Yellow Arrow Publishing Blog

Kapua Iao 11/4/25 Kapua Iao 11/4/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

One of the many ways Yellow Arrow Publishing encourages women writers and women in publishing is through inclusion within the organization itself. We welcome (and thrive with) our volunteers and interns, not only for our own benefit but to also (hopefully) provide a prospective future publisher with some necessary tools and knowledge about the publishing world. And even if a volunteer/intern does not plan to continue within the publishing world, the tools and knowledge of working in a women-led, collaborative organization. One that champions the different and the unique. One that looks for partners and allies rather than simple connections (see our current list of partners here).

We try to find each volunteer, each intern, space in our organization to grow and flourish in the area they are most interested in (and of course where we need the most help!). Past staff members have worked at our live events and at Yellow Arrow House. They hand bound our publications and put as much love and tenderness into each copy as we could hope. Today they focus on the ins and outs of releasing a publication, running a publishing company, and our community-driven projects. Tasks can range from editing to formatting, marketing, and putting together events and workshops. Above all else, our interns support and champion staff/board, authors, workshop attendees, and themselves. We are so thankful to have had them with us on this journey.

So let’s introduce the fall 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Hannah Bishoff, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? At Yellow Arrow, I have been working on copyediting for the most recent chapbooks and journal. I make a lot of promo images for these, and work to update blog posts and some social media. It has also been fun getting pieces ready for awards.
*Where do you go to school*? I am currently in my last year at Towson University as an English major. I will be graduating in Spring 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, I am mostly just working on finishing my BA at Towson.

Hannah Bishoff is a senior English major at Towson University with a minor in business, communications, and the liberal arts. On the weekends, she works at a coffee shop in Towson and when not in class she enjoys reading, drawing, shopping, and watching TV. Find her on Instagram @hannaheb.

In the (near) future, she hopes to continue working in publishing, if all goes well.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

One of my favorite courses was called 18th-Century British Literature. It is not exactly my favorite because of the content, as I really only took this class because of the required literature courses for my major. I liked this class a lot as it was an intimate experience with my professor (only about seven-ish other students), who was very knowledgeable and extremely motivating. He had us write a 20-page literary research paper, which I ended up really enjoying strangely enough. This was also his last course before retiring, which I appreciated being able to take part in.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

For another one of my courses, my professor had us read three books by Annie Ernaux, a French author known for her memoirs. The one that stuck with me is called Happening, in which she, in detail, goes over her success at attempting to get an abortion in the early ‘60s. She emphasizes that she did not write this for political reasons, but to simply give her own account to help other women who have had, or may in the future have, a similar experience.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose Yellow Arrow because I wanted to learn more about working with a publishing company but also because I wholly identify with the mission of uplifting women’s real, raw voice. I also had a bit of experience working with a nonprofit for school and wanted to continue.

How are things going so far?

Things are going great! I especially love reading and experiencing all the publications.

Avery Wood, Program Management Intern

Lives in Raleigh, North Carolina

*What do you do*? I’m tasked/have been tasked with helping social media design and scheduling, writing two blog posts, helping write and publish the monthly newspaper, copyediting/proofreading, and helping with new asynchronous workshop design promotion. And of course, any upcoming tasks as well!
*Where do you go to school*? I attend North Carolina State University (NCSU) with plans to graduate in May of 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Right now, credit-wise, I’ve basically finished my English degree and am primarily focused on getting my business degree now, so a big focus is on academics. I’m also the leader and facilitator of my book club, and I try to write a little daily. I cook, read, attend my school’s sports events, and travel when I have the free time.

Avery Wood (she/her) is a rising senior at North Carolina State University (NCSU), pursuing a BA in English with a focus on creative writing and a BS in business administration. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Avery’s love for literature began with her work as lead editor for her high school literary magazine and continues to be a central part of her life through her involvement with her college’s literary journals. Following graduation, she intends to bring her passion for business and creative writing to the publishing industry. When she isn’t reading, Avery enjoys traveling, a strong coffee, cooking, and intense card games with her family. She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful team, making a difference and amplifying female voices.

She hopes to get another internship this summer in New York within the publishing industry and hopes that leads to a job post-undergrad. She also plans to publish some of her writing works and establish herself as a writer one day.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I enjoy learning as a whole, so it’s always difficult to pick a favorite course. When I studied abroad in Italy I took some amazing courses: Food and Religion, Pairing Wine and Food (a cooking class), Italian Cinema and Literature, Florentine Literature. And at NCSU I took fascinating classes like Medieval Monsters, Language and Gender, Screenwriting, Heaven/Hell and the Afterlife, and Contemporary Moral Issues. We’re offered a lot of amazing options for an English degree so I chose from my interests in medieval literature, gender studies, religious literature, film and screenwriting, and food and international culture.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

I’m a big science fiction and fantasy (SFF) lover, so one of my favorite books this year was The Will of the Many by James Islington. But I also love self-help narratives and keeping up with current favorites in that realm, so things like Atomic Habits by James Clear. I also met and interviewed Carin Seigfried about her book The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing over the summer which was a very insightful experience. And finally, a piece of feminist lit that absolutely has stuck with me this year is Jacqueline Harpman’s I Who Have Never Known Men. I’m hoping to read 60 books in 2025, and I’ve read 49 so far.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I’m hoping to enter into the literary publishing realm post-undergrad but before then, while still in college, I’m simply hoping to gain as much experience in and knowledge of the industry as I can. An internship, and specifically with a small publishing company, seemed like the perfect place to gain some real, hands-on experience. That, coupled with Yellow Arrow’s specific mission to support women writers, seemed like a wonderful place for me to land. Supporting women writers is something I’m genuinely passionate about and a big reason why I want to go into publishing in the first place; we need to hear more female voices now more than ever! I was also curious about the operations of nonprofits.

How are things going so far?

I think things are going well so far. I feel like I’ve started to gain some confidence in my role, though I’m still unsure sometimes and often ask many, many questions. I’m trying to be as helpful a resource as I can without much knowledge on the various Yellow Arrow mechanisms. But as I continue to familiarize myself with Yellow Arrow policies and procedures, the more helpful I hope/plan to be. I’m always open to feedback, too!

*****

Thank you to everyone who supports these women and all writers who toil away day after day. Please show them some love in the comments below or on social media. If interested in joining us as an intern, you can learn more at yellowarrowpublishing.com/internships.

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.

Kapua Iao 9/2/25 Kapua Iao 9/2/25

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.

*****

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.

Kapua Iao 8/5/25 Kapua Iao 8/5/25

Meet a Staff Member: Emily García

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Emily García, events manager. Emily holds an MFA in writing from California College of the Arts and was born and raised in Oakland, California, though she now lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work has appeared in ZYZZYVA Magazine, Hobart Magazine, South Dakota Review, 34THPARALLEL Magazine, Wallstrait Journal, and BmoreArt Magazine.

Emily says, “I’m so looking forward to getting to know everyone and to planning some fun events for our team and community.”

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Baltimore has been an adjustment (we moved here from the Bay Area for my husband’s job) but after two years, it’s started to grow on me. I love the old house we live in and the ease and quickness with which we’ve gotten to know our neighbors. People have been kind and inclusive.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and what do you do for us?

Funny enough, I ran into Annie [Marhefka] at the Association of Writers & Writing Program’s (AWP’s) conference in Los Angeles this year when I went over to check out the Yellow Arrow booth. My work background is in restaurants and events and when I asked about getting involved with Yellow Arrow, Annie told me the team was looking for help with events. Since I’m newer to Baltimore, I’d been wanting to connect with the local literary scene, and it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

What are you working on currently?

I just started writing my second novel, and I almost always have a short story going so I can switch back and forth between projects.

What genre do you write the most and why?

I write mostly fiction. It’s my favorite genre to read.

Can you recall an early memory that might have sparked your love of writing/reading?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading; I was a shy, awkward kid and sitting quietly with a book somewhere was when I felt the happiest.

What books are on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Vincenzo Latronico’s Perfection and Elif Batuman’s Either/Or.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I’ve been very lucky to have had so much support! My family, my husband, my friends, my teachers.

If you could have a workspace anywhere, where would it be and why?

I’m a sucker for northern California and the Central Coast so . . . probably somewhere in Marin County or Santa Cruz. A beautiful little study with a view of the Pacific. Comfy chair, big desk, built-in bookshelves.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Keep going! Don’t stop!

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I’m really excited that AWP is coming to Baltimore next year—it’s a great opportunity to welcome people and show off the city. I envision us hosting some wonderful events over the course of the conference.

*****

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.

Kapua Iao 7/29/25 Kapua Iao 7/29/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the summer 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Kristen Caruso, Program Management Intern

From Hillsborough, New Jersey

*What do you do*? For Yellow Arrow, I work on the promotion for upcoming events, submissions, and [workshops and writers-in-residence] applications, creating social media graphics and pamphlets, scheduling posts, and writing captions. I also read and voted on the Vignette BLAZE submissions, edited part of the Yellow Arrow website, wrote blog posts, and created the July newsletter.
*Where do you go to school*? I’m a student at the University of Rochester, graduating in 2027.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, this summer I’m a calculus student, a writer of poetic prose and unfinished stories, an avid public library goer, a 5k runner, and an ocean swimmer.

Kristen Caruso (she/her) is a rising junior at the University of Rochester but calls New Jersey home. As a double major in English (creative writing) and business, with a minor in French, she hopes to combine her areas of study in a career in the publishing industry. Kristen’s interest in publishing began as the editor-in-chief of her high school’s yearbook organization and continues to thrive on the editorial board of her university’s art and literature journal, LOGOS. She enjoys coffee, the color green, poetry, nonfiction about trees, the ocean, Rochester snow, New Jersey pizza, music that’s somewhat bad, and lists that are too long. Find her on Instagram @kris10caruso.

She still has two more years left of school, but hopes to continue writing and learning for now, and eventually work in the publishing industry.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I really enjoyed both my Intro to Fiction Writing and Intro to Poetry Writing courses. They were the first times I’ve truly been a part of a writing community, and I loved talking about writing and getting feedback from my peers.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

For my poetry writing class, I read Then the War, a collection of poetry by Carl Phillips. His work is just absolutely striking, and I connected deeply with a lot of his motifs—the ocean, forests, trees. Phillips came to my school to do a Q&A and a reading, and I loved hearing him talk about his work and how his life has impacted it.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

When I first heard about Yellow Arrow, I was struck by its mission. Finding a cause worth working for and being passionate about was really important to me. And after meeting and working with people, I see how passionate they all are about it too.

How are things going so far?

