Her View Friday
Yellow Arrow Publishing supports women-identifying writers from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. Women’s voices have historically been underrepresented in literature, and we aim to elevate those voices and stories through our programs, publications, and support.
Part of our mission in supporting and uplifting women writers is to promote the Yellow Arrow community’s individual accomplishments. We’d like to further expand that support and promotion outside of our Yellow Arrow publications. Twice a month, we’d like to give a shout out to those within the Yellow Arrow community who recently published:
single-author publications
single pieces in journals, anthologies, etc., as well as prizes/awards, book reviews, and podcasts/interviews
You can support our authors by reading this blog and their work, sharing their news, and commenting below or on the blog. Congratulations to all the included authors. We are so proud of you!
Every writer has a story to tell and every story is worth telling.
Author: Ashley Elizabeth
Tell us about yourself: I am a fall writer-in-residence with Yellow Arrow. I am also a middle school educator, poet, and essayist who likes to document everyday life in a way others haven’t thought of.
Ashley (she/her) is a Pushcart-nominated writer and teacher. Her poetry has appeared in SWWIM, Voicemail Poems, and West Trestle Review, among others. Ashley’s debut full-length collection, A Family Thing, was released with Redacted Books/ELJ Editions (2024). She is also the author of chapbooks you were supposed to be a friend (2020) and black has every right to be angry (2023). When Ashley isn’t teaching or working as the chapbook editor with Sundress Publications, she habitually posts on Twitter and Instagram (@ae_thepoet). She lives with her partner and their cats.
Where are you from: Baltimore, Maryland
What describes your main writing space: My writing space differs based on how I feel. I do a lot in my office currently, which I could describe as nostalgic, chilly, and open.
Tell us about your publication: CHARM(ed) chronicles Baltimore life and grapples with the idea of home and belonging. It also celebrates a city with deep roots, history, and culture—particularly the food. With the added element of photographs, this collection blends visual art and written word as part love letter, part critique of the goings-on in Charm City. CHARM(ed) was published by fifth wheel press in November 2024.
Why this book? Why now? How did it happen for you: Funnily enough, the idea for this book came to me during undergrad about 10 years ago and was my last written assignment, my mini-thesis. Since that time, I have come home to Baltimore, now also working and living in Baltimore. Too many people have too bad of an idea about what Baltimore is, and this collection is meant to shift one’s perspective. The combination of photographs are also my first photography credits as I seek the truth and seek justice for a city judged so poorly.
What advice do you have for other writers: Do your research on where to submit, but also don’t be scared of rejection. Make sure you edit, edit, edit. Be intentional with your words.
What was your writing goal for the year: This year, my goal was mainly to uplift my debut full-length, A Family Thing, which came out August 2024. But I am also wishing to try new forms and genres, focusing less on individual publications more on the journey.
Yellow Arrow (past and present) board, staff, interns, authors, residents, and instructors alike! Got a publication coming out? Let us help celebrate for you in Her View Friday.
Single-author publications: here.
Single pieces as well as prizes/awards, book reviews, and podcasts/interviews: here.
Please read the instructions on each form carefully; we look forward to congratulating you!
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Yellow Arrow Publishing is a nonprofit supporting women-identifying writers through publication and access to the literary arts. You can support us as we AMPLIFY women-identifying creatives this year by purchasing one of our publications or a workshop from the Yellow Arrow bookstore, for yourself or as a gift, joining our newsletter, following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. Donations are appreciated via PayPal (staff@yellowarrowpublishing.com), Venmo (@yellowarrowpublishing), or US mail (PO Box 65185, Baltimore, Maryland 21209). More than anything, messages of support through any one of our channels are greatly appreciated.