tips for crafting a delicious menu, this section will inspire confidence and make your Valentine’s dinner unforgettable.
Finally, we suggest taking a step back and reflecting on capitalism and Valentine’s Day. Unpack the consumerist nature of the holiday, how it shapes expectations, and ways to celebrate love meaningfully without breaking the bank.
Creative Writing — creative.writing@palatinate.org.uk
Hello writers! For our next print edition on the theme of Valentine’s Day, we want to see your writing about love ♡
We know you must have a notes app romance poem or a love story stored up somewhere, and we want to see it. We love conventional romance writing, but the more unconventional work will catch our eye. Think about the love you share with your best friends or a place, a love that didn’t go well or a love that proves ‘love at first sight’ wrong. You can experiment with the form of a love letter, diary entry, sonnet… anything, just make us fall in love with your writing!
Please remember that the word count limit is 800 words. Feel free to send in any works you think relate to the theme in any way you interpret it by the deadline. If you’re not in love with this theme, you can send us writing at any time, in any theme or style, to be considered for online publication.
Music — music@palatinate.org.uk
Hi everyone! We hope you’re all well and are ticking through this summative season. We have some Valentines article ideas for this print’s content call, and also if you have any of your own valentines / valentines related ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email to pitch your ideas!
To be considered for print, please send us your articles by the 2nd February! All articles written will be proof-read, edited, and posted online, and one will be selected for print. Comment down below or email us at music@palatinate.org.uk to claim…
The Valentines playlist - a classic or a cliche? Write your own opinions on the yearly Valentines playlist’s sent our way by Spotify and Apple Music, positive or negative.
Palentines: Songs for your Pals this Valentines day - Create the perfect playlist for your pal-entines celebrations, uplifting songs about friendship and enjoying each other’s company this valentines season.
A definitive ranking of all the songs titled after ‘Valentines’ day - we’re thinking about Laufey, Inhaler, Fiona Apple, and Suki Waterhouse’s ‘Valentine’s, Bowie and Linkin Park’s ‘Valentin’s Day’ - there are surprisingly numerous valentines titled songs out there, so feel free to go through yourself and pick out what to include!
Additionally, some more general ideas to claim for online publication…
A review of The Weeknd’s upcoming album “Hurry up Tomorrow” which will be out later this week (31st January)
We have been contacted with opportunities to review KAWALA and Day Fever’s upcoming February Newcastle gigs if anybody is interested in these (please contact us regarding further details).
Again, any other article pitches - Valentines or other - can be sent to our email!! Happy writing!
Visual Arts — visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk
For this Valentine's edition, we are looking for a piece inspired by one of these prompts (any other ideas are welcome, of course):
Celebrating Friendship - explore friendships between famous artists and how they impacted each other's work (for example, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat)
TAKEN - Tracey Emin - Emin’s work is uninhibited in the way it reflects her personal life. From iconically candid work like 'My Bed' to touching and sentimental LED works such as the sculpture which adorns St Pancras Station, saying 'I want my time with you', write about Emin's presentation of intimacy and love.
Courtly Love - Dive into depictions of love in the medieval world, either medieval depictions or more recent reimaginings - medieval manuscripts contain some fantastic depictions of courtly love and the Pre-Raphaelite painters were inspired by medieval art and literature.
Anti-Love Art - Linder Sterling is known for cutting up women's fashion magazines to subvert gender roles. In one work, a photo of a couple embracing is reworked with a fork sticking through the woman's eyes... Explore an artist with rebellious attitudes towards love!
The Great Loves of Artists - Whether it's David Hockney and his beloved sausage dogs, Yayoi Kusama and polka dots, Yves Klein and the colour blue, artists are infatuated with certain symbols, objects, colours or muses. Explore an artist and their great love.
The Loneliness Epidemic - Think of an artwork or an artist that depicts loneliness. Alternatively, think of a depiction of community. Perhaps Edward Hopper's scenes embody solitude most poignantly to you, or Gillian Wearing's street photography series (you may be familiar with the photograph of man holding a sign which says 'I'm desperate'). Present what you believe to be the most successful depiction of loneliness or community in visual art.
Please send your articles to visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk. Articles should be 650-800 words.
Books — books@palatinate.org.uk
Hi everyone
We hope everyone’s had a good start to the term!
In anticipation of the next print, here are a list of article prompts that might stir up some romantic (or non-romantic!) interest, and we’d love to hear of any other ideas you might have for this print. Think classic romance, anti-Valentines, Galantines…
Each article should be 750-850 words, and due by 2/02/2025 at the latest.
