Unlocking the Magic is a forthcoming anthology, fully funded on Kickstarter, that seeks to give an honest and compassionate portrayal of mental illness, through the lens of fantasy short stories.

The project was fully funded by over 340 backers, raising $10,472.

That means they’ll be able to pay $300 per short story, plus royalties.

According to their submission guidelines:

In fantasy, we read about how people with mental illness are more susceptible to magic, closer to breaks in reality, more likely to be able to see the unseen. These stereotypes are harmful and contribute to keeping people from seeing the good in getting help, taking their meds, or talking to someone.

This anthology is about changing the narrative and telling stories of strength and perseverance, of getting help despite the darkness. Not the myth that getting help will kill creativity and magic. Not the story our society tells about mentally ill people: that art and magic must come from suffering.

I want stories that show what can be accomplished when we take care of ourselves and seek help. I want stories that show the reality of being mentally ill within a fantasy setting. I want to see how mental illness and its treatment affects the magic that lies within all of us. I want to read realistic portrayals of mental illness in magical worlds.

The deadline for submitting your entry is coming up quickly — November 1st, 2018.

To learn more, please read the submission guidelines.