Yellow Arrow Publishing Blog

Kapua Iao 4/28/26 Kapua Iao 4/28/26

Meet a Staff Member: Sydney Alexander

This year, a publications fellowship was created at Yellow Arrow Publishing to give a woman-identifying creative the opportunity to experience how a publishing company runs. We are grateful to everyone who applied and interviewed for the position and are excited to introduce Sydney Alexander, our inaugural publications fellow. Sydney grew up in the Baltimore area and graduated from Middlebury College with a joint degree in English and geography. At Yellow Arrow, she previously served as an intern, an editorial associate, and a reader. She has also worked at New England Review and Galiot Press.

Sydney says, “It’s really special to be able to look at Yellow Arrow’s bookshop and remember each of the publications I worked on, knowing that I was able to contribute to putting something so tangible together. I’m excited to work on Yellow Arrow’s forthcoming publications and meet all the new authors.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I recently graduated from Middlebury College and will be moving to New York City at the end of the summer.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

I love the bookstores of Baltimore. Atomic Books in Hampden and Greedy Reads in Fells Point are my two favorites, and I love that they curate weirder, more experimental fiction than your typical bookstore. I feel like this speaks to Baltimore’s sort of alternative scene and the way that weird art thrives here, which is my favorite kind!

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

The summer after my freshman year of college, I interned at Yellow Arrow, where I was first introduced to its many publications, authors, and staff members. At the end of my internship, I joined the staff as a reader and editorial associate and stayed for several years. I’m excited to be back as the inaugural publications fellow, and I look forward to the administrative and logistical experience it’ll bring. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of a literary magazine and publisher, and I’m excited to contribute! I think Yellow Arrow’s devotion to its mission of uplifting women writers is really meaningful, and I love how it connects me to Baltimore’s literary community.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working on a collection of magical realist short stories.

What genre do you write and/or read the most and why?

I love speculative fiction and magical realism. I don’t know why, but I love reading weird, magical books. Some of my favorite authors include Karen Russell and Carmen Maria Machado. I also love really winding, beautiful prose, like what Joyce Carol Oates and Janet Fitch write.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading? ‍

When I was in elementary school, my dad got me to read a lot of high fantasy classics: The Belgariad, The Once and Future King, Firebrand, you name it. I don’t really read much high fantasy anymore, but I remember those as being really formative. I also read tons of comics: Gunnerkrigg Court, Bone, and Calvin and Hobbes, to name a few. I think all these together developed my love for weird, speculative lit.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I just picked up Little Nothing by Marisa Silver at Greedy Reads the other day. I had never heard of it before, but when I saw it on the shelf I was really drawn to the cover.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

My family, my friends, and my college professors.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

Somewhere with either a view of trees or a view of a city skyline, but preferably trees. I’ve also been collecting postcards and bookmarks over the years, and I also often find inspiration in having those up on my walls around my desk. Otherwise, somewhere near windows that let in a lot of natural light.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Read a lot. Watch movies and television. Read the news. Strike up conversations with random people and learn about their lives. Be open to the world. There is so much to be gained from engaging with art and with people. Otherwise, follow your natural interests wherever they may lead you.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

My vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026 is to continue growing and uplifting the voices of women writers.

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we LUMINATE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 4/18/26 Kapua Iao 4/18/26

Meet a Staff Member: Arrieonna Derricoatte

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Arrieonna Derricoatte (she/her), a reader. Arrieonna is currently a candidate for a master’s in public administration at Ohio State University. She holds a bachelor’s in English with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, and literacy and minors in human rights and professional writing. She is passionate about reading and community-building around arts, education, and policy. Arrieonna has been on the editorial team for Yellow Arrow Journal, Vol. X, No. 1, UNFURL (spring 2025), and Urban Arts Space’s first issue of the arts publication Artist Commune Journal. After school, she hopes to further her career in nonprofit administration and policymaking while seeking a career in publishing. She can be found on Instagram @arrieonnaderricoatte.

Arrieonna says, “I look forward to reading incredible pieces by women writers and being a part of a space that uplifts us. The women at YAP really care about working in the community as authors, writers, and listeners.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I am the oldest of seven siblings and that is a core part of my identity and experience.

What do you love most about where you live?

The thing I love most about Columbus, Ohio, is its very strong art community. There are many organizations there that are dedicated to Black and Brown artists.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

I was a program management intern at Yellow Arrow in the spring of 2025. I was part of the editorial team for a publication at the time and am excited to continue to be a part of the team as a reader.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on research related to taxes and budgets in the state of Ohio and exploring progressive taxes that are more equitable for learnable communities.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

Outside of research papers for grad school, I write poetry in my spare time. I am working on an archival project using docupoetics to preserve community memory. I read historical fiction most often because I appreciate the way prose and literary language can be used to emphasize themes and movements in a particular time.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I always enjoyed group reading in primary school, but I was drawn back into reading through various fan fiction and self-publishing platforms. I would be up reading ‘til four in the morning some nights.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

A book that would be at the top of my to-be-read list would be This Lovely City (2020) by Louise Hare, a historical fiction novel set in 1950s London, following Jamaican immigrant and jazz musician Lawrie Matthews as he navigates post-war life, love, and prejudice after arriving in London on the HMT Empire Windrush.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

My close friends who know I write, my teachers, and other women writers in my community.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

If I could have a workspace anywhere, it would be in London, in a public library in Brixton. I spent a lot of time there when I studied abroad. I could stretch my legs in Brockwell Park whenever I needed to.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Giving yourself grace, starting something can be challenging.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

My vision for Yellow Arrow this year is to hold a space for women writers who still burn in the dark and light others on their path.

*****

Kapua Iao 4/17/26 Kapua Iao 4/17/26

Meet a Staff Member: Kelsey Hyeri Ko

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Kelsey Hyeri Ko (she/they), a reader. Kelsey is a Korean American writer, creative, and psychotherapist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Her creative practice is guided by diasporic blues, ancestral wisdom, queer theory, deep presence, and the dream of collective liberation. They are a reader with Yellow Arrow, and their work and words have appeared in The Atlantic, Baltimore Magazine, and Maryland Matters. You can find them online at kelseyhko.com or on Instagram @kkollagerie.

‍‍Kelsey says, “I’m most looking forward to being in a collaborative community with other like-minded writers and readers and the opportunity to be a part of the process of shaping and bringing a publication into fruition.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

My creativity and artistry are multidisciplinary. Beyond the written word, I love the performing arts, visual arts, and fiber arts. You can also find me at the theater, singing or playing music, or making creations through crochet and collage!

‍‍What do you love most about Baltimore?

Where do I start? I love that the people who choose to call our magical little city home love it fiercely and unapologetically. I love that it’s the place where I grew up and had my coming-of-age from age 18 until now. I love that it’s a city with a small-town feel—that it’s so easy to know my neighbors, fellow café hoppers, and local shop owners by name, that you run into people on a quick walk to the corner store to grab a bottle of wine. I love that it’s so easy to build community and that it’s home to my chosen family, some of the most remarkable people I know.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

I am a reader with Yellow Arrow! Yellow Arrow has been on my radar for ages through a friend who was a writer-in-residence, through glimpses I saw of staff members tabling at different book events throughout the city, and also through my time working as a barista at Bird-in-Hand Coffee & Books, which Yellow Arrow has a partnership with. I wanted to join the Yellow Arrow team because I believe that good writing starts from doing a whole lot of reading. While in a season of coping with personal tumult, immense growth, and intense change over the past two years—thanks to my Saturn return, for folks plugged into the astrology world—I found myself continually returning to my creative practices like writing, which I had used to process and to cope with difficult emotions since childhood. I felt inspired to nurture a consistent creative writing process for my own inner child, and felt that being in community with other writers and readers would be the best way for me to do that.

‍‍What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working on crocheting a tank top for myself! Learning how to crochet over the past year has taught me so much about frustration tolerance and the humbling nature of being a beginner again. As a mental health professional, I’ve been thinking about how the repetitive motion simulates the mechanism of fidget toys and how its tactile nature can be helpful for both taking the edge off restlessness and cultivating mindfulness.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

‍I read and write poetry that’s both lyrical and free verse. I also enjoy writing creative nonfiction and love reading memoirs and personal essays. I have a deep fascination with the raw truth and emotions of everyday people, and I find that these genres allow me to access these stories and feelings in a very tangible way. I recently finished the memoir Ma & Me by Putsata Reang, recommended to me by a friend, and cried crocodile tears while finishing the last chapter.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

My earliest memories of reading and writing come in flashes. There’s sitting next to my grandfather in Seoul while he would read Korean children’s books to me until his voice was hoarse because I couldn’t ever get enough. There’s learning how to read for the first time and feeling as though the world was coming alive around me in a way I’d never experienced before—the feeling of wonder as I sounded out the words on road signs, bulletin boards, and flyers is something I still remember. There’s reading fantasy books like Inkheart and The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke, which took me to places far beyond the suburban homes and cornfields of my school-age years growing up in Pennsylvania. All these moments shaped me into becoming a voracious reader and writer.

‍What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Hot Girls with Balls by Benedict Nguyễn! It’s a satire that’s queer, trans, and about volleyball. I went to see her book tour event last summer in D.C., with a friend and got my signed copy, but as my to-read pile has grown and time has gotten away from me it’s fallen by the wayside. It’s been great seeing the recent media and pop culture interest in the hotness and queerness of sports with Challengers and Heated Rivalry,but I want to read more works from trans authors, and I think it’s more important than ever to elevate these voices given our current political climate.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

‍I feel grateful that throughout my education, I’ve had English and poetry teachers see a spark of potential in me and tell me to pursue writing. When I find myself in a slump, I remember their words and feel a desire to keep going—it’s a big part of why I stepped into the classroom and taught English for several years. I’m also inspired by my lineage and my ancestors. My grandfather wrote poetry and the Kim clan in which he and my ancestors belong to is known for its many scholars and poets. Both my maternal grandparents were educators in the Korean language arts. They remind me that the art of writing is not just about me but about honoring all those who have come before me.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

Jeju Island in South Korea! My paternal side of the family is descended from there through the Jeju Ko clan. Jeju is a beautiful subtropical island with its own unique culture separate from mainland Korea. It has volcanoes, forests, hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, flower fields, cafés, and amazing seafood. . . . Basically a writer’s paradise. I’m imagining staying somewhere overlooking the water to do my morning and evening writing, spending time in nature for inspiration, and immersing myself in the local writing scene at different cafés. Sounds absolutely dreamy.

