Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Samantha Pomerantz, a reader for Yellow Arrow publications. Samantha (she/her) is a writer and a lover of stories. She is studying English and creative writing at Elon University until mid 2024. And then she will do other things that will likely also involve reading and writing. She is the poetry editor of Colonnades Literary and Art Journal and the second-place recipient of the 2023 Frederick Haartman poetry prize. Samantha has spent most of her life in Germantown, Maryland, hugging trees and learning how to be a person.
Samantha was the summer 2023 publications intern for Yellow Arrow Publishing. She says, “I very much look forward to reading the work of women-identifying people from all over the world and all walks of life. Connecting with these stories and helping to share them feels so transformative and important.”
What do you love most about Baltimore?
I split my time between North Carolina and Germantown, Maryland. In both places, what I love most are the trees. At my school in North Carolina, there are huge oak trees everywhere, and fallen leaves cover the brick paths year-round. In Maryland, it is the maple trees in my neighborhood that are my favorite. They add so much character.
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 began at Yellow Arrow as a publications intern. I am now transitioning into a role as a staff reader. I was so inspired by Yellow Arrow’s mission and values, which align with my own. I love literature and reading the work of women-identifying people. When I read Yellow Arrow’s tagline “every writer has a story to tell and every story is worth telling,” I felt a resounding ‘yes!’
What are you working on currently?
I am super focused on health right now, and how to better manage stress. I am also working on my undergraduate degree in English, creative writing. And learning French, just for fun.
What genre do you write (or read if you don’t write)?
I mostly write poetry. I love to play with the mouthfeel of words, the way they sound and look on a page to convey layers of meaning. I also love the freedom of poetry, and the ability to cut deep into the heart of the human condition. I am also an avid journaler, which helps me organize my experience of life.
What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?
The House of Belonging by David Whyte and Discover Your Dharma by Sahara Rose.
Who is your favorite writer and why?
My favorite authors are Andre Aciman and Glennon Doyle. I love the way that both write about the human condition—it is so beautiful. They write with such vulnerability and truth that comforts and inspires.
Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?
My favorite authors, a plethora of poets, and my high school and university writing professors have inspired me significantly. Their encouragement and example have fostered my love of reading and writing.
What advice do you have for new writers?
As a new-ish writer myself, I have found the most difficult part to establish a consistent writing practice. But I hear this is important. Also, trust yourself! “Every writer has a story to tell and every story is worth telling” :)
What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer?
Positive affirmations! I have ‘love’ notes on my desk from people who have read my work and who have shared how it has impacted them. These remind me why I write and help quiet the ‘you’re not good enough’ voice.
What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?
As a reader, I want to help elevate and amplify the voices that feel the most true and vulnerable. When we amplify underrepresented voices, there opens space in the world to heal. These stories are important and deserve to be celebrated and shared.
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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 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.