Member Newsletter — November 2026

Photo from Liz Roach-Smith

Hello Writers!

Between the Day of the Dead and the approach of the holidays, my thoughts this time of year turn toward departed loved ones. I also think more about the ancestors, particularly the women, who make up my lineage.

When I spoke to a kids’ creative writing camp this summer, I shared about how writing can be a good way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away. By presenting a snapshot of that person, you’re remembering them and capturing their essence to share with others. It’s also a way to feel closer to that person for a little while.

I like to feel that writing is a way to connect with the women who helped shape me and make me, even the ones I never met. So a recent newsletter from the writer Jami Attenberg particularly resonated with me.

(By the way, I definitely recommend her newsletter & signing up for her 1,000 Words of Summer project.)

In this particular newsletter, she asks, “Are you honoring anyone in particular by writing?”

From a loved one who is living or not, to a teacher to a friend, who is it you might be honoring in your work?

Here’s more from Jami:

“There is also the idea of honoring your ancestors, if there are so many of them they feel like they surround you at times like a Greek chorus or otherwise. A collective energy.

You could be honoring an idea, freedom, perhaps, or peace. A political movement. Although often inherent in these concepts is someone who worked for them, or educated you about them in the first place.

What does it mean to honor someone in your work? Do you use biographical elements, do you attempt to tap into a spirit or a vibe, do you use certain kinds of language? Or is the act of writing and expressing your feelings and using your voice alone enough to honor them?

…sometimes thinking about who we might be honoring can open the horizons of our work, infuse it with new energy. A thing we might tap into along the long road of a writing project. Who we could honor with our words.”

In addition to my ancestors, I hope to pay tribute to the future.

I’m pregnant with a baby boy due to arrive in early April and am beginning to think about notions of emotional inheritance, what I want to pass down, the kind of legacy I want to impart to him.

I want to honor him in my writing too. I want to figure out how to articulate the things I want him to know, to teach him how to be a man filled with kindness, compassion and the strength to stand up against violence and injustice, the willingness to stand up for integrity and goodness.

When the idea of how to accomplish all that feels overwhelming, I turn to the page. I write to him and for him. I write toward the future I would like to see, until it begins to feel truly possible. I honor the past and help craft the future.

May your writing pay tribute to your loved ones and ideas and open up your work.

~Liz Roach-Smith

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Our November 10th meeting will be from 6:00 PM to 7:30 at the St. Matthews Library at 3940 Grandview Ave 40207.

If you would like a peer critique, email us () before November 10th at noon. Please bring 15 printed copies of the manuscript you want us to read. No more than 1300 words (4 to 4.5 pages double-spaced) for prose (excerpts of longer pieces welcome), or two pages of poetry.

To give all members an opportunity to read, priority for peer critique will be given to those who email us ahead of time and who have not read at a recent meeting.

On December 8th, in lieu of a meeting, we will gather for our annual Holiday Party and Book Exchange at a centrally-located restaurant – tentatively Limon Y Sal in St. Matthews. Please keep an eye on your email and our Facebook page as we finalize the details.

 

Photo from Liz Roach-Smith

WRITING PROMPT

Who do you seek to honor in your work? Alternatively, who or what do you want to write against?

Craft a poem, essay or fictional sketch reflecting your subject of honor (or dishonor).

~Liz Roach-Smith

 

HIDDEN GEMS RETREAT UPDATE

Our fall writing retreat was a success! Several of us enjoyed a lovely October weekend in Vevay, Indiana, exploring the town via field trips, searching for hidden gems (there was a craft show and a car show!), and, most importantly, writing with friends. We will be gathering feedback from our retreatants to use for planning our next overnight retreat. Stay tuned, and please consider joining us next time!

Photo by Megan Thompson

 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to Liz Roach-Smith who recently had three poems published on Grande Dame Literary’s website: https://grandedameliterary.com/category/poetry/! Liz lives in Louisville with her family and Great Pyrenees dog Lilly. She works as executive director of communications for the Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet. In addition to poetry, her published work includes freelance nonfiction articles about food and bourbon, and her appreciation for good food often spills into her work. She holds a degree in English from Furman University and a graduate certificate in publishing from Columbia University.

Members, WWW wants to highlight the creative voices of our community. Send your updates to .

 

WWW BLOG

Women Who Write has a blog on our website to showcase our community’s talent. We want to publish your writing or republish a recent publication of yours (if reprints are permitted). Please send us your short stories, poems, and essays! No more than 2,000 words.

Browse our web blog now! Publishing on our blog will expand your writing platform. For more information, email and pitch your story or poem—the one you’ve written or the one you want to write! We may provide suggested edits, for flow and clarity.

 

A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE TOGETHER

Reminder! Elizabeth Holtsclaw is helping coordinate some writing meet-up events and invites you to join in on the fun! No writing prompts, no readings, just dedicated time to work with (mostly) silent companionship. A few times a month she will coordinate meet-ups at various locations (Bernheim, a library, coffee shops) but also welcomes anyone to join the GroupMe and share where they might be working and when for some organic connection times. If these days/times don’t work for you then set up your own!

Text Elizabeth at 610-203-6802 or better yet, join the GroupMe conversation https://groupme.com/join_group/117963278/jH0LDrgf

SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES & LOCAL EVENTS

Regular local events:

Submission directories:

Women’s publications seeking women writers:

SUPPORT OUR WRITING COMMUNITY!

Become a member or renew your membership—As a community, WWW strives to nurture your writing life. We hope you choose to join or renew as a member and participate in our monthly meetings, author talks, retreats, and workshops. Our membership coordinator will notify anyone due to renew. Regular annual membership is $50. Student annual membership is $25. Scholarships are available. Membership entitles you to discounts on workshops and retreats.

Attend our monthly member meetings on the second Tuesday of each month for a brief program, peer critiques, and conversations about the writing life. Not currently a member? You can attend two meetings before deciding to join.

Visit our webpage WomenWhoWrite.com.

Visit our Facebook Page—@womenwhowriteky. Don’t forget to like us and follow us.

Thank you, WWW members, for joining our nonprofit group, for sharing your unique voices, and for supporting each other with open hearts and minds.

 

Your Leadership Team

Megan, Holly, Liz, Irene, Nancy, Leah, Elizabeth, and Paulette

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