Things are going really well! Everyone I have met and worked with are so kind and passionate about what they do. I love that my position requires me to meet different people and work on different projects.

Sophia Graney, Vignette BLAZE intern

From Fairfield, Connecticut

*What do you do*? I help a lot with all the work related to Yellow Arrow Vignette this summer. So far I’ve done lots of reading and reviewing/voting. Coming up is a lot of work in terms of sending emails, creating graphics and marketing for social media and for the website, and helping organize a launch event. As well as that, I’m helping more generally on reading and voting on chapbook submissions.
*Where do you go to school*? I’m going into my senior year at Loyola University Maryland! Graduation is expected to be May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Outside of Yellow Arrow, I’m working at my summer job at a beach. As well as that, I’m preparing for my senior year and my incoming role as student body president at Loyola. I’m also working on a few slow projects of beginning work for my senior thesis, teaching my younger cousin to read, and taking as many photos of life as possible.

Sophia Graney is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland double majoring in English and writing with a keen interest in Shakespearean studies. With a myriad of passions, Sophia is constantly writing, organizing, and advocating for the student body as part of Loyola’s student government or chatting with friends for hours in the on-campus Starbucks. When not studying or writing her own poetry and prose in Loyola’s humanities building, Sophia can be found at Loyola’s rock-climbing wall or at the beach in her hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. Find her on Instagram @sophia.graney.

She’ll [soon] be applying to graduate schools for funded English PhD programs!

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

I can’t exactly choose one. I have two favorite courses that I have stuck with me. One was a civic literacy writing class where we learned about lots of issues facing literacy rates in our country and ways around Baltimore that were helping aid in the pursuit of reading and literary access. It was a service-based class that was taught by my favorite teacher and seemed like a no brainer to take. My other favorite class was my Shakespeare Histories and Tragedies class. I just love Shakespeare and learning about my favorite plays in a college setting was really exciting.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

On Photography by Susan Sontag.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

Yellow Arrow was introduced to me by my friend Mel Silberger who had an internship with the press when I was a first year and she was a junior. She carried on with the group her senior year and to me, it just felt like something I wanted to be a part of, especially when I learned more about the mission of Yellow Arrow. Feminism and gender-based advocacy is a niche I have carved out for myself throughout my time in college and being a part of a woman-identifying press that aims to uplift voices is so important to me and just seemed like something I wanted to be a part of, even if just a little.

How are things going so far?

Excellent! I’m really loving the work that I’m doing. It didn’t feel like much in the beginning, just because it was a slow and steady stream of work. Now it’s more a cohesive list of objectives to complete, and I can start to see my work and its tangible effects which is always super awesome.

Kate Tourison, Publications Intern

Lives in Ellicott City, Maryland

*What do you do*? So far, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with [editor-in-chief Kapua Iao] to read, format, and edit for Yellow Arrow chapbooks and Yellow Arrow Vignette BLAZE, create social media graphics to promote publications and writers in the community, engage with the Yellow Arrow website, Instagram, and Facebook, and begin writing some of my own pieces for the Yellow Arrow blog.
*Where do you go to school*? I go to Loyola University Maryland and will graduate next year, in May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? It’s been a slow summer for me. I’ve just finished my fourth (and final) summer orientation at Loyola as a part of the new student and families programming. It’s always a highlight for me to help welcome the incoming class of first-year students and prepare for the fall semester. Aside from that, I’ve mostly been focused on graduate program research and working at my local ice cream shop.

Kate Tourison (she/her) is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland where she majors in English and communication with a specialization in advertising and public relations. As a lifelong book lover, she is thrilled to join the Yellow Arrow team and engage with an inspiring community of women writers. During her spare time, she enjoys watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls, taking long walks with her dog, and, of course, reading! You can find her at @katetourison on Instagram.

She would love to continue working in publishing after graduation in some capacity, but being an English professor has also been a life-long dream. So I guess we shall see!

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

This is a really tough one. I’m going to have to go with a tie between my seminars on Banned Books and James Joyce. The course on banned books was a no-brainer for me because I have always been passionate about reading and promoting diverse voices in literature and having conversations about the influence of modern politics on censorship. The class was an absolute blast. The class on James Joyce, on the other hand, was somewhat of a last minute decision. Ulysses was one of those books that felt impossibly daunting, even as an English major. The class, however, was such a rewarding experience with the most wonderful professor, and I can now confidently say that Joyce is one of my favorite writers.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

My gosh, I’ve gained a few new favorites this year. One that has really stuck with me is one of my first reads of the year, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. The book follows June Hayward, a white woman and failed writer, after she steals a manuscript from successful Chinese American author Athena Lui and publishes it as her own. Kuang satirizes the U.S. publishing industry, commenting on the “push” for racial diversity and exploitation of minority stories and voices while simultaneously shedding light on the dangerous world of social media and “cancel culture.”

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

A friend of mine had previously interned for Yellow Arrow, and told me about their very positive experience. Combined with my interest in the company’s mission and ethos, working with Yellow Arrow was my top choice.

How are things going so far?

Amazing!

*****

Kapua Iao 4/15/25 Kapua Iao 4/15/25

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the spring 2025 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Arrieonna Derricoatte, Program Management Intern

Lives in Columbus, Ohio

*What do you do*? My main role at Yellow Arrow is to help support workshops and events through social media posts by creating graphics in Canva to promote different activities. I also write the monthly newsletter and by the end of the internship, two blog posts.
*Where do you go to school*? I got to Ohio State University. I graduate in May this year.
*What are you currently working on*? I am currently in my last semester of undergrad and am a community engagement arts administrator at Urban Arts Space. I am editing and planning the launch of their first community journal. I have also begun to work on my own independent research using docupoetics as an archival tool.

Arrieonna Derricoatte (she/her) is currently a senior at Ohio State University. She is an English major with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, and literacy with minors in human rights and professional writing. She is passionate about reading and community-building around arts, education, and policy. Arrieonna is also a student art administrator and writing intern at Urban Arts Space. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration upon graduation. After school, she hopes to further her career in nonprofit work and community programming while seeking a career in publishing. She can be found on Instagram @arrieonnaderricoatte.

She plans to attend graduate school next fall to pursue a masters in public affair.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course this semester is Black women: culture and politics. I chose to take this course because I wanted to know more about the genealogy of Black feminism and where it appears in literature, media, and politics.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris is about healing intergenerational trauma through a Black family in the South after their land is seized by private investors. I’m invested in not only affordable housing but land restoration and equitable home/land ownership for marginalized communities.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose this internship with Yellow Arrow because I not only wanted experience in the publishing industry but because I am deeply invested in lifting up the voices and history of marginalized peoples especially women of color.

How are things going so far?

I am enjoying my internship so far. I have learned about the publication from submissions to release. I have also been a part of programming like fundraising and workshop curriculum and marketing.

Jacqueline Goldman, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? Several things! I draft and publish the .W.o.W. and Her View Friday blogs on the website and social media, reviewed submissions for *Yellow Arrow Journal*, write blogs, research for Yellow Arrow mentions, edit, and much, much more.
*Where do you go to school*? Loyola University Maryland. I will graduate May 2026.
*What are you currently working on*? Currently I’m submitting applications for internships over the summer, fingers crossed! I’m also planning to go to a renaissance faire this Sunday [now, a few Sundays ago!] so I’m prepping for that.

Jacqueline Goldman (she/her) is an aspiring publishing professional pursuing a degree in communications and media with a specialization in journalism and a minor in writing and business journalism at Loyola University Maryland. With experience as Publication Intern for Yellow Arrow Publishing, Managing Editor-in-Chief for The Greyhound, Nonfiction Editor at Corridors Literary Magazine, and an acquisitions editor at Apprentice House Press, she enjoys shaping compelling narratives and pushing the envelope.

She would love to work toward becoming an acquisitions editor at a publishing company.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course was a manuscript development and evaluation course in the communication and media department. I took it because I’ve always loved reviewing other individuals work. After taking the course, I realized I wanted to go into the publishing industry.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

“Counting Dogwood Flowers” by Lish Ciambrone from Yellow Arrow Journal kitalo (Vol. IX, No. 2) touched me since my dog passed away recently. Seeing her read it in person was even more striking.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

One of my professor’s in the writing department suggested that I apply for Yellow Arrow as I was looking to gain more hands-on experience in the publishing industry. Yellow Arrow stuck out because of its goal of uplifting women’s voices, which aligns with my personal values.

How are things going so far?

I think things are going well so far! . . . So much information to take in at once, it was a lot! But as I received feedback and tasks became more repetitive I found them coming to me more naturally.

Gabby Granillo, Author Support Intern (6 months)

From Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, but lives in Baltimore, Maryland

*What do you do*? I work closely with the chapbook authors and other published authors to develop a network and foundation for future interns. I pride myself on building relationships with past and present authors and fostering a comfortable environment for the creative minds of our company. I am working on developing blog posts, social media graphics, and planning events, such as poetry readings, to celebrate the successes and contributions of our authors to the literary world. It is a pleasure to be a member of such an invaluable team and get to know all the different moving parts that make Yellow Arrow a wonderful place to work.
*Where do you go to school*? I attend Loyola University Maryland, and I will graduate in the spring of 2026. I am an English and writing major with minors in environmental studies and art.
*What are you currently working on*? I am currently working on creative nonfiction short essays that will be used in my writing portfolio for graduate school. I love art as a creative medium outside of writing and work on collages from vintage magazines and printouts in my free time. I go for a lot of walks about Baltimore and am a huge foodie. My favorite thing to do is cook dinner and create new recipes.

Gabrielle Granillo is studying English and writing at Loyola University Maryland, minoring in environmental science and art. Raised in Arizona, with much of her family still on the west coast, she now lives in central Massachusetts, her home for the past 12 years. She aims to live in northern Europe after graduation and receive a master’s degree in photojournalism. Gabby spends her days reading Irish novels, practicing street photography, and trying out new recipes. Her three favorite things are hot tea, antiquing, and road trips. She looks forward to making valuable contributions to the Yellow Arrow team, as a woman-identifying writer herself, looking to explore further editorial practices and enhance her voice using inspiration of her fellow staff members. Find her on Instagram and LinkedIn @gabriellegranillo.

In the fall of 2025, she will be living in Copenhagen, Denmark, and attending DIS Study Abroad as a study abroad student through Loyola Maryland. She will be studying photojournalism, creative writing, and environmental science while in Europe.

What is your favorite course at school? Why did you choose to take it?

My favorite course is a seminar on James Joyce. I am currently taking it for degree credit toward my major. It has enhanced my ability to do close readings, and I find the class to be joyful, entertaining, and enlightening. It has changed my perception of the English language and the different ways to interpret how authors choose to convey a message or theme.

