Products of messy minds wanted for book project

Danielle Provencher and Soheila Homayed have been best friends for more than half their lives. They bonded over literacy and deep conversations as nine-year-olds attending Carl A. Nesbitt Public School.

The two young women, now both aged 19, have teamed up on a project that very much echoes the roots of their friendship.

They're planning to come out with a self-published book this fall entitled "Messy Minds," featuring art, photography, stories, poetry, essays, handwritten quotes, late-night thoughts, unsent letters or weird theories.

“There's a lot of stigma placed in our society on opening up your thoughts, feelings, fears and dreams,” said Provencher, who's entering Cambrian College's graphic design program this fall, and will design the book.

“But we all have messy minds, and we want to artistically celebrate and compile all of these deep thoughts through an artistic outlet.”

Before they can publish "Messy Minds," though, they need submissions.

You don't have to be a professional writer or artist to be included in this book — they're looking for messy, passionate and honest work. People can publish under their real names or remain anonymous — it's up to you.

“It's actually cool,” said Homayed, who's entering her third year of studies in International Development and Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, and who aspires to be a physician.

“I've gotten a lot of people submit stuff who I had no idea even wrote. That's kind of the goal — to get people who are wallflowers to publish who they really are and what they want to say.”

To make a submission, email your work to [email protected]. Learn more at www.messymindsproject.com.