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!!
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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.