Have you read anything this year that has stuck with you?

I read Breakdown by Cathy Sweeney, and it was one of my favorite novels I have read. I have a preference for Irish literature and Irish authors. There is something about their writing styles and scenes that is so intriguing. I felt that the novel was enjoyable for the sake of it being an easy read but packed full of gendered philosophy, and it challenges what it means to be a woman and a mother in a world so set out to determine our identities for us.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I was inspired by the idea of being a support system for other individuals in the writing community. This opportunity presented itself unexpectedly, as Annie Marhefka (Executive Director) came to visit one of my seminars and pitched Yellow Arrow’s mission to the students. I felt moved by the work she was developing and desired to be a member of her team. Yellow Arrow proved to be unlike any other internships I looked into, and the platform they provide for female-identifying authors to express themselves is vital to the publishing community.

How are things going so far?

Things are going very well. It is important work that Yellow Arrow does, and I feel challenged. I am learning a lot about event planning and professional communication. I am working with a diverse group of individuals, and the tasks being asked of us interns are not busy work. Each task is meticulously crafted and I find myself brainstorming things for my position outside of the job description. I feel motivated to work toward the goals with my team and look forward to meeting with them each week. It is a treat to work with such like-minded and devoted individuals.

*****

Kapua Iao 2/18/25 Kapua Iao 2/18/25

Meet a Board Member: Kelsea-Marie Pym

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Kelsea-Marie Pym, board secretary. She started in October 2024, and we are excited to have her on the team. Kelsea is a political consultant primarily working in the nonprofit advocacy space, focusing for the past decade in nonpartisan civic engagement and democracy issues. Kelsea’s professional ghost writing has appeared in outlets from the New York Times to the Sacramento Bee, and everywhere in between. Kelsea has been fortunate to live on both coasts, from Portland to San Diego and from Boston to Washington, D.C., and to now reside in west Michigan. The perspectives from different cities in addition to a multitude of life experiences inform both her professional and personal work. Kelsea holds her BA from Boston University.

Kelsea’s hobbies outside of reading include baking, gardening, and running. Kelsea is a mother of a one-year-old son who keeps her on her toes. Kelsea and her husband are constantly running around after their son and after any of their three older pets (two dogs and one cat). It’s a busy life that doesn’t allow time for many hobbies, but above all else, Kelsea is still an avid reader who finds solace in all things written narrative.

Kelsea says, “I am inspired by others constantly. I love meeting new people and learning their stories. I am so excited to learn from the other women involved, to learn and be inspired by the work that is a part of Yellow Arrow, and to feel another thread of connection in a world that is somehow so wildly connect but disconnected at the same time.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

My first award for writing came in 8th grade, when my anthology of poems titled “Ode to Oprah,” a middle-schooler’s ‘witty’ way of writing an anthology about social justice issues, won an award.

What do you love most about the Baltimore area and where you live in Michigan?

When I lived in D.C., I loved visiting Baltimore and going to the harbor. I’ve always been someone most inspired and at ease by the water, so that was a favorite. That is the only reason why I allowed us to move to the “landlocked Midwest” because I live within 35 minutes of Lake Michigan, which feels like a beach!

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?

When I came across Yellow Arrow, I was immediately inspired. As a new mother, I cannot explain how many times essays, poetry, etc., have gotten me through some of the more difficult moments. Also, I have dedicated much effort in my professional life to uplifting the work of women, and to advancing opportunities for them in fields where we still do not have true opportunity equity.

Combining this love of uplifting women with this personal understanding of the importance of written word to inspire and connect us as women who have so many common experiences, is what led me to apply for the board.

What are you working on currently?

Right now, I am solely focused on the 2024 cycle. After November 5 and subsequent follow up, I will explore some more creative options to uplift the experiences of working mothers.

What genre do you write?

I write creative literary essays. My preferred writing is always poetry though.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I feel like I’m the only person yet to read “The Midnight Library.” I’m also a huge Lilian Moriarty fan, and she does have a new one out.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I have read and reread and loved every word Frederick Backman has written. I find his writing to be poetry in long form. I will never not read Roxane Gay when looking for analysis. Finally, I read the work of rupi kaur monthly, selecting from different collections as I need them.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I was fortunate to grow up with two very creative parents, who were very supportive of any outlet that I chose to be creative.

What do you love most about writing?

There are seemingly finite ways to string together 26 letters into words and sentences, but seemingly infinite ways to then string those sentences or fragments together to actually evoke intense emotion, thought, or understanding. Writing is a true art form.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don’t be intimidated by an industry that is not easy to navigate. Don’t think anything reflects the quality of what you have to offer other than your own feelings about your own art. The hustle and the work to get our writing out is not representative of the worth of our words. It unfortunately feels that way all too often.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer or wherever you work?

Fluids (I always have at least three different drinks nearby because I get sucked into writing, creatively or professionally, and can be there for hours)
A notepad that has no purpose (not for work or anything dedicated) other than to scribble the many random ideas that come to me throughout the day
A mug with the Malala quote “Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are our most powerful weapons”

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I see no reason why Yellow Arrow can’t be a nationally known nonprofit, not just known in and around Baltimore. This mission, these women, this passion—all the components are there to spark true magic. I hope to add most to this . . . as I feel that [Yellow Arrow] has done the hard work setting up something so special and so critical.

*****

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.

Kapua Iao 1/21/25 Kapua Iao 1/21/25

Meet a Board Member: Susie Duong

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Susie Duong, board assistant treasurer. She started in October 2024, and we are excited to have her on the team. Susie brings 15+ years of experience in accounting, finance, and academics to her role with Yellow Arrow. She has held leadership positions at a global professional organization and is currently working as a subject matter expert and instructor for a leading education company. She earned her PhD in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MPhil from the University of Hong Kong, and a BA from Fudan University. Susie resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, two daughters, and their miniature schnauzer.

Susie says that she “I look forward to contributing to the future growth of Yellow Arrow.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I enjoy reading, walking, exercising, and spending time with my family.

What do you love most about Kansas City?

It’s a very family friendly place. My husband grew up in Kansas City, and we have a big extended family here.

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 serve as assistant treasurer on the board, and I’m committed to supporting Yellow Arrow’s mission of empowering women writers.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

The books on this list by the Economist are my to-be-read books: economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2024/07/26/how-long-would-it-take-to-read-the-greatest-books-of-all-time.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Haruki Murakami.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer or wherever you work?

A water bottle.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2025?

I believe there’s opportunity for the organizational to grow nationally, and even internationally.

*****

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.

Kapua Iao 12/10/24 Kapua Iao 12/10/24

2024 Year in Review: Our Work Is Not Done; It Is Only Just Beginning

Dear Yellow Arrow Community,

Each year Yellow Arrow Publishing selects a yearly value that embodies the energy we want to bring into our work, and for 2024, we selected AMPLIFY. Our priority this past year was to showcase our authors to a bigger audience, increase the conversations around our published creative works and their themes, and boost the understanding that our community has about these works, their writers, and the issues that matter most to them.

As executive director, I spent a significant amount of time this year sharing Yellow Arrow’s views on why we (still) need to fight for women’s voices and stories to be heard and shared, speaking on panels at literary festivals, writing retreats, networking events, and universities. After the election, I confess I had a moment of despair, wondering if my and our efforts have been in vain. The day after the election happened to be a regular Yellow Arrow board-meeting day and on a good day, those meetings are not filled with despair. Those meetings are filled with unflinching compassion, active listening, the freedom to express outrage, the warmth of unity, and the love for one another. The women on the Yellow Arrow board and in the Yellow Arrow community are reaffirming, passionate, and authentic. The creatives who joined me at that meeting on that day after the election reminded me that our work is not done. They reminded me that I am not alone in the critical work of uplifting women’s voices. And we want to remind you that you are not alone in the work of sharing your story.

When I think about what’s to come in the year ahead, I first turn to my writing. Whether it’s journaling, jotting down a note in my phone at the grocery store, or working on essay revisions for my MFA program at the University of Baltimore, writing gives me and our authors purpose. It allows us to turn our anguish into something meaningful, something actionable. It allows us to do the work of advocacy with our pens. We are talking about all of this behind the scenes, the importance of our work and the need for pen on paper, and are working toward our vision for 2025 with this in mind. We’ll introduce our thoughts for 2025 in the new year; for now, let’s take a moment to look back at all that we have done in our 2024 Year in Review. And we have done a lot.

Yellow Arrow Vignette AMPLIFY managing editor Dr. Tonee Mae Moll curated a stunning collection of poetry and prose this summer, and we celebrated with a reading on stage at the Baltimore Book Festival in the fall. We encourage you to read the full Vignette AMPLIFY series, which is available online at yellowarrowpublishing.com/vignette/amplify-2024 at no cost. Brigitte Winter’s poem “Seashell” particularly resonated with me as I reflected on this year. With Yellow Arrow Journal this year (Vol. IX), we first explored the theme of ELEVATE with guest editor Jennifer N. Shannon. The opening piece in ELEVATE, “Cicada” by Elliott batTzedek, speaks to this moment. Our second issue of Yellow Arrow Journal was kitalo, which focused on griefulness, exploring the intertwining of grief and gratitude. “Kitalo” is an empathetic Luganda term of solidarity offered when someone experiences a spectrum of loss. It directly translates to “this/that is tragic” but is far richer than that. The opening piece in kitalo, Kat Flores’ “Temporary Homes” takes the ideas explored in “Seashell” and “Cicada,” being truthful to oneself and those you love, even further.

Kitalo guest editor Tramaine Suubi shared, “Being the guest editor is a privilege, but the greatest gift I received in this role is true vulnerability. I grieve and give thanks alongside each of our artists here. I hope their words are lifegiving for you, just as they are for me.” (P.S. If you don’t have copies of either issue yet or want to gift them to someone for the holidays, you can buy them at a discount of $27 here.)

We published 79 incredible writers in Yellow Arrow Journal and Yellow Arrow Vignette this year and are so happy to have had the chance to hear so many diverse, rich voices. In addition to these creatives, we published three incredible poetry collections: Beyond the Galleons by Isabel Cristina Legarda, Iridescent Pigeons by Candace Walsh, and Ghosts Only I Can See by Julie Alden Cullinane. We recently announced our 2025 chapbook authors and are eagerly looking ahead to their publications next year and can’t wait to support them and our future vignette and journal authors.

With our Writers-in-Residence program, we were able to continue building community amongst local writers by offering unlimited workshops, one-on-one meetings with team members, and more in partnership with Bird-in-Hand bookstore. We were thrilled to have four talented Baltimore writers join us on their creative journeys this fall: Ashley Elizabeth, Kavitha Rath, Parisa Saranj, and Steph Sundermann-Zinger. Stay tuned for info about a reading featuring their work in early 2025!

