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.

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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 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.