‍‍What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Just play—let go of self-consciousness and follow your impulse to create! Performance anxiety, fear of my art being “good enough,” and the pressure of perception have been the biggest blocks to my creativity and has kept me from writing for months and years at a time. Capitalism has a way of ruining everything. Whenever I allow myself to playfully follow my whimsy and wonder, I realize that creation is a human instinct. We have been drawing on cave walls long before we built societies. When I follow my intuition, I find that I have everything I need to be an artist.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

I reread The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin last year and have been feeling called to his words. I’ve been meditating on this quote from him: “The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.”

I think he already said it best. As we witness fascism, genocide, war, internment, and suffering all around us, I hope that the words we choose to amplify this year can be guiding lights that illuminate the darkness.

*****

Kapua Iao 4/16/26 Kapua Iao 4/16/26

Meet a Staff Member: Sophia Nguyen

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Sophia Nguyen, a reader. Sophia is from Pembroke Pines, Florida, but is currently in Bloomington, Indiana, finishing a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing and minors in comparative literature and Japanese. She plans to pursue an MFA in fiction after completing her undergraduate degree. She primarily writes speculative/dystopian fiction but has experience writing literary fiction, poetry, and prose. She has worked as a reader and in editorial and social media marketing roles with academic and literary journals and has both participated in and helped organize writing conferences.

‍‍Sophia says, “I look forward to reading through the submissions Yellow Arrow receives for its publications. A lot of what I read has been curated for the purpose of studying craft or commercial consumption. I’m excited to read more current work from people of all walks of life and from voices I align with more closely.”

Statement on what you look forward to about working with Yellow Arrow:

‍When I was in high school, I self-published a fantasy novel. During my undergraduate, I took a step back from trying to get published and spent time experimenting with form and improving my craft. I did end up getting some poems published in a few zines though. I also had a music school stint as a trumpet player!

What do you love most about where you live?

I love the community around Bloomington. Whenever I step out into town, whether it’s the local cafes or the coop markets, you can really feel how connected everyone is.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

I am joining the team as a reader. I was neighbors with Yellow Arrow’s very own executive director, Annie Markhefka, during the Martha’s Vineyard Summer Writing Conference! When she mentioned that Yellow Arrow was looking for readers, I was happy to volunteer. I was really drawn to its mission of empowering traditionally underrepresented voices.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on a short story about a mask designer and getting my BA.

‍‍What genre do you write or read the most and why?

I write primarily speculative fiction with a focus on near future dystopias and “tomorrow’s technology.” As such, a lot of what I read falls in the sci-fi realm. I love reading and writing these reimaginations of our world, and how they can address so many aspects of societal structures, cultural values, identities, etc.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I vividly remember writing a short blurb about a giraffe in second grade for a creative writing exercise. I never forgot the smile on my teacher’s face after she read it.

‍‍What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Red Rising by Pierce Brown!

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

My parents have always been my biggest supporters. They’re both engineers and very STEM-minded, but they’ve both always encouraged me to pursue my passions and interests.

‍‍If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I’m simple, so a room in a house in a quiet neighborhood is all I want. Maybe with a window out into the front yard.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

If it feels right, it’s the right choice. Even if the end result doesn’t look like what you originally intended or wanted.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

When I see the word LUMINATE, I think of a spotlight and attention. I hope that Yellow Arrow can give more and more voices the recognition they deserve. I’m excited to be joining the work to make this happen.

*****

Kapua Iao 4/15/26 Kapua Iao 4/15/26

Meet a Staff Member: Rita Collins

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Rita Collins, a reader. Rita began life in Baltimore, Maryland, and then left, only to return 55 years later. During the hiatus, she lived in eight other states, two other countries, and put on countless miles of travel. Teaching in public schools and universities was her primary profession, which morphed into becoming the owner/operator of a traveling bookstore in 2015. St. Rita’s Amazing Traveling Bookstore has set up all over the U.S. at book festivals, brew pubs, schools, cafes, museums, and county fairs. Rita is also an artist, making artist books and doing letterpress printing. She sees her work, her art, her travels, and her community involvement as attempts to create dialogue and build positive networks.

‍‍Rita says, “I look forward to reading amazing new writing, working with the Yellow Arrow team, and learning what makes a small publishing house run.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

‍For years while teaching, I published academic articles. Then I began making artist books and learned letterpress printing. I’ve had a few poems published, some short stories, and sold some artist books. I mostly enjoy exploring ways to use words that catch people’s attention. This can be letterpress posters, a zine, a quilt. My traveling bookstore is a piece of this as well. The bookstore goes to all sorts of places and allows me to meet all kinds of people. Often conversations begin with books and then slip into topics ranging from literature to politics, travel to raising kids, feminism to food.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

This one is easy. I just moved (back) to Baltimore in October 2024 and completely fell in love with all the arts happening here. From the large institutions like the Baltimore Museum of Art and the American Visionary Art Museum to smaller ones like Yellow Arrow Publishing and Good Contrivance Farm, it is a delight to discover all the incredible stuff happening in Charm City. And surrounded by all of this and the many artists, writers, and musicians, I find myself doing more with my own art.

‍‍How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow, and what do you do for us?

I first heard of Yellow Arrow through Good Contrivance Farm (there was a retreat there last summer). Then I met Ann Quinn at a writing workshop, and we reconnected at a few other events. I started following Yellow Arrow online, and when I saw the notice for volunteer readers, it seemed like a good way to become involved.

What are you working on currently?

Currently working on a photography show that will go up at the end of February (called “A Show of Hands”), some large collages for a show with another Baltimore artist next fall and putting on my first-ever Pecha Kucha Night at the senior housing complex where I live.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

‍I read a wide range, partially because I have many interests and partially because I own a bookstore. I try to read as much as possible so that I can talk books with my customers. I write a blog, make and send postcards, and write the occasional short story and/or essay.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

My mom was a veracious reader, always read to us and then as soon as we could read on our own, she would take us to the public library for books.

‍What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

The people I meet, the places I’ve experienced. Hearing other people’s stories and being inspired, visiting different places and finding myself grow.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

A room at the Library Hotel in New York. It is within an easy walk to the central library in New York, has a great lounge with free coffee, large tables and an amazing view. And then there are all those New Yorkers to interact with.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Keep writing. Tell people you are a writer. Talk with other writers. Attend writing workshops. Keep writing.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

That new writers will be encouraged to write and submit, and that Yellow Arrow will gain recognition for the work they are publishing.

*****

Kapua Iao 4/14/26 Kapua Iao 4/14/26

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

One of the many ways Yellow Arrow Publishing encourages women writers and women in publishing is through inclusion within the organization itself. We welcome (and thrive with) our volunteers and interns, not only for our own benefit but to also (hopefully) provide a prospective future publisher with some necessary tools and knowledge about the publishing world. And even if a volunteer/intern does not plan to continue within the publishing world, the tools and knowledge of working in a women-led, collaborative organization. One that champions the different and the unique. One that looks for partners and allies rather than simple connections (see our current list of partners here).

We try to find each volunteer, each intern, space in our organization to grow and flourish in the area they are most interested in (and of course where we need the most help!). Past staff members have worked at our live events and at Yellow Arrow House. They hand bound our publications and put as much love and tenderness into each copy as we could hope. Today they focus on the ins and outs of releasing a publication, running a publishing company, and our community-driven projects. Tasks can range from editing to formatting, marketing, and putting together events and workshops. Above all else, our interns support and champion staff/board, authors, workshop attendees, and themselves. We are so thankful to have had them with us on this journey.

So let’s introduce the spring 2026 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Camille Leah (Cam) Barrón, Editing Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? My work includes copyediting and proofreading Yellow Arrow chapbooks and journal issues, writing blog posts, and creating social media content.
*Where do you go to school*? I currently attend Loyola University Maryland and expect to graduate in May 2027.
*What are you currently working on*? I’m currently writing a literary analysis on themes of sexuality in Bram Stoker’s *Dracula* for my Monsters and the Monstrous class.

Camille Leah (Cam) Barrón (she/her) is a junior at Loyola University Maryland majoring in writing with a minor in gender and sexuality studies. She grew up devoting much of her time to reading, writing, and playing lacrosse and has since developed a deep commitment to women’s empowerment and language as a tool for connection, argumentation, and social change. Her academic and creative work centers on rhetoric and poetry with a particular focus on conversations surrounding her Méxican heritage, mental health, gender-based violence, and feminist thought.

She’s currently exploring options for graduate programs to further her education in rhetoric and composition.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

It’s hard to pick just one, but Rhetorics of Resistance in Women’s Writing was a special class to me for several reasons. It introduced me to memoir and creative nonfiction—changing the way I think about storytelling. It also introduced me to a professor for whom I later became an archival research fellow for, and ended up encouraging me to make writing my major.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

I reread Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1831) for a class this year, and it reminded me of why it’s considered a classic. Shelley’s use of the epistolary form is just one of the many ways she demonstrates she was a master at her craft.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

Yellow Arrow felt like a natural fit because it brought together two passions of mine: publishing and amplifying women-identifying voices. I wanted real experience in the industry, and I wanted that experience to feel meaningful.