In the spirit of AMPLIFY, we set out to spread the word about Yellow Arrow this year at literary events, universities, and through partnerships with Baltimore arts organizations. In March, we traveled to the AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) conference in Kansas City and connected with many of our Yellow Arrow contributors! We are delighted to share that we will again be attending AWP with a Yellow Arrow table in the book fair in March of 2025. We hope to see writers from our community in Los Angeles! And if you haven’t heard, AWP recently announced that the conference will be coming to our very own Baltimore in 2026—we cannot wait to show the literary world what Charm City has to offer!

We also spent a lot of time connecting further with our Baltimore-area community through speaking engagements and events including the Baltimore Book Festival, the CityLit Project, CHARM lit, Howard University Writers Guild, Loyola University, the Creative Alliance, the Entrepreneurs & Artists Podcast, B’more Kind, and Manor Mill. We gain momentum by collaborating with such incredible creative communities across Baltimore’s many thriving local arts neighborhoods.

Finally, this year, we are so thrilled that we were able to host over 20 workshops on craft writing topics! Our writing workshops are accessible, affordable, and foster a sense of community and support among writers in all stages of their creative journey.

We could never do this incredible work without our tremendous team who collaborate so diligently behind the scenes. Every single team member, whether volunteer, staff, workshop instructor, intern, guest editor, or board member, is focused on supporting and empowering women-identifying writers at every stage of their artistic journey.

We are so grateful for everyone’s continued support of women-identifying writers, and we need your support now more than ever. You can check out our holiday gift guide here. We welcome donations that support our mission, especially as we wrap up the year and plan for 2025. Donate today to support our 2025 initiatives! via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@DonateYAP), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, MD 21209). You can further support us by purchasing one of our publications from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Once again, thank you for supporting independent publishing and women writers. See you in the new year!

Warmest Wishes,

Annie Marhefka and the Yellow Arrow Publishing team

Kapua Iao 11/7/24 Kapua Iao 11/7/24

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

So let’s introduce the fall 2024 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Alexa Lesniak

Program Management Intern

From Media, Pennsylvania but currently living in College Park, Maryland
*What do you do*? My main role at Yellow Arrow is to help support workshops and events through social media posts by creating graphics in Canva to promote different activities. I also write the monthly newsletter and will get to write two blog posts.
*Where do you go to school*? I am currently an English major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and I will graduate this upcoming May!
*What are you currently working on*? Currently, I have been focused on learning how to cook. While many stores have gluten-free frozen options, I have been trying to create my own with whole foods. So far this journey has been very frustrating but very rewarding.

Alexa Lesniak (she/her) is a current senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is an English major with a concentration in media studies and minors in creative writing and professional writing. Alexa is very passionate about the craft of poetry and how it can portray nature. She recently has discovered a love of journaling and scrapbooking. After she graduates, Alexa hopes to pursue a career in publishing. She can be found on Instagram @alexalesniak.

Once she graduates, she plans on pursuing a career in publishing. She would love to help craft the next generation of great literature. Before that though, she plans to travel the U.S. and visit all of the national parks.

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose an internship with Yellow Arrow because of the organization’s mission and workplace culture. It has been amazing to help highlight women writers and learn more about events being held locally in Baltimore. I have already met so many amazing people and have been introduced to such wonderful written work.

How are things going so far?

So far, things have been going well. I have learned so much about how Yellow Arrow functions and just how many people play a role in the organization’s success. I also have gained many design and writing skills through my weekly tasks.

Elizabeth Ottenritter

Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland
*What do you do*? Assist with Yellow Arrow’s publications program on a variety of projects, and act as an editorial associate as needed, working directly with the Editor-in-Chief.
*Where do you go to school*? Loyola University Maryland. I am a senior and will graduate in May of 2025.
*What are you currently working on*? As of right now, I am working on applying to graduate programs. I am writing a lot of poetry and prose for my courses as well. I am also a DJ at my university’s radio station, WLOY, so I go live and play music once a week.

Elizabeth Ottenritter (she/her) is a senior at Loyola University Maryland, where she studies writing. She is passionate about reading, crafting poetry, contributing to Loyola’s literary art magazine, Corridors, and traveling worldwide. Upon graduation, Elizabeth hopes to continue her love of learning and language in a graduate program.

She hopes to be accepted into a graduate program for an MFA in either creative writing or poetry. After school, she would like to begin a career in editing or publications, alongside publishing her own writing one day.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

Yellow Arrow has an incredible reputation of publishing and encouraging women-identifying voices, with their numerous chapbook publications, workshops, and journal issues. I truly resonated with allowing writers to be heard exactly as they are, focusing on the heart of the work above anything else. I was also moved by the upcoming (at the time) Yellow Arrow Journal issue kitalo. I felt a strong connection to the premise of grief and gratitude coming together to create something beautiful.

How are things going so far?

Great! I get to do what I love, surrounded by talented and passionate professionals. I get to read the work of others, copyedit publications, and write to amplify Yellow Arrow on social media. I’m learning a lot in such a short period of time, and I know this experience will stay with me.

*****

Thank you to everyone who supports these women and all writers who toil away day after day. Please show them some love in the comments below or on Yellow Arrow’s Facebook or Instagram. If interested in joining us as an editorial associate or intern, fill out an application at yellowarrowpublishing.com/internships.

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.

Kapua Iao 10/1/24 Kapua Iao 10/1/24

Meet a Staff Member: Amelia (Mel) Silberger

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to (re)introduce Amelia (Mel) Silberger, our spring 2024 publications intern turned reader. Mel is a recent graduate of Loyola University Maryland who received her degree in psychology and writing with a minor in political science. She is an aspiring creative nonfiction writer and editor who is originally from Long Island, New York. Mel has spent the past two summers living in Orlando, Florida, while participating in the Disney College Program. She has loved creating stories since she was six years old and hopes to continue to grow and build with other writers in the future.

Mel says, “I’m looking forward to reading more of the amazing poems and creative nonfiction pieces submitted by talented writers throughout the world, and amplifying their voices through our chapbooks, journals, and vignettes. I am also eager to continue working alongside a brilliant group of women-identifying creatives whose passion for building each other up is unlike any other.”

Tell us a little something about yourself.

I was raised on Long Island, New York, but spent the past four years living in Baltimore, Maryland, while studying at Loyola University Maryland. While at Loyola, I served as the marketing intern for the Kennedy Krieger Institute before joining Yellow Arrow as a publications intern. I recently graduated with a degree in psychology and writing and am planning to work for the next year before applying to graduate schools. I love rock climbing, watching hockey, squishmallows, and all things Disney.

What do you love most about Long Island?

My favorite part about Long Island has to either be the food (who doesn’t love New York pizza and bagels!?) or the proximity to so many destinations. I love that I can take a short ride to the beach or a train into New York City and find so much to do in between. Most importantly, most of my extended family lives on Long Island and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to see them after four years of being away.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I got involved with Yellow Arrow during my senior year of college after meeting with my writing professor about potential internship placements that aligned with my goals. She immediately suggested applying to the Yellow Arrow team and after reading the Yellow Arrow mission, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. I was the publications intern for spring 2024 and now I am a reader for the selection process of our chapbooks and journals. I originally wanted to join Yellow Arrow because I loved the idea of being able to empower and elevate the voices of other women-identifying creatives, and it has been amazing to do that and more!

What are you working on currently?

Since graduation, most of my time has been spent visiting family and traveling. I have been building my writing portfolio along with my website (to be published soon!) and looking into graduate school programs for next year.

What genre do you write or read the most?

Creative nonfiction! I love highlighting what may seem like simple moments by telling them in a creative way. I also appreciate the opportunity to share my lived experiences with others so we can elevate and advocate for each other.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

On Beauty by Zadie Smith was recently recommended to me, and I’m eager to give it a try! I am also looking forward to reading Tramaine Suubi’s Phases, which will be published in January 2025.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I don’t have a favorite writer—it’s constantly changing! No stories have ever sat with me as heavy as those of Ken Liu though, and I highly recommend reading his short story collection titled The Paper Menagerie.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My writing professors at Loyola have inspired me most throughout my writing journey, and I am confident I would not be the person nor writer I am today without their feedback and encouragement. I am also forever inspired by my three younger siblings and the people they have grown to be, as many of my pieces center around our relationship and shared childhood.

My biggest supporters are my partner, Logan, and friend, Sophia. From bouncing story ideas off one another to editing every piece of punctuation, they are unwaveringly present in helping my writing journey in any way that I need.

What do you love most about writing?

My favorite part about writing is the connection it builds with those around me, especially those who I might not know otherwise. Whether it be relating to similar experiences or learning something new, I appreciate the opportunity to share pieces of myself and my story with others and hearing theirs in return. It’s a truly special way to connect.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don’t stare at the page and wait for the “perfect” poem or story—if you do that, the idea will likely never come. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is write all your thoughts down on a page, no matter how long it may be, and come back later to edit them to fit the story you want to tell. Don’t worry about getting it right on the first try—you’re not supposed to.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near where you work?

My Rubik’s cube! It is a great fidget for when I’m feeling restless and allows me to take quick mental breaks if I need to. Aside from that, I always bring a journal or notebook to write down any general thoughts that may distract me from my task at hand.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

I envision Yellow Arrow continuing to amplify the diverse voices of women-identifying creatives all over the world. I’d also love to gain more awareness about our team and what we do and reach more writers throughout each submission period. I can’t wait to see how Yellow Arrow grows this year and beyond, and I am so grateful to be a part of it!

*****

Kapua Iao 9/3/24 Kapua Iao 9/3/24

Meet a Board Member: Barbara Frey

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Barbara Frey, new director of fundraising (co-chair with Nikita Rimal Sharma). Barbara wears two hats. She is an event design specialist, most recently providing decorations for the June 20, 2024, Friends of Yellow Arrow gathering, and she is an online learning consultant, drawing on more than two decades of experience with Connections Academy, Baltimore City Schools, and beyond. Her articles have been published in educational journals and magazines.

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I live in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore city with my husband and miniature poodle, Lillet. I love spending time with my seven grandchildren. I belong to two book clubs and an art seminar group. My husband and I love to travel and learn the culture, art, and history of the countries we visit.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Growing up in New York, it did take me a few years to appreciate the charm of Baltimore. I grew to love the quirky neighborhoods and the diversity of Baltimore. Although a small city, Baltimore has a lot to offer. As an art and music lover I appreciate the many museums, galleries, local theatres, and music venues especially the Baltimore Symphony.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow?

