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.
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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 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.