What is your favorite part of your internship so far?

I’ve really loved making promotional material and writing social media posts. Canva can be a tedious program, but the result is well worth it.

Taylor Anne Trotta, Program Management Intern (Year-long)

Lives in Abingdon, Maryland

*What do you do*? I primarily assist with the outreach and author support aspects of Yellow Arrow.
*Where do you go to school*? I am currently enrolled in Towson University’s women and gender studies graduate program. I will be in the graduating class of 2026, projected to walk across the stage in December. My time spent as an undergraduate was split between Towson University, where I studied within the women and gender studies program and the Community College of Baltimore County, where I studied social sciences and humanities.
*What are you currently working on*? Currently, I am an emerging freelance writer. Prior to taking this internship, I was the graduate assistant for the history department at Towson where I was a copyeditor and research assistant for the professors.

Taylor Anne Trotta is a writer currently enrolled in the women and gender studies graduate program at Towson University. Taylor has worked under the historians in Towson’s history department as a researcher and copyeditor. She is proudly a founding executive of the university’s women and gender studies club. Taylor has garnered newsroom experience as a reporter on fashion sustainability, with pieces featured on Holy Blog. Her voice has also appeared in the Community College of Baltimore County’s award-winning issue of Fine Print in 2019. She purposely wears many hats so that there is no expectation of abiding by any restraints that a single label puts on a being. Her intention is to hone a career in writing to world-build and advocate for those who are often rendered voiceless. Find her at taylorannetrotta.com and on Instagram and TikTok @taayloraane.

After graduation, she plans on self-publishing the introduction to a utopian fictional series (think Octavia Butler but targeted toward young adults). Also, she is officially launching an upcycled clothing brand that has been in the works this year.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

Embodied Activism takes the cake (topped with chocolate-covered strawberries) for my entire time in the academy. In this class, I adopted and maintained the embodied practice of writing daily to relax my activist mind. While most of the time, it’s not a lot, writing on a page without expectations is an essential break from the academic language I primarily use.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

The commitment that Yellow Arrow has made to the women-identifying writers of Baltimore (and beyond) is similar to the one I have made in my education. The basis in which I was accepted into this graduate program was that I use my writing as a tool for advocacy for the amplification of marginalized voices. I couldn’t imagine a better fit.

What is your favorite part of your internship so far?

I really enjoy working within a community of writers, something I have never had the opportunity to be a part of. Witnessing a nuanced feminist-based structure of leadership has been pivotal in shaping how I would want to work in a group moving forward in my freelance career.

*****

Thank you to everyone who supports these women and all writers who toil away day after day. Please show them some love in the comments below or on social media. If interested in joining us as an intern, you can learn more at yellowarrowpublishing.com/internships.

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we LUMINATE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 3/31/26 Kapua Iao 3/31/26

Meet a Board Member: Raga Ayyagari

‍Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Raga Ayyagari, a board member. Raga draws inspiration from nature, stories, music, and unexpected moments of connection. Whether she is writing policy briefs, scientific reports, or poems, she enjoys reflecting on and sharing observations and experiences in accessible and creative ways. Her poems have appeared in the Banyan Review, Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Yellow Arrow Journal, and Stanford University Leland Quarterly Journal. She has shared poetry at various readings, contributed to a poetry and art exhibit with Art Enables, and facilitated several workshops on ecopoetry.

Raga says, “Yellow Arrow Publishing has nurtured me as a writer and teacher over the years, and I am excited to pay this forward by supporting the organization and community of writers as a Board Member.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I enjoy listening to and making music, volunteering in my community, taking care of animals, and exploring libraries and community gardens.

What do you love most about where you live?

I currently live in the Bay Area and enjoy the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and caring community here.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

Yellow Arrow has been a supportive and inspiring catalyst for my writing career. I learned about Yellow Arrow through an in-person literary event in Washington, D.C., in 2019. I published poems in two of the journal issues and participated in two readings, which gave me the confidence to keep writing, publishing, and reading. I also led two workshops on ecopoetry and nature poetry through Yellow Arrow and really enjoyed the process of preparing and delivering the curriculum. I appreciate how welcoming and nurturing the Yellow Arrow = team has been for me, and I am excited to give back to the organization as a board member.

What are you working on currently?

I am enjoying working on learning new music and vocal techniques.

What genre do you write and read the most and why?

I enjoy writing poems. Poetry offers so much flexibility while also providing useful structures to express emotions and experiences. I appreciate how writing poems helps me be present, take time to observe the worlds within and around me, and explore different styles of expression.

I enjoy reading autobiographies because I am fascinated by how people reflect on and share their life experiences.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

My parents introduced me to the joy of reading and writing in Telugu and English at an early age, helping me and my sister carry heavy bags of books from the public library in Texas each week and patiently teaching us the Telugu alphabet. Growing up, I enjoyed writing stories with my sister and had several teachers who encouraged me to continue writing.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

You Are Here, a poetry anthology edited by Ada Limon.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey or in everyday life?

I am grateful to several writing teachers and literary friends who inspired me to keep practicing reading and writing and introduced me to different opportunities to learn and share my work.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why? What would it look like?

I prefer calm workspaces with gentle lighting.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Creating a supportive community of writers, whether through classes, events, or other connections, can open new opportunities, help with accountability, and make the creative journey more fulfilling.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

To help secure resources and nurture partnerships to expand the reach of Yellow Arrow’s offerings for writers. ‍

*****

Kapua Iao 2/24/26 Kapua Iao 2/24/26

Re-Meet a Staff Member: Alexa Laharty

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to reintroduce Alexa Laharty (she/her), our creative director (started in 2019 as an editorial associate, became creative director in 2021, and now in an expanded role). Alexa is a designer and sometimes archaeologist living in Berlin, Germany. She grew up in Portland, Oregon (just a few blocks away from Gwen [Van Velsor], Yellow Arrow’s founder!), before moving to Boston, Massachusetts, for her bachelor’s degree, and then the United Kingdom for her master’s. She spent most of the last decade as an archaeologist, before finally making the switch to a career in design. You can find her on Instagram @alexaelisabeth.

Alexa says, “It has been so exciting to see the way Yellow Arrow has grown over the six and a half years that I’ve been part of the team. I’m really looking forward to using my expanded role to help us find and solidify a strong visual identity that aligns with the ethos of our organization. I’m also very excited to have the opportunity to work with more members of our staff.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

Creative work and hobbies take up a huge portion of my life, one of my favorites being knitting. My big knitting goal for this year is to make my first ever Aran/cable-knit sweater.

What do you love most about where you live?

There is a lot to love about Berlin: the abundance of interesting, artistic people from all over the world, the never ending list of incredible restaurants, cafés, and bars, some of the best museums I’ve ever been to, and, of course, the bike lanes! But the thing I love the most is how the city comes alive with joy and excitement on the first warm, sunny day each year. How people flock to the parks and canals with music and picnics, and how that atmosphere maintains itself all through the summer.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I worked with our Editor-in-Chief, Kapua Iao, on an archaeological project in Greece for several years, and it was through her that I found out about Yellow Arrow and first came on as a reader and editor for Yellow Arrow Journal. A year and a half later I became the creative director, which at the time primarily entailed cover art creation for our publications, as well as a bit of logo and merchandise design. My role is now being expanded, so I will be working on a wider range of projects both on the publication and branding side. I care a lot about Yellow Arrow, so I am thrilled about the chance to take on a larger role and be involved in more areas of our work.

What are you working on currently?

My wedding anniversary is coming up, and each year I design a poster to commemorate the occasion. I love designing posters (they are my favorite thing to create in the realm of graphic design), so this is a long form project I’ve started to show how my husband and I change over the years as well as how my design style and interests develop.

What genre do you read the most and why?

When reading, I love to feel transported to different times and places, whether those be real or fictional. I am a huge fan of fantasy novels, though I also read a lot of literary fiction. Currently I am reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, and a recent book that I loved was The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I loved playing with dolls as a child and would make up very elaborate storylines for them. This progressed into writing plays for my friends and I to perform when I got a little older, which in turn progressed into writing short stories, and now I am taking a stab at writing a novel. I can’t pinpoint the true beginning of it all, I just know that I’ve been coming up with narratives for as long as I can remember.

What books are on the top of your to-be-read pile?

My top two contenders are Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier and My Friends by Hisham Matar (both came highly recommended from friends whose literary taste I have a deep trust in).

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I have so many incredibly talented friends who inspire me to pursue my creative dreams, but my number one source of daily support and encouragement is my husband, Andy.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I would love to have my own office in my house or apartment. It would be lined with bookshelves and have enough storage space for all of my crafting supplies. There would be a big wooden desk in front of a window overlooking a garden or some kind of water, and in the corner I would have a big cozy chair for reading and knitting.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Don’t be afraid to talk about your writing/creative dreams and goals with your friends/family/loved ones. You will get more encouragement than you might expect.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

This year I hope that we at Yellow Arrow are able to reach even more writers and artists than in previous years and continue to help their work be seen.

*****

Kapua Iao 1/27/26 Kapua Iao 1/27/26

Re-Meet a Staff Member: Nicky Ruddell

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to reintroduce Nicky Ruddell, an editorial associate (originally a Yellow Arrow reader). Nicky is a poet from British Columbia. Her work has appeared in Trouveillle Review, Literary Mama, and Yellow Arrow Journal. Nicky works as a social worker in the school system, and she is currently working on a chapbook for publication.

Nicky says, “I am enjoying learning the editing process and looking at [others’] work with a different lens.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I grew up on a Salt Spring island and now live on a bigger island, Vancouver Island, with my husband and two children. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, and painting.

What do you love most about where you live?

I live in Nanaimo, British Columbia. We live in a beautiful valley, surrounded by trees. I love how I can put on my running shoes and be surrounded by trails within minutes.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I had a poem published in the Yellow Arrow Journal HOME (2020). I then joined the team as a reader in 2022. I am excited to try something new. Taking on an editorial associate role feels like the right next step to developing my skills.