I got involved with Yellow Arrow when I was asked by [board president] Mickey Revenaugh, who I worked closely with for many years at Connections Academy, to join the board.

What are you working on currently?

Currently I am working on two projects that reflect my dual interests. I am spearheading a redesign of the public areas of the condominium building where I live that was designed by Frank Gehry in 1975. My other project is researching and collecting photos and stories of my family’s heritage.

What genre do you write or read the most?

I enjoy reading historical fiction and short stories. I am always interested in all the research that goes into writing historical fiction that makes real places culturally recognizable. Short stories have always fascinated me as they have a short time to tell their story. Short stories have to be discreet and deliberate, often bridging a partnership between the reader and the writer.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

My contemporary author favorite is Zaide Smith. She has written novels, short stories, essays, and plays. She combines wit, reflection, and social issues.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I have only done technical and grant writing; the person who most inspired and supported me in these pursuits has been Mickey Revenaugh.

What do you love most about writing?

When I hit send!!

What advice do you have for new writers?

Believe in yourself. Find your voice.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer?

Coffee.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

To provide more opportunities for culturally diverse woman writers and to raise awareness about us!!

*****

Kapua Iao 8/13/24 Kapua Iao 8/13/24

Meet a Board Member: Emily Ross

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Emily Ross, our Director of Grants. Emily is an arts and humanities professional with expertise in museum education, social work, and grantmaking. Working at the intersection of culture and human services she champions collaboration and community voices in her career. She holds a BA in art history from the University of Virginia and an MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She currently works as the Program Officer for Grants at Maryland Humanities. Based in Baltimore, she enjoys trips to the Renaissance Fair, New England beaches, and art museums.

Emily says, “I look forward to being a part of this incredible group of women bringing attention to women’s stories. I also look forward to being a part of Yellow Arrow’s continued fiscal vitality and connecting us to great resources.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I lived in Canada for six years as a child. Unfortunately, I don’t have dual citizenship, but I can brag that I’m one degree closer to Margaret Atwood than the average American!

What do you love most about Baltimore?

It’s the most affordable major East Coast city. I also love the character, charm, and local traditions.

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 first learned about Yellow Arrow through my work at Maryland Humanities. Yellow Arrow received a grant from us, and I read the application and became interested in the organization. When I heard Yellow Arrow writers read their published work at a Yellow Arrow gathering, it sealed the deal for me to become involved in any way. I was really moved listening to them! I’m excited to bring my skills in grants to Yellow Arrow and to help secure funding for programs.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently furnishing and designing a new apartment. I just signed a two-year lease which gives me more creative license in my living space. I enjoy interior design, collecting cool art, and making my home a reflection of myself.

What genre do you write or read?

I’m not a creative writer but I love to read. I love reading the romance genre the most because it’s one of the only popular fiction genres where female identifying characters are consistently treated like whole, complex human beings. I also just love love. A reliable happy ending and an escape from reality? Sign me up.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I don’t think I necessarily have a favorite, but I like to provide recommendations. A series that has stuck with me the last few years is The Women of Troy by Pat Barker.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I’m more a technical and academic writer having never dabbled in my own creative writing practice. It’s difficult to gauge where you stand among your peers when you’re writing for school or work so my professors supported me the most with their feedback and encouragement.

What do you love most about writing?

When I find the best word to use during one of my numerous thesaurus searches.

What advice do you have for new writers?

The same I recommend to new artists—before you can break the rules you must first understand them. However, I think it’s better said the rules get broken in the best way when you have a deep understanding of why you want to break them.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work)?

My phone to take TikTok breaks.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

More writers, more events, more awareness, more $$$!

*****

Kapua Iao 7/23/24 Kapua Iao 7/23/24

Gratitude is a Divine Emotion: Yellow Arrow Interns

“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”

from Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

It would be impossible to organize, create, and publish without the incredible help of our volunteer staff and interns. They provide the thought process behind each journal by picking each issue’s theme and reading/voting on each submitted piece. They then read through the chosen submissions and edit them carefully and thoughtfully, not to change the voice of the author but to ensure that the voice flourishes. They provide continuous feedback and proofread the final product before release. And the same goes for our published chapbooks; the process of forming something for publication is thoughtfully long but fulfilling, nonetheless.

We try to find each volunteer, each intern, space in our organization to grow and flourish in the area they are most interested in (and of course where we need the most help!). Past staff members have worked at our live events and at Yellow Arrow House. They hand bound our publications and put as much love and tenderness into each copy as we could hope. Now that we are a mostly virtual publishing company, they focus on copyediting and proofreading as well as writing blogs and press releases. They create promotional material and images for our authors and create marketing campaigns. They help at live and virtual events and readings. And above all else, they support. Not only the Yellow Arrow team but our authors as well. I am so thankful to have had them with me on this journey.

So let’s introduce the summer 2024 interns. Each has our appreciation.

Caroline Kunz

Publications Intern

From Rochester, New York
*What do you do*? As a publications intern, I am largely responsible for formatting, copyediting, and proofreading Yellow Arrow chapbooks, vignette pieces, and journal pieces before publication. Additionally, I help to manage the Yellow Arrow blog by posting monthly Her View Friday and .Writers.on.Writing. content, as well as sharing my own personal blog posts. I assist in marketing these various publications by creating social media posts and designing graphics to promote Yellow Arrow’s many wonderful authors.
*Where do you go to school*? I am a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland studying English with a minor in writing. I will graduate in May of 2025.
*What are you currently working on*? As a college student, my most important job outside of Yellow Arrow is working toward my degree. However, since it’s currently my summer break, I’ve had the opportunity to substitute teach at a school district in my hometown. This, along with my publications internship, has been a great way to gain experience in one of my fields of interest. Plus, I’ve loved having the extra time recently to read for leisure and write creatively.

Caroline Kunz (she/her) is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland, where she studies English and writing on a pre-MAT track. She enjoys traveling, scouting out new coffee shops, and, of course, reading and writing. As an aspiring educator, she hopes to share this love of the written word with future generations of students. Her current favorite authors include Taylor Jenkins Reid and Celeste Ng.

She plans to stay at Loyola for one year post-graduation to receive her MA in education. From there, she hopes to share with students her loves of literature and writing, as well as continue with her own personal creative pursuits!

Why did you choose an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I was immediately drawn to Yellow Arrow because of its mission to highlight and empower the voices of female authors across the world. As a young woman with a passion for writing, myself, Yellow Arrow and its impacts on the community were especially inspiring to me.

How are things going so far?

My experience as a publications intern has been meaningful in a variety of ways. I feel that I’ve gained valuable, hands-on experience in the publishing field, strengthened my skills in writing and editing, and found a deep appreciation for the female writers in our communities—all while working alongside women whose values align so closely with my own.

Sophia Lama

Program Management Intern

From Scotch Plains, New Jersey
*What do you do*? As the program management intern, my focus is centered around creating posts and graphics to support the team on social media, aid in building workshops, and assist with any and all programs Yellow Arrow has in the works. I also will be assisting in the editorial process as a reader and editor.
*Where do you go to school*? In the fall I will begin my senior year at the University of Maryland in College Park, and will be graduating in May of 2025. I have been pursuing a degree in English.
*What are you currently working on*? At the end of April, I completed my semester abroad in Spain, so I am trying to perfect my Spanish and become fully bilingual. Outside of that and Yellow Arrow, I am preparing to begin my senior year at the University of Maryland and I will be completing my degree in English in the spring.

Sophia Lama (she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in English. She is a part of a fundraising organization at college that raises money for Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. Sophia spends her summers in New Jersey with her family, and in her free time you may find her running, skiing, or reading. Her favorite thing about reading is sharing her passion with friends during book club!

She will be graduating next spring and completing her degree, so the next step is pursuing a full-time job. Ideally she would love to work in New York City because it’s so close to where she calls home, but the true end goal is to work in publishing, wherever that may take her.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Yellow Arrow?

I chose an internship with Yellow Arrow not only because Maryland connections run strong, but because of their mission. As a female student at a large school dominated by computer science and business majors, I find solace in the smaller classrooms surrounded by predominantly female students. I see the hard work my classmates put in, reading several books a week and writing 10 papers per semester, and I also see it go unnoticed outside of the classroom. Yellow Arrow’s mission truly resonated with me because they put a spotlight on dedicated women readers and writers, and ensure their chance to shine. I chose Yellow Arrow because that is something I will always want to be a part of.

How are things going so far?

After about a month and a half of interning at Yellow Arrow, I’ve been given the opportunity to meet and learn from so many intelligent people. We are currently gearing up to host an advisory event with local individuals in the Baltimore/Maryland arts scene, so I am extremely eager to hear from those with great success in the field I hope to stay in.

*****

Kapua Iao 7/14/24 Kapua Iao 7/14/24

Meet a Staff Member: Natalie Wollenzien

Yellow Arrow Publishing recently hired several new readers for our chapbook submissions (round 1 reading is currently taking place!) and would like to introduce each of them in a blog series over the weekend: Anna Leonard, Jillian Tremblay, and Natalie Wollenzien. Spring publications intern, Mel Silberger, also decided to stay on staff and has joined our new readers during our first-round selections; we’ll reintroduce Mel later in the year.

We are excited to have fresh eyes on this year’s chapbook submissions and to hear what they have to say about the beautiful voices shared with us. Thank you Anna, Jillian, Natalie, and Mel, for taking the time to join us this summer.

Finally (for now!), we would like to present Natalie Wollenzien. Natalie is a fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writer. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, she works at Sarabande Books as the marketing coordinator and writes freelance reviews for Foreword Reviews. As of late, her writing has been shifting towards the kooky, the strange, the reality tilted slightly to the left. Her cats remain ambivalent but supportive. She has work out in San Antonio Review and Anti-Heroin Chic and is building toward a full-length short story collection.

Natalie states, “I am so incredibly excited to start reading for Yellow Arrow! It’s such an honor and privilege to be included in a group of fellow passionate creatives. I look forward not only to finding those incredible works but also to be in conversation and collaboration with the lovely editorial team in finding which work to publish.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

Past publications include “Healing My (Feral) Inner Child,” a poem in Anti-Heroin Chic, and “A Tacit Prayer,” a poem in San Antonio Review. I had the honor and privilege of attending my very first residency earlier this year through the Kentucky Foundation for Women in Loretto, Kentucky, and it was great! I’m on year three of being rejected from the Lambda Literary Retreat, but I’m biding my time.

What do you love most about Louisville, Kentucky?

