Finding Self-Reflection and Strength in Community: Yellow Arrow Journal (Vol. X, No. 1) UNFURL

We are the same.
Drained, chafed, stripped, scavenged,
we submit to the great unveiling;

“Fruit of the Spirit” by Kellie D. Brown

UNFURL, the just released issue of Yellow Arrow Journal, Vol. X, No. 1, guest edited by Sara J. Streeter, explores how people seek to find themselves. UNFURL is a soul-searching survey of the unique journeys people take when experiencing and undergoing self-transformation, journeys that all start with a little fire, a desire, deep inside. We are honored to have had the opportunity to work with the included creatives to craft such a vibrant narrative, especially at a time when such personal, heart-wrenching stories are so vital. We are also privileged to be able to share it (and them) with you. In the issue’s introduction, Sara adds:

“I am honored to bear witness to stories that weave perspective and deep reflection into such strength. They remind me that community and imagination are powerful gifts we all have access to.”

Paperback and PDF versions are now available from the Yellow Arrow bookstore. Discounts are also available (here) if you would like to purchase copies for friends and family (minimum purchase of five). You can also search for Yellow Arrow Journal on any e-book device or anywhere you purchase print and electronic books, including Amazon and most other distribution channels. Discounted bundles of both our 2025 issues are also available from our bookstore.

Sara J. Streeter (she/her), or 한혜숙 Hea Sook Han, is a writer and a Korean-American adoptee. Since starting her writing journey in 2021, Sara found her writing community through Adoptee Voices and developed a meaningful connection to readers, both within the adoption constellation and beyond. She joined the Yellow Arrow community when her piece “Bitter / Sweet” was included in Yellow Arrow Journal kitalo Vol. IX, No. 2. You can find her at sarajstreeter.com.

UNFURL features Storm Ainsely, Heather Brown Barrett, Michelle Bovée Stange, Kellie D. Brown, Tricia Gates Brown, Carrie Aurelius Carlisle, Brandy Bell Carter, Alexis F., Hillary Gonzalez, LuLu Grant, Melanie Hyo-In Han, Kalehua Kim, Majiq Vu Mai, Mansi, Sini Marcks, Mary McAfoose, Shannon McNicholas, Nia P., Emma Reyes, Lindsay B. Sears, Alyce Shu, Cat Speranzini, Beverley Sylvester, Laura Taber, Bethany Tap, Jo Tyler, and Jessica Zarrillo.

The cover of UNFURL had its own journey to creation from choosing one to feature among the incredible submissions we received to unfortunately not hearing back from the artist, and finally and happily, to finding the perfect voice for the issue’s cover in Yellow Arrow’s Creative Director Alexa Laharty. According to Alexa, “My intention with the piece was to portray the joyous emotions that accompany a release from the constraints of worry and anxiety.” Sara adds, “Alexa brilliantly showcases the cover woman’s unfurling sense of joy and freedom through her expression and stance.” Thank you, Alexa and Sara, for your incredible vision.

A huge thanks to the rest of the Yellow Arrow team for helping to shape this issue: guest editor Sara J. Streeter, along with the UNFURL editorial team, Arrieonna Derricoatte, Jill Earl, Angela Firman, Barbara Frey, Meg Gamble, Gabby Granillo, Jacqueline Goldman, Siobhan McKenna, Melissa Nunez, Kait Quinn, Leticia Priebe Rocha, and Emily Ross.

We hope you enjoy reading UNFURL as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for your continued encouragement of Yellow Arrow Publishing and the creatives involved in UNFURL.

*****

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.