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!

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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.