What are you working on currently?

I have rekindled my love of painting, and I am making time to work on new pieces.

What genre do you write the most and why?

Poetry.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I remember receiving a journal when I was 8 years old for Christmas. I loved writing and drawing in the journal and have continued to journal daily.

What books are on the top of your to-be-read pile?

The Antidote by Karen Russell and Goldenrod by Maggie Smith.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My family consistently inspires and supports me.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I would have a small modern cabin in the San Franciso Bay area with lots of windows. Inside would be bookshelves filled with books and cozy furniture with lots of light. My deep connection to northern California is a powerful source of inspiration for me.

What advice do you have for new writers or anyone starting a new adventure?

Keep writing your stories and continue to work outside of your comfort zone.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2026?

I see Yellow Arrow growing its readership and continuing to inspire and elevate women’s voices.

*****

Kapua Iao 11/4/25 Kapua Iao 11/4/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the fall 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Hannah Bishoff, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? At Yellow Arrow, I have been working on copyediting for the most recent chapbooks and journal. I make a lot of promo images for these, and work to update blog posts and some social media. It has also been fun getting pieces ready for awards.
*Where do you go to school*? I am currently in my last year at Towson University as an English major. I will be graduating in Spring 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, I am mostly just working on finishing my BA at Towson.

Hannah Bishoff is a senior English major at Towson University with a minor in business, communications, and the liberal arts. On the weekends, she works at a coffee shop in Towson and when not in class she enjoys reading, drawing, shopping, and watching TV. Find her on Instagram @hannaheb.

In the (near) future, she hopes to continue working in publishing, if all goes well.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

One of my favorite courses was called 18th-Century British Literature. It is not exactly my favorite because of the content, as I really only took this class because of the required literature courses for my major. I liked this class a lot as it was an intimate experience with my professor (only about seven-ish other students), who was very knowledgeable and extremely motivating. He had us write a 20-page literary research paper, which I ended up really enjoying strangely enough. This was also his last course before retiring, which I appreciated being able to take part in.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

For another one of my courses, my professor had us read three books by Annie Ernaux, a French author known for her memoirs. The one that stuck with me is called Happening, in which she, in detail, goes over her success at attempting to get an abortion in the early ‘60s. She emphasizes that she did not write this for political reasons, but to simply give her own account to help other women who have had, or may in the future have, a similar experience.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose Yellow Arrow because I wanted to learn more about working with a publishing company but also because I wholly identify with the mission of uplifting women’s real, raw voice. I also had a bit of experience working with a nonprofit for school and wanted to continue.

How are things going so far?

Things are going great! I especially love reading and experiencing all the publications.

Avery Wood, Program Management Intern

Lives in Raleigh, North Carolina

*What do you do*? I’m tasked/have been tasked with helping social media design and scheduling, writing two blog posts, helping write and publish the monthly newspaper, copyediting/proofreading, and helping with new asynchronous workshop design promotion. And of course, any upcoming tasks as well!
*Where do you go to school*? I attend North Carolina State University (NCSU) with plans to graduate in May of 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Right now, credit-wise, I’ve basically finished my English degree and am primarily focused on getting my business degree now, so a big focus is on academics. I’m also the leader and facilitator of my book club, and I try to write a little daily. I cook, read, attend my school’s sports events, and travel when I have the free time.

Avery Wood (she/her) is a rising senior at North Carolina State University (NCSU), pursuing a BA in English with a focus on creative writing and a BS in business administration. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Avery’s love for literature began with her work as lead editor for her high school literary magazine and continues to be a central part of her life through her involvement with her college’s literary journals. Following graduation, she intends to bring her passion for business and creative writing to the publishing industry. When she isn’t reading, Avery enjoys traveling, a strong coffee, cooking, and intense card games with her family. She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful team, making a difference and amplifying female voices.

She hopes to get another internship this summer in New York within the publishing industry and hopes that leads to a job post-undergrad. She also plans to publish some of her writing works and establish herself as a writer one day.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I enjoy learning as a whole, so it’s always difficult to pick a favorite course. When I studied abroad in Italy I took some amazing courses: Food and Religion, Pairing Wine and Food (a cooking class), Italian Cinema and Literature, Florentine Literature. And at NCSU I took fascinating classes like Medieval Monsters, Language and Gender, Screenwriting, Heaven/Hell and the Afterlife, and Contemporary Moral Issues. We’re offered a lot of amazing options for an English degree so I chose from my interests in medieval literature, gender studies, religious literature, film and screenwriting, and food and international culture.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

I’m a big science fiction and fantasy (SFF) lover, so one of my favorite books this year was The Will of the Many by James Islington. But I also love self-help narratives and keeping up with current favorites in that realm, so things like Atomic Habits by James Clear. I also met and interviewed Carin Seigfried about her book The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing over the summer which was a very insightful experience. And finally, a piece of feminist lit that absolutely has stuck with me this year is Jacqueline Harpman’s I Who Have Never Known Men. I’m hoping to read 60 books in 2025, and I’ve read 49 so far.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I’m hoping to enter into the literary publishing realm post-undergrad but before then, while still in college, I’m simply hoping to gain as much experience in and knowledge of the industry as I can. An internship, and specifically with a small publishing company, seemed like the perfect place to gain some real, hands-on experience. That, coupled with Yellow Arrow’s specific mission to support women writers, seemed like a wonderful place for me to land. Supporting women writers is something I’m genuinely passionate about and a big reason why I want to go into publishing in the first place; we need to hear more female voices now more than ever! I was also curious about the operations of nonprofits.

How are things going so far?

I think things are going well so far. I feel like I’ve started to gain some confidence in my role, though I’m still unsure sometimes and often ask many, many questions. I’m trying to be as helpful a resource as I can without much knowledge on the various Yellow Arrow mechanisms. But as I continue to familiarize myself with Yellow Arrow policies and procedures, the more helpful I hope/plan to be. I’m always open to feedback, too!

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we BLAZE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook or Instagram or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 9/2/25 Kapua Iao 9/2/25

Meet a Staff Member: Jennifer M. Eyre

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Jennifer (Jen) M. Eyre (she/her), writers-in-residence coordinator. Jen is a writer for both children and adults. She enjoys writing poems, essays, short stories, and everything in between. In January 2023, Jen graduated with her MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she rediscovered her love for free-verse poetry. She has been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) since 2017 and has completed courses through Gotham Writers’ Workshop and Writer’s Digest University. If Jen isn’t writing, she is likely capturing stories through her second love, photography. Jen lives with her husband, daughter, and ornery orange cat in Harford County, Maryland. You can find her on Threads @jmeyrewriter and Instagram @jmeyrewriter.

Jen says, “What makes Yellow Arrow so unique is that it prioritizes the writer. Their commitment to uplifting and supporting women-identifying writers is at the forefront of every one of their endeavors, and that’s magical. Writing is such a vulnerable art form, and I look forward to playing a part in creating a safe and supportive environment for our writers to create and share their stories.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

In 2025, I began exploring a second passion of mine, photography, and have been having such a wonderful time doing so. While writing will always be my first love, I've enjoyed making time for this additional creative outlet. It's been fun blending my passion for storytelling with photography and finding ways for them to complement one another.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Baltimore’s dedication to the arts has played a significant role in my life since I was a child. Baltimore fed my love for theater with its commitment to supporting the performing arts. I was fortunate enough to have venues such as the Mechanic Theatre and the Baltimore Arena so close by. Baltimore’s advocacy for individuality and creativity has only grown stronger through the years. Whether you’re in search of a local theatre group or an independent bookstore, there is something to inspire any creative passion.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

A million years ago, Annie Marhefka and I were both members of our high school literary magazine staff. Through Facebook, we remained in contact throughout the years, and I began noticing her posts promoting Yellow Arrow. At the time, I was in the process of reigniting my writer self, and her Yellow Arrow posts continued to grab my interest. The organization’s commitment to honoring its mission to uplift and support women-identifying writers was apparent. There was an added level of commitment to this mission that I had not yet seen in the publishing industry and that not only intrigued me but also provided the extra push of inspiration I had been lacking. I began submitting work to Yellow Arrow and had a few pieces published in their journal and Vignette.

In the spring of 2025, Annie and I met for coffee and reconnected over our common goals and experiences. When she asked if I would be interested in joining the Yellow Arrow team, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

I am beyond thrilled to be Yellow Arrow’s new writer’s-in-residence coordinator. I am so excited to explore this role and contribute to nurturing and expanding the incredible infrastructure of this program. The collaboration and dedication to providing opportunities to Baltimore’s women-identifying writers have been nothing less than invigorating. It’s an honor to be part of such an uplifting and collaborative team, and I can’t wait to see what our 2025 writers in residence will do.

What are you working on currently?

I’ve recently begun exploring the nonfiction space. I am in the very early stages of drafting a free-verse poetry collection that “checks in” on the ‘90s diet culture millennials and how growing up in that era has shaped our lives (for better or worse). I typically write for younger audiences, so this venture is new for me, which makes it that much more exciting.

What genre do you write the most and why?

Despite the current project I just described, I tend to write for children and young adults. I am drawn to evergreen, lyrical picture books as well as angsty young adult contemporary fiction. I believe these genres appeal to me because I relied heavily on books and movies as a child, using them as a form of escapism. Stories offered relief and validation, which I believe is so important for children. I want to be a part of that.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

This may sound silly, but I remember watching Anne of Avonlea on PBS as a child and being so incredibly in awe that Anne wrote a book about her adventures. There’s a scene where she unwraps an advanced copy of her book from crisp brown package paper. The way she looked at the book was all I needed to believe there was nothing else I wanted to do more. Not so much because her book was published but because she had the courage to create such a precious, personal contribution to the world.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Theater Kid by Jeffrey Seller.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My husband, Matt, is my biggest cheerleader. He does everything within his power to make sure I have the time, space, and encouragement I need to create. He is the first to read my drafts and never complains when I send him the 453rd version of something to read.

