.WRITERS.ON.WRITING..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.
.W.o.W. #10
Margie Deeb
Where do you normally find yourself writing?
Near a window—always near a window.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
Go deeper, there’s more treasure in the deep!
What word do you find yourself using most often in your writing?
Light.
Margie joined the Yellow Arrow family from Georgia. You can find out more about her in Freedom (Vol. IV, No. 2) or visit her at margiedeeb.myportfolio.com/projects.
.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.
W.o.W. #8
Raga Ayyagari
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
My inner writing voice encourages me to find the poetry in every object, moment, and experience I encounter. Writing is a way for me to listen to the world and find connections.
What is a book you wish someone would write?
I love reading autobiographies because they inspire me to hear about people reflecting on their lives and what’s important to them. I’d love to read an anthology by young people who write poems and stories featuring life stories of elderly people they respect.
Where do you normally find yourself writing?
I read and write every morning on my metro commute, in my room on weekends, and in the interludes as I wait in line in a store or for the bus.
Read Raga’s poems “Swarajya” and “Deepavalli” in Yellow Arrow Journal’s Vol. IV, No. 2 Freedom.
.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.
.W.o.W. #7
Matilda Young
Describe an early experience where you learned that language has power.
My mother would sing folk songs to me as a lullaby—Streets of Laredo, Red River Valley, Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Their words to me meant comfort and adventure and family. When I could read, I would pour over my mom’s book of folk lyrics. These were some of my first poems, and I learned that they were connection—something sacred to be shared.
What word do you find yourself using most often in your writing?
I find I use “sweet” a lot—it’s a wonderful, short sonic note, something that you can lean into or work against the grain.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
To paraphrase the American poet Stanley Plumly, write the hardest thing you can.
Matilda’s poem “This Yes, This” was included in Freedom (Vol. IV, No. 2). Follow them on Twitter @Matilda_Y28.
.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.
.W.o.W. #6
Ann Quinn
What is a good writing habit you have picked up?
From Lia Purpura, alternating drafts in handwriting and printing—I see things each time I reproduce the text.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
My inner writing voice is often crying to be heard, stamped down by a chorus of “shoulds.” It is saying, “use me to discover—I can tell you things you didn’t know you knew about yourself and the world.”
If you didn’t write, what would you do?
Just read—probably more novels. I do other stuff, like most writers. One thing I really love that writing has enabled is teaching writing to others.
Ann has been included in Yellow Arrow Journal’s Doubt (Vol. IV, No. 1) and Freedom (Vol. IV, No. 2) issues and is now joining our wonderful group of volunteers as Poetry Editor! We are very happy to welcome her on staff and look forward to future collaborations. For more information about Ann, including any future events she may hold, visit www.annquinn.net.
.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.
.W.o.W. #4
Jenny Fraser
Who is your greatest writing influence?
I think a lot about my ancestors and try to consider their viewpoints now, and try to voice that in the best way I can. Some of the old people survived harsh conditions on the frontier and were denied a lot, but they still managed to maintain their own happiness.
Where do you normally find yourself writing?
I normally find myself writing the most when I have created my own writer-in-residence situation and isolated myself far away from distractions like the internet.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
We have to use our gifts.
Jenny joined the Yellow Arrow family from Queensland, Australia. You can see more about Jenny in Yellow Arrow Journal’s Vol. IV, No. 2 Freedom. Visit her at www.cybertribe.culture2.org/jennyfraser/.