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.

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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.