My daughter, Madison, has always been a fierce and supportive presence, even when she was little. She embraces my identity as a writer and has encouraged me many times to keep going, even when it’s been hard to pick up a pen. She has more power than she’ll ever know, and I couldn’t do a second of this without her.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I’ve always dreamt of writing in a studio apartment in Paris or London, next to a window that overlooks a cobblestone street. I have no reference point, and have never seen such a place in person, but the image is clear as day in my head. I’d be surrounded by piles of books and loose, handwritten manuscript pages. There would be endless rose-scented candles, and I’d write at an antique desk covered in ink stains.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Write what you want and don’t get hung up on the rules. If you are passionate about what you have to say, then put pen to paper and write it down. There were so many times I inhibited myself because of what I was afraid others would think. I’ve learned to view writing rules as guidelines, not laws. If you trap yourself in a box of rules, you’ll miss the point and the joy of creativity.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025/2026?

My vision for [Yellow Arrow] is to use the writers-in-residence program as a tool to further connect our writers with one another, providing an added layer of support and encouragement. While writing can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, it’s important to have a community of creatives who not only encourage us but also relate to the intricacies of being a woman writer in this day and age.

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we BLAZE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook and Instagram or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 8/5/25 Kapua Iao 8/5/25

Meet a Staff Member: Emily García

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Emily García, events manager. Emily holds an MFA in writing from California College of the Arts and was born and raised in Oakland, California, though she now lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work has appeared in ZYZZYVA Magazine, Hobart Magazine, South Dakota Review, 34THPARALLEL Magazine, Wallstrait Journal, and BmoreArt Magazine.

Emily says, “I’m so looking forward to getting to know everyone and to planning some fun events for our team and community.”

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Baltimore has been an adjustment (we moved here from the Bay Area for my husband’s job) but after two years, it’s started to grow on me. I love the old house we live in and the ease and quickness with which we’ve gotten to know our neighbors. People have been kind and inclusive.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

Funny enough, I ran into Annie [Marhefka] at the Association of Writers & Writing Program’s (AWP’s) conference in Los Angeles this year when I went over to check out the Yellow Arrow booth. My work background is in restaurants and events and when I asked about getting involved with Yellow Arrow, Annie told me the team was looking for help with events. Since I’m newer to Baltimore, I’d been wanting to connect with the local literary scene, and it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

What are you working on currently?

I just started writing my second novel, and I almost always have a short story going so I can switch back and forth between projects.

What genre do you write the most and why?

I write mostly fiction. It’s my favorite genre to read.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading; I was a shy, awkward kid and sitting quietly with a book somewhere was when I felt the happiest.

What books are on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Vincenzo Latronico’s Perfection and Elif Batuman’s Either/Or.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I’ve been very lucky to have had so much support! My family, my husband, my friends, my teachers.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I’m a sucker for northern California and the Central Coast so . . . probably somewhere in Marin County or Santa Cruz. A beautiful little study with a view of the Pacific. Comfy chair, big desk, built-in bookshelves.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Keep going! Don’t stop!

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I’m really excited that AWP is coming to Baltimore next year—it’s a great opportunity to welcome people and show off the city. I envision us hosting some wonderful events over the course of the conference.

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we BLAZE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 7/29/25 Kapua Iao 7/29/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the summer 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Kristen Caruso, Program Management Intern

From Hillsborough, New Jersey

*What do you do*? For Yellow Arrow, I work on the promotion for upcoming events, submissions, and [workshops and writers-in-residence] applications, creating social media graphics and pamphlets, scheduling posts, and writing captions. I also read and voted on the Vignette BLAZE submissions, edited part of the Yellow Arrow website, wrote blog posts, and created the July newsletter.
*Where do you go to school*? I’m a student at the University of Rochester, graduating in 2027.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, this summer I’m a calculus student, a writer of poetic prose and unfinished stories, an avid public library goer, a 5k runner, and an ocean swimmer.

Kristen Caruso (she/her) is a rising junior at the University of Rochester but calls New Jersey home. As a double major in English (creative writing) and business, with a minor in French, she hopes to combine her areas of study in a career in the publishing industry. Kristen’s interest in publishing began as the editor-in-chief of her high school’s yearbook organization and continues to thrive on the editorial board of her university’s art and literature journal, LOGOS. She enjoys coffee, the color green, poetry, nonfiction about trees, the ocean, Rochester snow, New Jersey pizza, music that’s somewhat bad, and lists that are too long. Find her on Instagram @kris10caruso.

She still has two more years left of school, but hopes to continue writing and learning for now, and eventually work in the publishing industry.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I really enjoyed both my Intro to Fiction Writing and Intro to Poetry Writing courses. They were the first times I’ve truly been a part of a writing community, and I loved talking about writing and getting feedback from my peers.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

For my poetry writing class, I read Then the War, a collection of poetry by Carl Phillips. His work is just absolutely striking, and I connected deeply with a lot of his motifs—the ocean, forests, trees. Phillips came to my school to do a Q&A and a reading, and I loved hearing him talk about his work and how his life has impacted it.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

When I first heard about Yellow Arrow, I was struck by its mission. Finding a cause worth working for and being passionate about was really important to me. And after meeting and working with people, I see how passionate they all are about it too.

How are things going so far?

Things are going really well! Everyone I have met and worked with are so kind and passionate about what they do. I love that my position requires me to meet different people and work on different projects.

Sophia Graney, Vignette BLAZE intern

From Fairfield, Connecticut

*What do you do*? I help a lot with all the work related to Yellow Arrow Vignette this summer. So far I’ve done lots of reading and reviewing/voting. Coming up is a lot of work in terms of sending emails, creating graphics and marketing for social media and for the website, and helping organize a launch event. As well as that, I’m helping more generally on reading and voting on chapbook submissions.
*Where do you go to school*? I’m going into my senior year at Loyola University Maryland! Graduation is expected to be May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, I’m working at my summer job at a beach. As well as that, I’m preparing for my senior year and my incoming role as student body president at Loyola. I’m also working on a few slow projects of beginning work for my senior thesis, teaching my younger cousin to read, and taking as many photos of life as possible.

Sophia Graney is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland double majoring in English and writing with a keen interest in Shakespearean studies. With a myriad of passions, Sophia is constantly writing, organizing, and advocating for the student body as part of Loyola’s student government or chatting with friends for hours in the on-campus Starbucks. When not studying or writing her own poetry and prose in Loyola’s humanities building, Sophia can be found at Loyola’s rock-climbing wall or at the beach in her hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. Find her on Instagram @sophia.graney.

She’ll [soon] be applying to graduate schools for funded English PhD programs!

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I can’t exactly choose one. I have two favorite courses that I have stuck with me. One was a civic literacy writing class where we learned about lots of issues facing literacy rates in our country and ways around Baltimore that were helping aid in the pursuit of reading and literary access. It was a service-based class that was taught by my favorite teacher and seemed like a no brainer to take. My other favorite class was my Shakespeare Histories and Tragedies class. I just love Shakespeare and learning about my favorite plays in a college setting was really exciting.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

On Photography by Susan Sontag.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

Yellow Arrow was introduced to me by my friend Mel Silberger who had an internship with the press when I was a first year and she was a junior. She carried on with the group her senior year and to me, it just felt like something I wanted to be a part of, especially when I learned more about the mission of Yellow Arrow. Feminism and gender-based advocacy is a niche I have carved out for myself throughout my time in college and being a part of a woman-identifying press that aims to uplift voices is so important to me and just seemed like something I wanted to be a part of, even if just a little.

How are things going so far?

Excellent! I’m really loving the work that I’m doing. It didn’t feel like much in the beginning, just because it was a slow and steady stream of work. Now it’s more a cohesive list of objectives to complete, and I can start to see my work and its tangible effects which is always super awesome.

Kate Tourison, Publications Intern

Lives in Ellicott City, Maryland

*What do you do*? So far, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with [editor-in-chief Kapua Iao] to read, format, and edit for Yellow Arrow chapbooks and Yellow Arrow Vignette BLAZE, create social media graphics to promote publications and writers in the community, engage with the Yellow Arrow website, Instagram, and Facebook, and begin writing some of my own pieces for the Yellow Arrow blog.
*Where do you go to school*? I go to Loyola University Maryland and will graduate next year, in May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? It’s been a slow summer for me. I’ve just finished my fourth (and final) summer orientation at Loyola as a part of the new student and families programming. It’s always a highlight for me to help welcome the incoming class of first-year students and prepare for the fall semester. Aside from that, I’ve mostly been focused on graduate program research and working at my local ice cream shop.

Kate Tourison (she/her) is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland where she majors in English and communication with a specialization in advertising and public relations. As a lifelong book lover, she is thrilled to join the Yellow Arrow team and engage with an inspiring community of women writers. During her spare time, she enjoys watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls, taking long walks with her dog, and, of course, reading! You can find her at @katetourison on Instagram.

She would love to continue working in publishing after graduation in some capacity, but being an English professor has also been a life-long dream. So I guess we shall see!

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

This is a really tough one. I’m going to have to go with a tie between my seminars on Banned Books and James Joyce. The course on banned books was a no-brainer for me because I have always been passionate about reading and promoting diverse voices in literature and having conversations about the influence of modern politics on censorship. The class was an absolute blast. The class on James Joyce, on the other hand, was somewhat of a last minute decision. Ulysses was one of those books that felt impossibly daunting, even as an English major. The class, however, was such a rewarding experience with the most wonderful professor, and I can now confidently say that Joyce is one of my favorite writers.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

My gosh, I’ve gained a few new favorites this year. One that has really stuck with me is one of my first reads of the year, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. The book follows June Hayward, a white woman and failed writer, after she steals a manuscript from successful Chinese American author Athena Lui and publishes it as her own. Kuang satirizes the U.S. publishing industry, commenting on the “push” for racial diversity and exploitation of minority stories and voices while simultaneously shedding light on the dangerous world of social media and “cancel culture.”

