About Moloch.ie

Moloch features art in different media, poetry and short prose. It will also contains collaborations between writers and artists with contributors finding inspiration in each other’s pieces, creating a conjunction between art and writing.

Submissions may be on any subject and in any style. Writers are invited to submit up to six poems and/or up to two short stories. Artists are invited to submit up to six pieces. Anyone interested in taking part in a collaboration - that is, writing a poem/short story inspired by another person’s art, or creating a new piece of art inspired by a poem/short story – should contact editor@moloch.ie.

Moloch provides a much-needed platform for art and writing to co-exist, for different art forms to enhance and inspire each other.

Moloch seeks variety. Many journals state that a person should read their journals to see what styles and topics they prefer. But in doing so a pattern emerges; one or two forms become favoured and are seen as having more literary merit, which results in writers concentrating on these favoured styles. This puts writing at a standstill - in order to be published one must write a certain way, but if we are all writing in the same manner how can we move forward and create new styles? Moloch includes polished gems side by side with more experimental pieces.

Moloch seeks depth and quality. Its title reflects the power of art and fiction. The god Moloch appeared in many forms, taking different names or demonic shapes. People believed that by sacrificing newborn babies to him they would receive better harvests and financial gain. By placing a child in the statue of Moloch and lighting the flames you could win your family a better life. Moloch is a story that altered the world around him, a myth that became reality in peoples’ minds, yielding very real consequences.

Poetry, short stories and art - like Moloch - reside somewhere between myth and reality. They are distorted truths that often appear more real than reality itself, with the power to make or break a society. Oppressive regimes have begun their rule with book burnings, recognizing the power a fictional tale can have to inspire a society or bring it to a point of self reflection. It is this kind of power that Moloch seeks. Submit to Moloch.

Background Notes

This is the second venture of this kind undertaken by Clodagh Moynan and Ailbhe Darcy. In spring 2006 they co-edited an intervarsity journal of art and writing, Watermarks, featuring work by students across Dublin, a sample of which can be found on http://watermarks.moloch.ie. Watermarks is available to buy in Anthology Books on Meetinghouse Square, Temple Bar, Dublin.