The Writing Sisters are a community of women who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ. Several years ago two of its founding members, Gri Saex Martinez and Darlene Elias, realized that a writing community that is culturally competent and caters to marginalized communities was needed in Western Mass. It became clear to us that not all writing spaces were nurturing or welcoming. Writing groups that embraced us not only as aspiring writers and poets, but as individuals are only successful when it is created by us and for us. Many of us are proud to call ourselves Straw Dog Writers Guild members, and interacting with the Guild has inspired us to take ownership of our own voice and space. Christine Dutton, a writer, and Darlene met at Michael Goldman Favala’s poetry workshop. They shared their hope for a writing group. Chrisitine, Gri and Darlene became the founding members of The Writing Sisters. It has grown to 15 members in the past year. The group meets twice a month and provides a safe space where members can write freely, share with one another, build, and cultivate relationships not only with one another but in the community.
Darlene Elias, the current Straw Dog Emerging Writer fellow, believes access is vital to the success of the writing group. Darlene said, “The only requirement is to show up. The Writing Sisters are sponsored by the Holyoke Arts League, in addition to the Gilded Brick where the Sisters meet. Well respected and appreciated members of our community have contributed by facilitating workshops including Tzivia Gover, Janet Aalfs, and Magdalena Gomez. The Writing Sisters have read and performed at community events, in addition to teaching and facilitating workshops of their own. Many of the Writing Sisters are published and are working on books. The hope is to continue to recruit members and collaborators. When something is good, genuine, and authentic it is contagious. We are excited that the Guild has collaborated with us.
Karen Keough-Huff, a Writing Sister, also known as “Q”, a former teacher, has self-published three books and is currently working on a book of poetry. She said, “Joining the Writing Sisters has been a life-changing experience for me. When I joined the Writing Sisters, I found the support I needed and have found my writing voice! It has been the most joyous, challenging, and positive experience in my writing life. Participation in this group has helped me to become a better learner, listener, mentor, and writer.”
Jacqueline Velez, a community organizer, advocate, and writer who has been published in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine is working on a memoir. She said, “When life gets crazy for me, and I feel like I’m losing my balance, I write with my Sisters and that gives me equilibrium, and keeps me sane.”
Anyone interested in joining the group, facilitating a workshop, or sharing resources and events the Writing Sisters can email us at: writingsistersarethebest@gmail.com.