As always, comment or email books@palatinate.org.uk to claim a piece, or if you have any questions or other ideas you’d like to pass by us
Friendship and platonic love in literature — Which are your favourite novels that portray platonic love? You might think about Bridget Jones and the “singleton” life in amongst your closest friends, or perhaps Dolly Alderton’s Everything I know about love and the importance of friendship in the rocky realm of relationships and dating.
TAKEN (available for multiple literary couples!) - The appeal of classic romance novels and literary couples — I’m referring in particular to Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy for this one… (although there are many to choose from!) Consider how these couples are portrayed in literature, why they resonate with readers so much, and how they may differ from depictions of modern romance.
Anti-Valentine novels/books — Discuss a book that explores non-traditional notions of love and romance. Think of doomed love, tragic romance, unfulfilled devotion.
Unmarried literary authors — Explore the literary career of an author who never married, an idea could be thinking about Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott. As an unmarried author, how could this have influenced the types of romance and love they chose to portray in their books?
Books love,
Emily and Gwen
Style — style@palatinate.org.uk
Hi all Style contributors, we’re Bel and Indigo, your new Style Editors for Indigo! We’re really excited to announce this print editions theme - Valentines day!
Like always, if you have any ideas for articles you’d like to write along the lines of Valentines Day (for the print edition or online), you can email us at style@palatinate.org.uk.
If you’d like some inspiration for the print edition:
TAKEN Think iconic fashion moments in our favourite rom coms, whether it’s breaking down the unforgettable outfits of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Meg Ryan in when Harry met Sally. How is love portrayed through style? Think about how this changes and develops through storylines. And perhaps give tips on how to channel rom-com chic for your next date night!
TAKEN Love in every stitch: consider the romantic visions of various designers. (Pierpaolo Picciolo, Simone Rocha, Alexander Mcqueen etc..) Explore how designers portray the essence of romance through their designs, bridging the gap between fashion and emotion. Consider design as storytelling, modern muses and some signature style moments.
Anti Valentines- think Bridget Jones, think female friendships in Sex and the City. Valentines isn’t all about romantic love! How can people dress confidently and explore themselves without a romantic partner. Drew Barrymore is a perfect example of this, explore her iconic style!
Please email in or comment below if you’d like to claim any articles above. If you have any broader ideas for an article you’d like to write for us, please do email in and pitch it to us- we’d love to hear from you!
Travel — travel@palatinate.org.uk
Hi everyone!
The next edition of Indigo focuses on Valentine's, but with a non-traditional twist. Think anti-Valentine's inspired pieces, or consider non-romantic relationships. We have left some ideas below to inspire you, but as always feel free to email us with a pitch at travel@palatinate.org.uk
Content call prompts:
What’s your dream galentines day trip? Drop an itinerary for you and your besties.
Where can you travel to if you want to avoid couples? Leave some joking advice.
Solo trips! The art of self-love and exploration: write about a place you'd love to explore (or have already), completely by yourself.
Unromantic destinations. Belgorod, Russia banned Valentine's Day in 2011 - what other destinations are the least romantic this holiday?
Surviving a breakup: booking a holiday in a relationship, then breaking up before the holiday comes around is a tale as old as time. What tips can you give travellers in this predicament? Should they hack the holiday? How do they negotiate who takes a friend instead?
Happy writing ...
Stage — stage@palatinate.org.uk
We are looking for a reviewer for online publication, to review Martyr’s Shrine by Yoghurt Theatre Company in Assembly Rooms Theatre on Thursday 30th January at 7:30pm.
Please get in touch if you are interested!
Interview — indigo.interview@palatinate.org.uk
The Interview section is looking for contributors for the Valentines print! Please find below some prompts/suggestions for interviewees, or feel free to share your own ideas with us!
We think it’s important that this print does not solely focus on romantic relationships, so any interviews focussing on familial or platonic relationships are more than welcome! If you think you’d like to be interviewed for the print, please let us know!
Those with advice to share about familial relationships - perhaps you know someone with experience/knowledge about mother-daughter, sibling, romantic or platonic relationships?
Students writing their dissertations about relationships of all kinds.
Any societies that focus on love and relationships, and perhaps how these relationships affect identity.
Local restaurants/businesses to visit for Valentines/Galentines dates - do you have a favourite local date-night/hangout spot? We’re looking for contributors to speak to local businesses, asking them about their experiences of Valentine's Day in Durham.
As always, send your suggestions to indigo.interview@palatinate.org.uk! We look forward to hearing from you!
Image credit: Hayleigh McLean
Hi can I take the one about alternate forms of love?
Could I do the prompt about the changing conception of Valentines day and love, or The Great Loves of Artists