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

A friend of mine had previously interned for Yellow Arrow, and told me about their very positive experience. Combined with my interest in the company’s mission and ethos, working with Yellow Arrow was my top choice.

How are things going so far?

Amazing!

*****

Kapua Iao 4/15/25 Kapua Iao 4/15/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the spring 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Arrieonna Derricoatte, Program Management Intern

Lives in Columbus, Ohio

*What do you do*? My main role at Yellow Arrow is to help support workshops and events through social media posts by creating graphics in Canva to promote different activities. I also write the monthly newsletter and by the end of the internship, two blog posts.
*Where do you go to school*? I got to Ohio State University. I graduate in May this year.
*What are you currently working on*? I am currently in my last semester of undergrad and am a community engagement arts administrator at Urban Arts Space. I am editing and planning the launch of their first community journal. I have also begun to work on my own independent research using docupoetics as an archival tool.

Arrieonna Derricoatte (she/her) is currently a senior at Ohio State University. She is an English major with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, and literacy with minors in human rights and professional writing. She is passionate about reading and community-building around arts, education, and policy. Arrieonna is also a student art administrator and writing intern at Urban Arts Space. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration upon graduation. After school, she hopes to further her career in nonprofit work and community programming while seeking a career in publishing. She can be found on Instagram @arrieonnaderricoatte.

She plans to attend graduate school next fall to pursue a masters in public affair.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course this semester is Black women: culture and politics. I chose to take this course because I wanted to know more about the genealogy of Black feminism and where it appears in literature, media, and politics.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris is about healing intergenerational trauma through a Black family in the South after their land is seized by private investors. I’m invested in not only affordable housing but land restoration and equitable home/land ownership for marginalized communities.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose this internship with Yellow Arrow because I not only wanted experience in the publishing industry but because I am deeply invested in lifting up the voices and history of marginalized peoples especially women of color.

How are things going so far?

I am enjoying my internship so far. I have learned about the publication from submissions to release. I have also been a part of programming like fundraising and workshop curriculum and marketing.

Jacqueline Goldman, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? Several things! I draft and publish the .W.o.W. and Her View Friday blogs on the website and social media, reviewed submissions for *Yellow Arrow Journal*, write blogs, research for Yellow Arrow mentions, edit, and much, much more.
*Where do you go to school*? Loyola University Maryland. I will graduate May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Currently I’m submitting applications for internships over the summer, fingers crossed! I’m also planning to go to a renaissance faire this Sunday [now, a few Sundays ago!] so I’m prepping for that.

Jacqueline Goldman (she/her) is an aspiring publishing professional pursuing a degree in communications and media with a specialization in journalism and a minor in writing and business journalism at Loyola University Maryland. With experience as Publication Intern for Yellow Arrow Publishing, Managing Editor-in-Chief for The Greyhound, Nonfiction Editor at Corridors Literary Magazine, and an acquisitions editor at Apprentice House Press, she enjoys shaping compelling narratives and pushing the envelope.

She would love to work toward becoming an acquisitions editor at a publishing company.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course was a manuscript development and evaluation course in the communication and media department. I took it because I’ve always loved reviewing other individuals work. After taking the course, I realized I wanted to go into the publishing industry.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

“Counting Dogwood Flowers” by Lish Ciambrone from Yellow Arrow Journal kitalo (Vol. IX, No. 2) touched me since my dog passed away recently. Seeing her read it in person was even more striking.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

One of my professor’s in the writing department suggested that I apply for Yellow Arrow as I was looking to gain more hands-on experience in the publishing industry. Yellow Arrow stuck out because of its goal of uplifting women’s voices, which aligns with my personal values.

How are things going so far?

I think things are going well so far! . . . So much information to take in at once, it was a lot! But as I received feedback and tasks became more repetitive I found them coming to me more naturally.

Gabby Granillo, Author Support Intern (6 months)

From Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, but lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? I work closely with the chapbook authors and other published authors to develop a network and foundation for future interns. I pride myself on building relationships with past and present authors and fostering a comfortable environment for the creative minds of our company. I am working on developing blog posts, social media graphics, and planning events, such as poetry readings, to celebrate the successes and contributions of our authors to the literary world. It is a pleasure to be a member of such an invaluable team and get to know all the different moving parts that make Yellow Arrow a wonderful place to work.
*Where do you go to school*? I attend Loyola University Maryland, and I will graduate in the spring of 2026. I am an English and writing major with minors in environmental studies and art.
*What are you currently working on*? I am currently working on creative nonfiction short essays that will be used in my writing portfolio for graduate school. I love art as a creative medium outside of writing and work on collages from vintage magazines and printouts in my free time. I go for a lot of walks about Baltimore and am a huge foodie. My favorite thing to do is cook dinner and create new recipes.

Gabrielle Granillo is studying English and writing at Loyola University Maryland, minoring in environmental science and art. Raised in Arizona, with much of her family still on the west coast, she now lives in central Massachusetts, her home for the past 12 years. She aims to live in northern Europe after graduation and receive a master’s degree in photojournalism. Gabby spends her days reading Irish novels, practicing street photography, and trying out new recipes. Her three favorite things are hot tea, antiquing, and road trips. She looks forward to making valuable contributions to the Yellow Arrow team, as a woman-identifying writer herself, looking to explore further editorial practices and enhance her voice using inspiration of her fellow staff members. Find her on Instagram and LinkedIn @gabriellegranillo.

In the fall of 2025, she will be living in Copenhagen, Denmark, and attending DIS Study Abroad as a study abroad student through Loyola Maryland. She will be studying photojournalism, creative writing, and environmental science while in Europe.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course is a seminar on James Joyce. I am currently taking it for degree credit toward my major. It has enhanced my ability to do close readings, and I find the class to be joyful, entertaining, and enlightening. It has changed my perception of the English language and the different ways to interpret how authors choose to convey a message or theme.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

I read Breakdown by Cathy Sweeney, and it was one of my favorite novels I have read. I have a preference for Irish literature and Irish authors. There is something about their writing styles and scenes that is so intriguing. I felt that the novel was enjoyable for the sake of it being an easy read but packed full of gendered philosophy, and it challenges what it means to be a woman and a mother in a world so set out to determine our identities for us.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I was inspired by the idea of being a support system for other individuals in the writing community. This opportunity presented itself unexpectedly, as Annie Marhefka (Executive Director) came to visit one of my seminars and pitched Yellow Arrow’s mission to the students. I felt moved by the work she was developing and desired to be a member of her team. Yellow Arrow proved to be unlike any other internships I looked into, and the platform they provide for female-identifying authors to express themselves is vital to the publishing community.

How are things going so far?

Things are going very well. It is important work that Yellow Arrow does, and I feel challenged. I am learning a lot about event planning and professional communication. I am working with a diverse group of individuals, and the tasks being asked of us interns are not busy work. Each task is meticulously crafted and I find myself brainstorming things for my position outside of the job description. I feel motivated to work toward the goals with my team and look forward to meeting with them each week. It is a treat to work with such like-minded and devoted individuals.

*****

Kapua Iao 2/18/25 Kapua Iao 2/18/25

Meet a Board Member: Kelsea-Marie Pym

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Kelsea-Marie Pym, board secretary. She started in October 2024, and we are excited to have her on the team. Kelsea is a political consultant primarily working in the nonprofit advocacy space, focusing for the past decade in nonpartisan civic engagement and democracy issues. Kelsea’s professional ghost writing has appeared in outlets from the New York Times to the Sacramento Bee, and everywhere in between. Kelsea has been fortunate to live on both coasts, from Portland to San Diego and from Boston to Washington, D.C., and to now reside in west Michigan. The perspectives from different cities in addition to a multitude of life experiences inform both her professional and personal work. Kelsea holds her BA from Boston University.

Kelsea’s hobbies outside of reading include baking, gardening, and running. Kelsea is a mother of a one-year-old son who keeps her on her toes. Kelsea and her husband are constantly running around after their son and after any of their three older pets (two dogs and one cat). It’s a busy life that doesn’t allow time for many hobbies, but above all else, Kelsea is still an avid reader who finds solace in all things written narrative.

Kelsea says, “I am inspired by others constantly. I love meeting new people and learning their stories. I am so excited to learn from the other women involved, to learn and be inspired by the work that is a part of Yellow Arrow, and to feel another thread of connection in a world that is somehow so wildly connect but disconnected at the same time.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

My first award for writing came in 8th grade, when my anthology of poems titled “Ode to Oprah,” a middle-schooler’s ‘witty’ way of writing an anthology about social justice issues, won an award.

What do you love most about the Baltimore area and where you live in Michigan?

When I lived in D.C., I loved visiting Baltimore and going to the harbor. I’ve always been someone most inspired and at ease by the water, so that was a favorite. That is the only reason why I allowed us to move to the “landlocked Midwest” because I live within 35 minutes of Lake Michigan, which feels like a beach!

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us? Why did you want to join the Yellow Arrow team?

When I came across Yellow Arrow, I was immediately inspired. As a new mother, I cannot explain how many times essays, poetry, etc., have gotten me through some of the more difficult moments. Also, I have dedicated much effort in my professional life to uplifting the work of women, and to advancing opportunities for them in fields where we still do not have true opportunity equity.

Combining this love of uplifting women with this personal understanding of the importance of written word to inspire and connect us as women who have so many common experiences, is what led me to apply for the board.

What are you working on currently?