The thing I love most about Louisville (where I live) is that it is so genuinely weird. Everyone that lives here, in my humble opinion, has a uniqueness to them, for better or worse. They all have something that’s solely theirs, and I find that most Louisville folks are unapologetically themselves. The food is pretty great, too.

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 was so delighted to see that Yellow Arrow was offering reader positions through CLMP’s job and volunteer postings! I loved Yellow Arrow’s mission to uplift marginalized voices, particularly women voices, and that they strive to be a welcoming and open space for writers of all backgrounds: “yes, we belong here, too.”

What are you working on currently?

Right now, I am trying to get back into more consistent mindfulness: journaling, meditation, meditative movements, and so on. I find for myself, at least, that it’s incredibly important to take time for myself that doesn’t involve a screen. I’m also trying to cobble together some short story ideas and actually put them to paper!

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

I cycle through different genres pretty often! Lately I’ve been very, very into speculative fiction, but I can feel myself starting to edge closer towards the essay. It’s hard to say why I go through cycles of writing genres like this.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I found out about this book this morning [in May] actually! It’s Bright and Tender Dark, a thriller novel by Joanna Pearson. I’m not typically a murder mystery kind of person, but I will read anything that Joanna Pearson writes, as with her writing there’s always something darker and frighteningly human lurking beneath the surface.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Oh, this one is so tough! I think my most recent favorite author is Mona Awad. Just this year I’ve gotten to read Bunny, All’s Well, and Rouge! She is such a fearless writer, so unafraid for her characters to think the darkened thoughts, to behave in ways strange and uncouth, to make the wrong decisions (almost) to the very end. Her ability to be a master in worldbuilding in her word usage is a masterclass in and of itself, as well.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

Honestly, no singular person comes to mind so much as a myriad of stepping stones in the form of supportive loved ones, teachers, professors, TAs, and coworkers throughout my life. I’ve found that sharing your writing can be such a vulnerable thing, and it’s the folks that responded with such compassion and care that I owe so much to.

What do you love most about writing?

It feels transformative, in a way. Even when I’m writing something from my own perspective, it feels as though I enter a different universe when I get in a proper flow state, like everything else falls away and it’s just me and the world that I’m creating. It can bring about huge amounts of catharsis and joy as well as despair and frustration, a very life-full kind of experience.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Rejection is okay! Being rejected is not at all a reflection of your talent as a writer. The most talented people you or I know have been rejected by many, many literary magazines and agents and publishers. I’ve found that what helps me the most is to submit my work en masse. Oddly enough, it feels like less of a blow rather than waiting with bated breath for one response to one story or poem I send in.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work?

I have a small collection of stress balls, each with a different “squish” factor, if you will. The more stress I need to exert, the tougher the stress ball needs to be. Also, water! Anytime I can feel myself getting in a more negative frame of mind, I am not joking when about half of the time it’s because I’m dehydrated.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

When I think of the term “amplify,” I think of a megaphone, amplifying a voice. There’s a loudness to it, a call to attention. In the case of women’s voices, we have been historically silenced, sometimes through legislation, sometimes through barring us from important rooms and conversations, and often through cultural conditioning. We’re told that we are too loud, too aggressive, “too much” generally speaking. I hope to find the works that bite back, the unapologetically themselves, the works that say that “I am not too much, you are simply thinking too small.”

*****

Kapua Iao 7/13/24 Kapua Iao 7/13/24

Meet a Staff Member: Jillian Tremblay

Next, we would like to present Jillian Tremblay. Jillian is a recent graduate of the University of Scranton, where she received her degree in English, with minors in political science and philosophy. She is an aspiring writer, and her short stories have been published in her university’s literary magazine, Esprit, on which she also served as an editor and assistant production manager. Jillian is constantly in pursuit of knowledge and hopes to continuously do work that elevates the voices of those around her while also developing her own voice.

Jillian says, “I am looking forward to learning more about the process behind the Yellow Arrow publications and reading all the submissions! I cannot wait to work with the staff and just to fully immerse myself in the role.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

This past academic year, two of my short stories have been published in my university’s literary magazine, but I have been working a lot more on my creative writing and feel much more confident in my abilities. I hope to eventually publish a collection of my own short stories.

What do you love most about Long Island?

Living on Long Island has given me the privilege of being near New York City and the busy life of it all but also distanced me enough to find solace in a slower paced life when necessary. The first time I left home was for college, and while I will be returning home after graduation, I am most excited at the possibility of traveling in the future and seeing wherever I land.

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 got involved with Yellow Arrow after finding them through Instagram and going through the application process to join the staff as a reader. I was especially drawn to the team because of Yellow Arrow’s mission to uplift women-identifying voices.

What are you working on currently?

As I am completing my undergraduate degree, I am currently looking further into graduate programs and generally working to see what best suits my goal to change lives through literature.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

One of my favorite genres to read is fantasy, but I have yet to write any fantasy of my own. When I think of my favorite fantasy books, I largely credit them for the quality of worldbuilding and how committed the work is to immerse the reader in that world. As I continue to write more contemporary fiction, I hope that down the line I can develop a confidence in my writing that will allow me to explore that level of creativity.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The length is daunting, but I’m determined to get through it!

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I find his prose to be breathtaking, and evidently reflects the care with which he handles every single character in his works. I also find myself most inspired to write after reading something of his.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

One of the greatest inspirations for pursuing creative writing has been an English professor at my university who is the moderator for the literary magazine I have been an editor on. I have also had the privilege to take two of his classes, and he entirely changed the way I write, both critically and creatively, for the better.

What do you love most about writing?

Something I love about writing is the ability for a piece to take on an entirely different shape in its execution than when the idea originally formulated in your head. I love to hand write my first few drafts of a piece in my journal, so I can look back and see how a sentence I initially wrote to be the concluding line actually works better as the opening line or how the seemingly inconsequential bullet points of an idea grow into a pivotal plot point. As rewarding as it is to see a piece in its completion, I revel in the step-by-step planning.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Invest in a journal and write out all your ideas as they come to you! Writing is a process and going straight to typing out your stories sometimes forces you to feel like your piece is finished too soon. Writing out your ideas lets you be messy and unfinished without the intimidation of a blinking cursor and an imposing word count.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work?

Headphones are always a nearby necessity when I am doing work. Listening to music helps me drown out the overwhelming input of the world around me and gives me the ability to focus solely on what is in front of me. I also just love listening to music and glean a lot of inspiration in my own creative process by listening to different songs.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

When I think of amplifying, I picture a lit stage in need of a spotlight. While some may be attentive to certain voices, others willfully overlook these people and ignore what could possibly enrich them. A spotlight is what forces people to stop, watch, and listen. I think that using the tools we have to project other’s voices is one of the most important things we can do as humans.

*****

Kapua Iao 7/12/24 Kapua Iao 7/12/24

Meet a Staff Member: Anna Leonard

First, we would like to present Anna Leonard. Anna (she/her) is a poet, musician, and artist based in Richmond, Virginia. She is entering an MFA program to study creative writing (poetry) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and got her BA in theater with a minor in creative writing from VCU in 2019. Writing serves as a vulnerable exercise in her dedication to sincerity and peace-seeking. Her poems can be read in Emerge Literary Journal, Anti-Heroin Chic, Ghost City Press, Eunoia Review, and The Rising Phoenix Review. She has songs available to stream on all streaming platforms.

Anna says, “I am obsessed with the contemporary. I want to be in the here and now of literature as much as possible, so getting the inside scoop as to what people are moved to create and share to publications right here and now is thrilling. In line with that, I feel lucky to be playing a part in advocating for other female-identifying writers and helping to build a space where we all can explore, create, play, and share our voices with the world. We deserve it.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

Writing has always been about connecting with others, so I’m honored to have a handful of poetry publications and songs available to stream. Throughout my life, I have fervently pursued performance and creation in many forms: classical opera, producing music, ballet, acting, stand-up, sketch comedy, film studies, woodworking, film, etc. Aside from creating, I am deeply moved by spending time outdoors, enjoy playing video games, and love my two rambunctious cats, Cricket and Cherry.

What do you love most about Richmond, Virginia?

I love Richmond because it feels like everything is at my fingertips. It’s a small enough city that I run into someone I know wherever I go, but it’s big enough to connect with every type of person or niche interest I could possibly be seeking. It hosts a uniquely friendly and authentic community of creators. I didn’t expect to like it so much!

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 first heard of Yellow Arrow when I was looking for creative nonfiction classes. I stumbled upon a Yellow Arrow Write Here, Write Now one-off workshop taught by Kerry Graham, and I knew it was a welcoming community I would be lucky to be part of! When I saw Yellow Arrow was looking for readers, I remembered the quality of the conversations I got to take part in during that workshop and immediately reached out.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working toward my goal of being better at video games (Fortnite at the moment). In August of 2024, I am beginning my MFA journey to study poetry, so I’m hoping to throw myself into academia shortly!

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

I write poetry and songs the most. I think of short form writing as an invitation with a generally low commitment level, and it’s amazing what you can accomplish in such little time. Short form writing like this gives me the chance to explore so many different perspectives and lives in a short amount of time. Don’t get me wrong, I very much so labor over these pieces and, at the same time, still love writing long scripts/working on chunks of novels. However, that’s the big draw. We can work hard to change the world in only a few words.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

For weeks, I have been reading about four different books at the same time, rotating through them at random, picking them up and putting them down, constantly moving through others. In my current repertoire [in April/May 2024], I am working my way through Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series, I have both Beautiful World, Where Are You and Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney checked out from the library, and I am soon to start A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

If I had to choose just one person, it would be Danez Smith . . . or Ocean Vuong or Naomi Shihab-Nye or Rainbow Rowell or Michelle Zauner or even John Green. I think there’s a powerful story to be written in everyone, but of course, the superpower of writers is craft. Danez Smith sticks out the most for the way they can manipulate a page. Their poetry collection, Don’t Call Us Dead, is what first showed me the scope of poetry. It can be accessible, heartbreaking, an act of protest, a stand-up set draft, and everything in between. Danez is so graceful yet hilarious and challenges biases just by writing about their life and experiences. I recommend that collection to anyone looking to get into poetry. It is a bridge, a connection point to a life that I can never call my own, which is the best thing writing can be.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My professors, workshop leaders, mentors, family, friends. . . . They have all supported me. I am lucky that I haven’t been met by those around me with anything but love on my ever-changing career goals and interests, but my biggest motivator has always been my mom. Even now, after losing her to cancer, I am continually thinking about what she would think of me. She always made me believe that I was meant to live a unique and wonderful life. And she is always right!

What do you love most about writing?

