.Writers.on.Writing.

Get to know our authors, the foundation and heart of Yellow Arrow Journal, and what writing means to them through our monthly series.

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.W.o.W. #18

Sarah Smith

What is the toughest writing decision you have made?

One resolution I made to myself was that I would not pass up an opportunity to read in public. Not in an arrogant way, I don’t run on stage and tackle anyone, but if I am somewhere and there’s an open mic, I sign up. I try. I am still nervous, my heart races every time, and I am far better than I was if I had not made that commitment to developing.

What does your inner writing voice tell you?

Continue. Even if I don’t share it with anyone, even if it never makes it out of a journal, even if it is just what’s going on while I drink a cup of coffee in the morning, writing brings me incomparable joy. 

When I get to the point where I feel like I’m mopping words around on the page, not really getting anywhere, the voice also tells me that it’s okay to move on. In the moment, it’s tough to set something to the side. With time, though, I can revise with a clearer head.

What word do you find yourself using most often in your writing?

Grateful.

Sarah Smith contributed her poem “Hickory” to Yellow Arrow Journal’s issue HOME (Vol. V, No. 2). You can find out more about Sarah from her blog hampdenunicorn.com or by following her on Instagram @hampdenunicorn.