Right now, I am solely focused on the 2024 cycle. After November 5 and subsequent follow up, I will explore some more creative options to uplift the experiences of working mothers.

What genre do you write?

I write creative literary essays. My preferred writing is always poetry though.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I feel like I’m the only person yet to read “The Midnight Library.” I’m also a huge Lilian Moriarty fan, and she does have a new one out.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I have read and reread and loved every word Frederick Backman has written. I find his writing to be poetry in long form. I will never not read Roxane Gay when looking for analysis. Finally, I read the work of rupi kaur monthly, selecting from different collections as I need them.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I was fortunate to grow up with two very creative parents, who were very supportive of any outlet that I chose to be creative.

What do you love most about writing?

There are seemingly finite ways to string together 26 letters into words and sentences, but seemingly infinite ways to then string those sentences or fragments together to actually evoke intense emotion, thought, or understanding. Writing is a true art form.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don’t be intimidated by an industry that is not easy to navigate. Don’t think anything reflects the quality of what you have to offer other than your own feelings about your own art. The hustle and the work to get our writing out is not representative of the worth of our words. It unfortunately feels that way all too often.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer or wherever you work?

Fluids (I always have at least three different drinks nearby because I get sucked into writing, creatively or professionally, and can be there for hours)
A notepad that has no purpose (not for work or anything dedicated) other than to scribble the many random ideas that come to me throughout the day
A mug with the Malala quote “Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are our most powerful weapons”

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I see no reason why Yellow Arrow can’t be a nationally known nonprofit, not just known in and around Baltimore. This mission, these women, this passion—all the components are there to spark true magic. I hope to add most to this . . . as I feel that [Yellow Arrow] has done the hard work setting up something so special and so critical.

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we BLAZE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 1/21/25 Kapua Iao 1/21/25

Meet a Board Member: Susie Duong

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Susie Duong, board assistant treasurer. She started in October 2024, and we are excited to have her on the team. Susie brings 15+ years of experience in accounting, finance, and academics to her role with Yellow Arrow. She has held leadership positions at a global professional organization and is currently working as a subject matter expert and instructor for a leading education company. She earned her PhD in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MPhil from the University of Hong Kong, and a BA from Fudan University. Susie resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, two daughters, and their miniature schnauzer.

Susie says that she “I look forward to contributing to the future growth of Yellow Arrow.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I enjoy reading, walking, exercising, and spending time with my family.

What do you love most about Kansas City?

It’s a very family friendly place. My husband grew up in Kansas City, and we have a big extended family here.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us? Why did you want to join the Yellow Arrow team?

I serve as assistant treasurer on the board, and I’m committed to supporting Yellow Arrow’s mission of empowering women writers.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

The books on this list by the Economist are my to-be-read books: economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2024/07/26/how-long-would-it-take-to-read-the-greatest-books-of-all-time.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Haruki Murakami.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer or wherever you work?

A water bottle.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I believe there’s opportunity for the organizational to grow nationally, and even internationally.

*****

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we BLAZE a path for women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 12/10/24 Kapua Iao 12/10/24

2024 Year in Review: Our Work Is Not Done; It Is Only Just Beginning

Dear Yellow Arrow Community,

Each year Yellow Arrow Publishing selects a yearly value that embodies the energy we want to bring into our work, and for 2024, we selected AMPLIFY. Our priority this past year was to showcase our authors to a bigger audience, increase the conversations around our published creative works and their themes, and boost the understanding that our community has about these works, their writers, and the issues that matter most to them.

As executive director, I spent a significant amount of time this year sharing Yellow Arrow’s views on why we (still) need to fight for women’s voices and stories to be heard and shared, speaking on panels at literary festivals, writing retreats, networking events, and universities. After the election, I confess I had a moment of despair, wondering if my and our efforts have been in vain. The day after the election happened to be a regular Yellow Arrow board-meeting day and on a good day, those meetings are not filled with despair. Those meetings are filled with unflinching compassion, active listening, the freedom to express outrage, the warmth of unity, and the love for one another. The women on the Yellow Arrow board and in the Yellow Arrow community are reaffirming, passionate, and authentic. The creatives who joined me at that meeting on that day after the election reminded me that our work is not done. They reminded me that I am not alone in the critical work of uplifting women’s voices. And we want to remind you that you are not alone in the work of sharing your story.

When I think about what’s to come in the year ahead, I first turn to my writing. Whether it’s journaling, jotting down a note in my phone at the grocery store, or working on essay revisions for my MFA program at the University of Baltimore, writing gives me and our authors purpose. It allows us to turn our anguish into something meaningful, something actionable. It allows us to do the work of advocacy with our pens. We are talking about all of this behind the scenes, the importance of our work and the need for pen on paper, and are working toward our vision for 2025 with this in mind. We’ll introduce our thoughts for 2025 in the new year; for now, let’s take a moment to look back at all that we have done in our 2024 Year in Review. And we have done a lot.

Yellow Arrow Vignette AMPLIFY managing editor Dr. Tonee Mae Moll curated a stunning collection of poetry and prose this summer, and we celebrated with a reading on stage at the Baltimore Book Festival in the fall. We encourage you to read the full Vignette AMPLIFY series, which is available online at yellowarrowpublishing.com/vignette/amplify-2024 at no cost. Brigitte Winter’s poem “Seashell” particularly resonated with me as I reflected on this year. With Yellow Arrow Journal this year (Vol. IX), we first explored the theme of ELEVATE with guest editor Jennifer N. Shannon. The opening piece in ELEVATE, “Cicada” by Elliott batTzedek, speaks to this moment. Our second issue of Yellow Arrow Journal was kitalo, which focused on griefulness, exploring the intertwining of grief and gratitude. “Kitalo” is an empathetic Luganda term of solidarity offered when someone experiences a spectrum of loss. It directly translates to “this/that is tragic” but is far richer than that. The opening piece in kitalo, Kat Flores’ “Temporary Homes” takes the ideas explored in “Seashell” and “Cicada,” being truthful to oneself and those you love, even further.

Kitalo guest editor Tramaine Suubi shared, “Being the guest editor is a privilege, but the greatest gift I received in this role is true vulnerability. I grieve and give thanks alongside each of our artists here. I hope their words are lifegiving for you, just as they are for me.” (P.S. If you don’t have copies of either issue yet or want to gift them to someone for the holidays, you can buy them at a discount of $27 here.)

We published 79 incredible writers in Yellow Arrow Journal and Yellow Arrow Vignette this year and are so happy to have had the chance to hear so many diverse, rich voices. In addition to these creatives, we published three incredible poetry collections: Beyond the Galleons by Isabel Cristina Legarda, Iridescent Pigeons by Candace Walsh, and Ghosts Only I Can See by Julie Alden Cullinane. We recently announced our 2025 chapbook authors and are eagerly looking ahead to their publications next year and can’t wait to support them and our future vignette and journal authors.

With our Writers-in-Residence program, we were able to continue building community amongst local writers by offering unlimited workshops, one-on-one meetings with team members, and more in partnership with Bird-in-Hand bookstore. We were thrilled to have four talented Baltimore writers join us on their creative journeys this fall: Ashley Elizabeth, Kavitha Rath, Parisa Saranj, and Steph Sundermann-Zinger. Stay tuned for info about a reading featuring their work in early 2025!

In the spirit of AMPLIFY, we set out to spread the word about Yellow Arrow this year at literary events, universities, and through partnerships with Baltimore arts organizations. In March, we traveled to the AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) conference in Kansas City and connected with many of our Yellow Arrow contributors! We are delighted to share that we will again be attending AWP with a Yellow Arrow table in the book fair in March of 2025. We hope to see writers from our community in Los Angeles! And if you haven’t heard, AWP recently announced that the conference will be coming to our very own Baltimore in 2026—we cannot wait to show the literary world what Charm City has to offer!

We also spent a lot of time connecting further with our Baltimore-area community through speaking engagements and events including the Baltimore Book Festival, the CityLit Project, CHARM lit, Howard University Writers Guild, Loyola University, the Creative Alliance, the Entrepreneurs & Artists Podcast, B’more Kind, and Manor Mill. We gain momentum by collaborating with such incredible creative communities across Baltimore’s many thriving local arts neighborhoods.

Finally, this year, we are so thrilled that we were able to host over 20 workshops on craft writing topics! Our writing workshops are accessible, affordable, and foster a sense of community and support among writers in all stages of their creative journey.

We could never do this incredible work without our tremendous team who collaborate so diligently behind the scenes. Every single team member, whether volunteer, staff, workshop instructor, intern, guest editor, or board member, is focused on supporting and empowering women-identifying writers at every stage of their artistic journey.

We are so grateful for everyone’s continued support of women-identifying writers, and we need your support now more than ever. You can check out our holiday gift guide here. We welcome donations that support our mission, especially as we wrap up the year and plan for 2025. Donate today to support our 2025 initiatives! via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@DonateYAP), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, MD 21209). You can further support us by purchasing one of our publications from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Once again, thank you for supporting independent publishing and women writers. See you in the new year!

Warmest Wishes,

Annie Marhefka and the Yellow Arrow Publishing team

Kapua Iao 11/7/24 Kapua Iao 11/7/24

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the fall 2024 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Alexa Lesniak

Program Management Intern

From Media, Pennsylvania but currently living in College Park, Maryland
*What do you do*? My main role at Yellow Arrow is to help support workshops and events through social media posts by creating graphics in Canva to promote different activities. I also write the monthly newsletter and will get to write two blog posts.
*Where do you go to school*? I am currently an English major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and I will graduate this upcoming May!
*What are you currently working on*? Currently, I have been focused on learning how to cook. While many stores have gluten-free frozen options, I have been trying to create my own with whole foods. So far this journey has been very frustrating but very rewarding.