In each of us lives an entire world, a rich life that often feels peerless. Writing serves as my connection point to those worlds, splinters into foreign skin. It provides an incredible opportunity for reacquaintance with my sense of self, other people, and the natural world, three pieces of life that feel growingly alien with age. Writing about grief, religion, queerness, femininity, and the search for joy beyond what has been given, beyond humanity’s both isolated and shared tribulations, has become my passionate and personal protest to suffering.

What advice do you have for new writers?

In preparation for applying to MFA programs this past cycle, I was having a dramatic number of meetings with people who I was sure would crack the “how to be a good writer” code for me. Turns out, there’s not a real answer to that. I know. It’s terrible. I’m a really analytical person who is also passionate about creating, and it makes things wildly challenging and evil at times. But this is to say: stop looking for an answer. Write in earnest and do it often. Recognize that you are always learning. Right or wrong, good or bad: these things don’t have room here. The people who are meant to see you and connect with your words will fall in line. Keep working.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work)?

My emotional support water bottle. That phrase is a bit tired now, but it’s so true. I started studying opera when I was nine years old and found out that our vocal folds are not a hydration priority for our bodies. I always stay dramatically hydrated in fear of something vague and terrible happening to my voice. Don’t worry; I’m in therapy.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

The word “amplify” invokes a sense of pride. Each year, it seems that different aspects of advocacy and community have been part of the Yellow Arrow yearly values, and I am excited to be joining the team in its season of loud, proud, and undeniably here. I envision a year of increased accessibility to workshops and other resources because behind this value is a greater push to reach an even wider scope of female-identifying writers. What an exciting part of Yellow Arrow history to take part in!

*****

Kapua Iao 7/2/24 Kapua Iao 7/2/24

Meet a Staff Member: Claire Taylor

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce Claire Taylor, chapbook prose editor. Claire writes for both adults and children. She is the author of a children’s literature collection, Little Thoughts, as well as multiple chapbooks, including Mother Nature and One Good Thing. Her debut picture book, Benjamin’s Sad Day, is forthcoming from Golden Fleece Press. Claire is the founder and editor-in-chief of Little Thoughts Press, a literary magazine for young readers. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her family and pets in an old stone house where birds love to roost. You can find her online at clairemtaylor.com.

Claire says, “I am looking forward to working closely with authors on their chapbooks and discovering new-to-me writers. Editing and revision have always been my favorite parts of the writing process because you get to take what is already strong and beautiful and polish it up to really make it shine. Writing can be lonely work and getting the opportunity to collaborate with both other Yellow Arrow editors and team members, as well as with individual authors to help finetune their chapbooks will be a lovely counterbalance to the isolation that so often accompanies writing. I’m excited to have an early peek into the books that Yellow Arrow will be publishing so that when they officially launch, I’ll be able to loudly shout about how great they are and encourage readers to check them out!”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I am a mother of two and a recently retired licensed massage therapist. I spent over a decade operating my own practice specializing in integrative bodywork to help treat chronic pain and tension, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and assist in the management of prenatal and postpartum wellness. I recently shifted my focus to working full time on writing projects and publishing my children’s literature magazine, Little Thoughts Press. Much of my writing centers on themes of mental health, motherhood, and the intersection of these two experiences. I write fiction, poetry, and a bit of creative nonfiction.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

I have lived in Baltimore for nearly 20 years, in several different neighborhoods, but am still struck by how many new-to-me corners of this city there are to explore. There is so much unique history and culture throughout the city and every neighborhood has its own vibe and style. In my neighborhood specifically, I love how many different things are within walking distance. I’m sandwiched between Druid Hill Park and Stony Run, so I’m surrounded by nature and can easily escape into the quiet of the trees, but I can also walk to shops and restaurants, to my son’s school, to an art museum, to the library. There’s so much to do and I don’t even have to get into my car to do it!

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?

My initial involvement with Yellow Arrow was as a contributor to the journal. I had a poem published in the RESILIENCE issue and was lucky enough to take part in a reading at the Yellow Arrow House shortly before the pandemic hit and everything shut down. Since then, I have had additional pieces published in the EMERGE zine and as part of the Vignette online series. I also run a workshop, The Written Womb, with Yellow Arrow which explores writing on the themes of pregnancy, parenthood, and the postpartum experience. I am excited to now serve as the chapbook prose editor!

My poem in RESILIENCE was one of my first published pieces. That early experience working with Yellow Arrow and the support I received was foundational in building my confidence and motivation to continue pursuing publication for my poetry and other writing. I am so thankful to Yellow Arrow for that early boost, and I am excited to be able to play a role in providing that same level of support and encouragement to other Yellow Arrow writers.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on two novels, one is a middle-grade story about a boy who is gifted a journal that holds the surprising ability to turn his stories into reality, and the other is an adult novel about a group of women brought together by a shared grief experience.

I work on poems whenever the spirit moves me and throughout the year you’ll find me reading submissions for, or editing and designing, the latest issue of my kid-lit magazine Little Thoughts Press.

What genre do you write or read?

I write fiction the most because I like making up stories and I like how the genre has the flexibility to contain many other genres within it. You can infuse fiction with elements of nonfiction, history, and personal experience, and you can add aspects of poetry and poetic writing. It lets me dip a little into all the types of writing I like to do, but it also challenges me to piece together a full, complete narrative. There are so many elements that need to be managed and corralled. It’s fun.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

I really want to read Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. I started it in the past but had to stop because I kept falling asleep every time I picked it up, but that’s just because I was pregnant at the time and constantly exhausted and is not a reflection on the book. I’m looking forward to returning to it now that I am better rested and have more free time during the day to read.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I don’t really have a favorite writer, but I do have books that I return to whenever I need to feel inspired by the way really good writing pulls you in. I’ve read Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth a bunch of times. I love Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes.

I read a lot with my kids and though I’ve been disappointed to find that many of the books I loved as a child don’t really hold up when I read them again now, I recently read Charlotte’s Web with my son and I think it may be the most wonderful, perfect book ever written.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I am very lucky to have a nice, big web of support. My husband reads early drafts of everything, and I can always tell if I’m on the right path by whether he says, “This is good,” (No) or “Oooh, this is good,” (Yep). Every time I send my friend Judy a new piece to read she tells me she thinks it’s her favorite one yet, and I think every writer needs a friend who is just your ultimate cheerleader and fangirl. My friend, Vic, who is a fellow writer I met online, is always open to exchanging drafts in any genre and offers great feedback and insights. My mom and my sister read all of my published work and pass it along to people they know.

As for inspiration, growing up, everywhere we went, my dad brought a book along with him, and he always had a notebook and a pencil in his pocket so that he could jot down his ideas and thoughts no matter where we were. I’ve never met anyone who spends as much time reading and writing as he does, and I think that constant visual example had a big influence on me.

What do you love most about writing?

I love it when a piece of writing you’re working on reveals itself to you. You can start with one idea or a specific direction, but when the writing is going well, it feels like the piece eventually takes over and leads you where it needs to go. It’s a great feeling.

What advice do you have for new writers?

If you’re able, volunteer as a submissions reader for a journal. It exposes you to so many different kinds of writing styles and voices and the experience provides invaluable insight into what makes writing stand out in both good and bad ways. Reading submissions and discovering what really sets good writing apart will make your own writing so much stronger and sharper. It also helps you recognize that not every good piece of writing will make it through to publication, and that’s a helpful perspective when dealing with rejections of your own work.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work?

A cup of coffee and pen and paper. I drink too much coffee and I like to go back and forth between writing by hand and writing on my computer. I will switch forms whenever I get stuck while working.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

I would love to see Yellow Arrow itself amplified! Small presses are so important to the literary ecosystem, but it is difficult for them to sustain and thrive. Yellow Arrow has really grown in the few years since I first published a piece in the journal and that growth has been exciting to observe. I would love to see even more of it and to see more recognition for the work the Yellow Arrow team is doing to support its authors and contributors.

And I am always looking to elevate work from parents, chronically ill writers, and those with mental health struggles. Anyone whose creative pursuits must be squeezed into the small pockets of free time and well-being that exist in their lives, those for whom “write every day” is an impossibility, but who are out there making the time when they can, these are the writers I especially want to support.

*****

Kapua Iao 6/4/24 Kapua Iao 6/4/24

Meet a Staff Member: Kyra McDonnell

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to introduce events manager Kyra McDonnell. Kyra (she/her) is a community engagement professional and proud resident of Baltimore City, Maryland. After moving to Baltimore from Rhode Island, Kyra quickly fell in love with the city and works professionally in various neighborhoods with residents to increase civic engagement and transparency with local government. After graduating with degrees in English and communications, she continues to explore her love of stories and is a passionate reader who is excited to connect Yellow Arrow authors with readers everywhere.

Kyra says, “Through working with Yellow Arrow, I’m looking forward to connecting with creatives in Baltimore. I have had the great joy of connecting with so many great neighborhoods and residents in my professional life, and I look forward to working with the creative communities through Yellow Arrow.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

In my life, reading, stories, and creativity has always brought me a sense of peace. I find joy in hearing about others’ perspectives and experiences, and I particularly love the publications of Yellow Arrow that are so truthful and raw. I am so excited to join Yellow Arrow to combine my two longtime loves of books and community building through assisting in growing Yellow Arrow’s reach in Baltimore and beyond.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

There are so many things to love about Baltimore, the diversity of neighborhoods, amazing food, the joy of a community event, and more. My absolute favorite thing is that there is a little something for everyone here. Baltimore is a welcoming and exciting city that is always looking for new ways to create community while maintaining traditions. As summer approaches, I’m particularly looking forward to neighborhood and community festivals.

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?

A longtime fan of Yellow Arrow’s work, I am so eager to get started and planning some great events for this summer. I wanted to join the Yellow Arrow team to combine my two favorite things, community building and reading. As events manager, I am eager to plan some new events and try new approaches to being out in the Baltimore community and beyond.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working for the city of Baltimore, engaging community members in the budget process. While this sounds like another world from Yellow Arrow, I find it to be surprisingly similar. Oftentimes, I am with residents throughout Baltimore sharing information about the budget and how it connects to their experiences as residents of the city.

What genre do you write or read?

I gravitate most toward fiction, both romance and fantasy. I think I love hearing stories of love, adventure, and particularly when world-building is central to the story. The universe that authors can create is my favorite part about reading, and I love diving into it!

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Yulin Kuang’s How to End a Love Story and Mona Chollet’s In Defense of Witches.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

My favorite authors are Emily Henry and Roxane Gay. Emily consistently takes romance tropes and puts her own unique twist on them, and I find myself gravitating towards her stories again and again. Roxanne’s Hunger is incredibly honest and sticks with me today.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My friends have always been my inspiration and support in my writing journey.

