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.

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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.