Alexa Lesniak (she/her) is a current senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is an English major with a concentration in media studies and minors in creative writing and professional writing. Alexa is very passionate about the craft of poetry and how it can portray nature. She recently has discovered a love of journaling and scrapbooking. After she graduates, Alexa hopes to pursue a career in publishing. She can be found on Instagram @alexalesniak.

Once she graduates, she plans on pursuing a career in publishing. She would love to help craft the next generation of great literature. Before that though, she plans to travel the U.S. and visit all of the national parks.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose an internship with Yellow Arrow because of the organization’s mission and workplace culture. It has been amazing to help highlight women writers and learn more about events being held locally in Baltimore. I have already met so many amazing people and have been introduced to such wonderful written work.

How are things going so far?

So far, things have been going well. I have learned so much about how Yellow Arrow functions and just how many people play a role in the organization’s success. I also have gained many design and writing skills through my weekly tasks.

Elizabeth Ottenritter

Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland
*What do you do*? Assist with Yellow Arrow’s publications program on a variety of projects, and act as an editorial associate as needed, working directly with the Editor-in-Chief.
*Where do you go to school*? Loyola University Maryland. I am a senior and will graduate in May of 2025.
*What are you currently working on*? As of right now, I am working on applying to graduate programs. I am writing a lot of poetry and prose for my courses as well. I am also a DJ at my university’s radio station, WLOY, so I go live and play music once a week.

Elizabeth Ottenritter (she/her) is a senior at Loyola University Maryland, where she studies writing. She is passionate about reading, crafting poetry, contributing to Loyola’s literary art magazine, Corridors, and traveling worldwide. Upon graduation, Elizabeth hopes to continue her love of learning and language in a graduate program.

She hopes to be accepted into a graduate program for an MFA in either creative writing or poetry. After school, she would like to begin a career in editing or publications, alongside publishing her own writing one day.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

Yellow Arrow has an incredible reputation of publishing and encouraging women-identifying voices, with their numerous chapbook publications, workshops, and journal issues. I truly resonated with allowing writers to be heard exactly as they are, focusing on the heart of the work above anything else. I was also moved by the upcoming (at the time) Yellow Arrow Journal issue kitalo. I felt a strong connection to the premise of grief and gratitude coming together to create something beautiful.

How are things going so far?

Great! I get to do what I love, surrounded by talented and passionate professionals. I get to read the work of others, copyedit publications, and write to amplify Yellow Arrow on social media. I’m learning a lot in such a short period of time, and I know this experience will stay with me.

*****

Thank you to everyone who supports these women and all writers who toil away day after day. Please show them some love in the comments below or on Yellow Arrow’s Facebook or Instagram. If interested in joining us as an editorial associate or intern, fill out an application at yellowarrowpublishing.com/internships.

Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we AMPLIFY women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.

Kapua Iao 10/1/24 Kapua Iao 10/1/24

Meet a Staff Member: Amelia (Mel) Silberger

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to (re)introduce Amelia (Mel) Silberger, our spring 2024 publications intern turned reader. Mel is a recent graduate of Loyola University Maryland who received her degree in psychology and writing with a minor in political science. She is an aspiring creative nonfiction writer and editor who is originally from Long Island, New York. Mel has spent the past two summers living in Orlando, Florida, while participating in the Disney College Program. She has loved creating stories since she was six years old and hopes to continue to grow and build with other writers in the future.

Mel says, “I’m looking forward to reading more of the amazing poems and creative nonfiction pieces submitted by talented writers throughout the world, and amplifying their voices through our chapbooks, journals, and vignettes. I am also eager to continue working alongside a brilliant group of women-identifying creatives whose passion for building each other up is unlike any other.”

Tell us a little something about yourself.

I was raised on Long Island, New York, but spent the past four years living in Baltimore, Maryland, while studying at Loyola University Maryland. While at Loyola, I served as the marketing intern for the Kennedy Krieger Institute before joining Yellow Arrow as a publications intern. I recently graduated with a degree in psychology and writing and am planning to work for the next year before applying to graduate schools. I love rock climbing, watching hockey, squishmallows, and all things Disney.

What do you love most about Long Island?

My favorite part about Long Island has to either be the food (who doesn’t love New York pizza and bagels!?) or the proximity to so many destinations. I love that I can take a short ride to the beach or a train into New York City and find so much to do in between. Most importantly, most of my extended family lives on Long Island and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to see them after four years of being away.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I got involved with Yellow Arrow during my senior year of college after meeting with my writing professor about potential internship placements that aligned with my goals. She immediately suggested applying to the Yellow Arrow team and after reading the Yellow Arrow mission, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. I was the publications intern for spring 2024 and now I am a reader for the selection process of our chapbooks and journals. I originally wanted to join Yellow Arrow because I loved the idea of being able to empower and elevate the voices of other women-identifying creatives, and it has been amazing to do that and more!

What are you working on currently?

Since graduation, most of my time has been spent visiting family and traveling. I have been building my writing portfolio along with my website (to be published soon!) and looking into graduate school programs for next year.

What genre do you write or read the most?

Creative nonfiction! I love highlighting what may seem like simple moments by telling them in a creative way. I also appreciate the opportunity to share my lived experiences with others so we can elevate and advocate for each other.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

On Beauty by Zadie Smith was recently recommended to me, and I’m eager to give it a try! I am also looking forward to reading Tramaine Suubi’s Phases, which will be published in January 2025.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I don’t have a favorite writer—it’s constantly changing! No stories have ever sat with me as heavy as those of Ken Liu though, and I highly recommend reading his short story collection titled The Paper Menagerie.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My writing professors at Loyola have inspired me most throughout my writing journey, and I am confident I would not be the person nor writer I am today without their feedback and encouragement. I am also forever inspired by my three younger siblings and the people they have grown to be, as many of my pieces center around our relationship and shared childhood.

My biggest supporters are my partner, Logan, and friend, Sophia. From bouncing story ideas off one another to editing every piece of punctuation, they are unwaveringly present in helping my writing journey in any way that I need.

What do you love most about writing?

My favorite part about writing is the connection it builds with those around me, especially those who I might not know otherwise. Whether it be relating to similar experiences or learning something new, I appreciate the opportunity to share pieces of myself and my story with others and hearing theirs in return. It’s a truly special way to connect.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don’t stare at the page and wait for the “perfect” poem or story—if you do that, the idea will likely never come. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is write all your thoughts down on a page, no matter how long it may be, and come back later to edit them to fit the story you want to tell. Don’t worry about getting it right on the first try—you’re not supposed to.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near where you work?

My Rubik’s cube! It is a great fidget for when I’m feeling restless and allows me to take quick mental breaks if I need to. Aside from that, I always bring a journal or notebook to write down any general thoughts that may distract me from my task at hand.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

I envision Yellow Arrow continuing to amplify the diverse voices of women-identifying creatives all over the world. I’d also love to gain more awareness about our team and what we do and reach more writers throughout each submission period. I can’t wait to see how Yellow Arrow grows this year and beyond, and I am so grateful to be a part of it!

*****

Kapua Iao 9/3/24 Kapua Iao 9/3/24

Meet a Board Member: Barbara Frey

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Barbara Frey, new director of fundraising (co-chair with Nikita Rimal Sharma). Barbara wears two hats. She is an event design specialist, most recently providing decorations for the June 20, 2024, Friends of Yellow Arrow gathering, and she is an online learning consultant, drawing on more than two decades of experience with Connections Academy, Baltimore City Schools, and beyond. Her articles have been published in educational journals and magazines.

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I live in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore city with my husband and miniature poodle, Lillet. I love spending time with my seven grandchildren. I belong to two book clubs and an art seminar group. My husband and I love to travel and learn the culture, art, and history of the countries we visit.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Growing up in New York, it did take me a few years to appreciate the charm of Baltimore. I grew to love the quirky neighborhoods and the diversity of Baltimore. Although a small city, Baltimore has a lot to offer. As an art and music lover I appreciate the many museums, galleries, local theatres, and music venues especially the Baltimore Symphony.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I got involved with Yellow Arrow when I was asked by [board president] Mickey Revenaugh, who I worked closely with for many years at Connections Academy, to join the board.

What are you working on currently?

Currently I am working on two projects that reflect my dual interests. I am spearheading a redesign of the public areas of the condominium building where I live that was designed by Frank Gehry in 1975. My other project is researching and collecting photos and stories of my family’s heritage.

What genre do you write or read the most?

I enjoy reading historical fiction and short stories. I am always interested in all the research that goes into writing historical fiction that makes real places culturally recognizable. Short stories have always fascinated me as they have a short time to tell their story. Short stories have to be discreet and deliberate, often bridging a partnership between the reader and the writer.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

My contemporary author favorite is Zaide Smith. She has written novels, short stories, essays, and plays. She combines wit, reflection, and social issues.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I have only done technical and grant writing; the person who most inspired and supported me in these pursuits has been Mickey Revenaugh.

What do you love most about writing?

When I hit send!!

What advice do you have for new writers?

Believe in yourself. Find your voice.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer?

Coffee.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

To provide more opportunities for culturally diverse woman writers and to raise awareness about us!!

*****

Camille Leah (Cam) Barrón, Editing Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Taylor Anne Trotta, Program Management Intern (Year-long)

Lives in Abingdon, Maryland

Hannah Bishoff, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Avery Wood, Program Management Intern

Lives in Raleigh, North Carolina

Kristen Caruso, Program Management Intern

From Hillsborough, New Jersey

Sophia Graney, Vignette BLAZE intern

From Fairfield, Connecticut

Kate Tourison, Publications Intern

Lives in Ellicott City, Maryland

Arrieonna Derricoatte, Program Management Intern

Lives in Columbus, Ohio

Jacqueline Goldman, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Gabby Granillo, Author Support Intern (6 months)

From Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, but lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Alexa Lesniak

Program Management Intern

Elizabeth Ottenritter

Publications Intern