What do you love most about writing?

As a recreational writer, I love writing to see where it goes, not putting any pressure on the output, rather using it as a tool to process my experiences and the world around me.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don’t overuse the delete button! I find that sometimes I delete in frustration, and I often wish I had that thought to go back to, for me pen to paper will always help with this.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near wherever you work?

My coffee, a good gel pen, and SO many sticky notes.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

As the events manager, I am looking forward to being a part of the amplified effort of the team to share Yellow Arrow’s incredible work with the world. Everyone’s story has a space for being heard and I am eager to find those spaces for Yellow Arrow’s authors.

*****

Kapua Iao 5/14/24 Kapua Iao 5/14/24

Meet a Staff Member: Leticia Priebe Rocha

Yellow Arrow Publishing would like to (re)introduce Leticia Priebe Rocha, a reader for Yellow Arrow publications. Leticia is a poet, visual artist, and editor. She is the author of In Lieu of Heartbreak, This is Like (Bottlecap Press, 2024). Leticia earned her bachelor’s from Tufts University, where she was awarded the 2020 Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, she immigrated to Miami, Florida, at the age of nine and currently resides in the Greater Boston area. Her work has been published in Salamander, Rattle, Pigeon Pages, Protean Magazine, and elsewhere. Leticia also served as guest editor for Yellow Arrow Journal’s EMBLAZON issue (fall 2023). For more information, visit her website at leticiaprieberocha.com.

It’s been a joy getting to know Leticia and working with her. She says, “I deeply value spaces like Yellow Arrow which prioritize uplifting underrepresented voices and empowering us to be heard. As a writer (and human!), I seek to align myself with publications that truly live their values. I have witnessed the staff embodying this at Yellow Arrow, and I have had nothing but good experiences as a submitter, contributor, and editor. I believe that this speaks to the tremendous dedication and care that Yellow Arrow has for this work. It has been a privilege to make contributions to their mission of uplifting women creatives and I am incredibly excited to continue to do so as a reader!”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

My first chapbook, In Lieu of Heartbreak, This is Like, (highlighted in Her View Friday!) was recently released with Bottlecap Press (2024). I have been writing poetry since I was in high school and fantasized about being a writer long before then. Having a poetry collection in print is a literal dream come true! Aside from writing and surrounding myself with as much poetry as possible, I also love collaging. Since I don’t have formal artistic training, I did not think of myself as a visual artist for a while, but I am leaning into that label now. Outside of my creative pursuits, I am really into film and television. I may have a slightly unhealthy obsession with mafia-related media, and I could talk about The Sopranos for hours!

What do you love most about where you live in Medford, Massachusetts?

I love how many opportunities for cultural engagement there are in the Greater Boston area. Poetry readings, museums and galleries, music shows—I am constantly surrounded by art, beauty, and community. It is such an expansive place to live!

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow and why did you want to join the Yellow Arrow team?

I became involved with Yellow Arrow when my poem, “Lost In,” was published in Yellow Arrow Journal’s PEREGRINE issue (fall 2022). Later I served as guest editor for the EMBLAZON issue, which is how I became familiar with Yellow Arrow’s process for reviewing submissions. I greatly enjoyed reading submissions and collaborating with a team that invests great levels of care into every piece sent. I had such a wonderful experience that I applied to join the Yellow Arrow team as a reader!

What are you working on currently?

Now that my first chapbook has been published, I am finding ways to build my audience and share my work more broadly through readings, interviews, and being in community with writers. Writing-wise, I am exploring directions for a full-length manuscript and seeing where the poems take me.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

Poetry. Even before poetry found me, I’ve always had the disposition of a poet, gifted in the art of observation. I love the possibilities that poetry opens up, its inherent subversiveness, it’s ability to dismantle language and experience, rebuild with love.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Diannely Antigua’s Ugly Music.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Ocean Vuong. Whether he is writing poetry, fiction, or an Instagram caption, Ocean strings words together in a brilliant way, with utter clarity that illuminates what it means to be alive.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

I was lucky enough to take poetry classes with Natalie Shapero while I studied at Tufts University. She fostered an incredibly nurturing workshop environment, helped me solidify my identity as a poet, and her lessons on craft hugely influence my work. I also feel immensely inspired by the writing community at MassPoetry, an organization that supports poets and poetry in Massachusetts.

What do you love most about writing?

Writing has always been an outlet for untangling life’s messy and miraculous experiences. It has served me as a form of resistance and is always a labor of love.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Find ways to be in community with other writers, which is so vital to learning and growing as a writer. If you have something to say and feel the urge to write, you have to listen to that—listen to your intuition, keep going, no matter how many rejections come your way.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near your computer or wherever you work?

I keep a pile of poetry collections at hand so I can read poems outside of myself whenever I feel stuck with my own work.

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

Having laid such a steady and nourishing foundation, I envision Yellow Arrow increasing our reach. A wider reach in the creative world means amplifying more voices and consequently increasing our impact!

*****

Kapua Iao 4/24/24 Kapua Iao 4/24/24

Meet a Staff Member: Isabelle Anderson

Yellow Arrow Publishing is excited to (re)introduce Isabelle Anderson, Vignette Assistant for 2024’s Yellow Arrow Vignette AMPLIFY. Isabelle (she/her) was a publications intern at Yellow Arrow in 2022. She is a poet and fiction writer from Baltimore, Maryland. She recently graduated with a BA in English from Washington College where she was a finalist for the Sophie Kerr Prize and the recipient of The Pfister Poetry Prize through the Academy of American Poets. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found on a nature walk, checking the trees for good spots to hide golf pencils à la Mary Oliver.

Submissions for Yellow Arrow Vignette AMPLIFY are open April 1-30 and will be shared in August, ending with the AMPLIFY reading in the fall. Unlike past issues, this issue of Vignette does not ask submitters to send in pieces on the theme of AMPLIFY; rather, staff at Yellow Arrow are using the idea (our 2024 yearly value) in house as a reminder to continue to share and amplify women-identifying voices. We want to return to some of the earliest goals of Yellow Arrow: sharing and amplifying the creative work of voices and themes that aren’t heard loudly enough. And this summer, the Vignette series is dedicated to emphasizing those women who aren’t often heard enough, and the stories, essays, poems, themes, and topics that are too often missed. Better yet, we’re focusing on Baltimore itself and want to hear from all our women-identifying creatives currently from or lived in the area. Learn more about our focus, our guidelines, and how to submit at yellowarrowpublishing.com/vignette/submissions.

We are happy to have Isabelle rejoin us for this year’s Vignette series. She says, “I’m looking forward to reading for the upcoming issue with a level of general excitement, to see what the women of Baltimore are working on, and to revel in all the beautiful creativity happening around me.”

Tell us a little something about yourself:

For a long time, my genre of choice was fiction, and, in a way, my love for poetry snuck up on me. I didn’t read much poetry until a few years ago, and discovering many contemporary women writing poetry really sparked my interest in writing it myself.

What do you love most about Baltimore?

Within the last few years, I’ve worked at a couple small businesses around Baltimore County, and I love the ways they intersect with the community. From working in local food service and creative spaces, I’ve met so many neighbors and found information on book clubs and writing groups I might not have otherwise.

How did you get involved with Yellow Arrow? Why did you want to join the Yellow Arrow team?

Initially, I worked with Yellow Arrow as an intern in 2022, but my current role is as the Vignette Assistant for the upcoming issue. I wanted to rejoin the Yellow Arrow team because my internship had been such a positive experience and I’ve always admired the mission of highlighting women-identifying writers.

What are you working on currently?

Lately I’ve been trying to refine some work (mostly poems) for MFA applications and potential publication along with working on a long-form fiction project about sisterhood.

What genre do you write or read the most and why?

Poetry! I love the freedom it allows, and how it can give a home to my detail-obsessive brain.

What book is on the top of your to-be-read pile?

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo—I haven’t committed to it yet, but I’ve heard great things and really love to see the ways LGBTQ+ experience have been highlighted in the Yellow Arrow space in recent years.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

Olivia Gatwood. I hugely credit her poetry collection Life of the Party for cementing my interest in poetry and informing a lot of my earlier attempts at writing poems myself. Her poems are often heavily narrative—which appealed to the fiction writer in me—and simultaneously manage to take on such an etherically musical quality.

Who has inspired and/or supported you most in your writing journey?

My three little sisters Madeleine, Genevieve, and Juliette inspire and support me every day in writing and beyond by being the hilarious, imaginative, and lovely girls they are.

What do you love most about writing?

That it’s a quiet act while quite literally being anything but quiet. I’ve always been fairly self-contained, so I think as a child I was drawn into writing largely because it is an activity that can be done alone and can be silent, yet it produces something expressive and something through which people can connect.

What advice do you have for new writers?

To follow what feels good about writing. While I’ve had an interest in writing fiction for quite a long time, I started experimenting with poetry not that long ago and found the genre just seemed to fit me well. As I’ve learned more about form, it’s started to help me make sense of certain patterns of mine—like what details I find interesting and how my ideas develop—and I think the best way for a newer writer grow and better understand their own process is to first follow what’s enjoyable and interesting, then move from there.

What’s the most important thing you always keep near where you work?

A cup full of colorful markers and highlighters—I love color-coordinated notes!

What’s your vision for Yellow Arrow in 2024?

My vision is a continuation on the preexisting mission to give space to women-identifying writers, and I hope we reach even more women in the Baltimore area with Vignette specifically.

Baltimore creatives who identify as women: check out our call for Yellow Arrow AMPLIFY at https://www.yellowarrowpublishing.com/vignette/submissions—we would love to read what you write! Submissions are open through April 30.

*****

Hannah Bishoff, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Avery Wood, Program Management Intern

Lives in Raleigh, North Carolina

Kristen Caruso, Program Management Intern

From Hillsborough, New Jersey

Sophia Graney, Vignette BLAZE intern

From Fairfield, Connecticut

Kate Tourison, Publications Intern

Lives in Ellicott City, Maryland

Arrieonna Derricoatte, Program Management Intern

Lives in Columbus, Ohio

Jacqueline Goldman, Publications Intern

Lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Gabby Granillo, Author Support Intern (6 months)

From Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, but lives in Baltimore, Maryland

Alexa Lesniak

Program Management Intern

Elizabeth Ottenritter

Publications Intern

Caroline Kunz

Publications Intern

From Rochester, New York

Where do you go to school? I am a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland studying English with a minor in writing. I will graduate in May of 2025.

Sophia Lama

Program Management Intern

From Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Where do you go to school? In the fall I will begin my senior year at the University of Maryland in College Park, and will be graduating in May of 2025. I have been pursuing a degree in English.