the craft. making space.

This past weekend, PTW was invited to share a booth at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Writing Conference and Book Fair. I thought it was a great opportunity to spread the word about Permission to Write and what we do. And it was on many levels, but it also reminded me of how essential this work is within the literary community.

From the second I stepped into the Convention Center in Philadelphia, I felt really great about creating a more inclusive community within the writing space. Here, I think bloggers are as relevant as journalists. Self-published authors as worthy as traditionally published. We could care less about awards and much more about grit, consistency, and a true love for words.

If I’m honest, I’ve not always felt the most comfortable in literary spaces. We know the trope. Cis, white, male, in many cases has been made the literary standard. So much gets wrapped up in pedigree, degrees, awards and such and when you don’t have those things, the imposter syndrome kicks in heavily. Even in some circles within marginalized communities it can feel that way and at times like this, I’m proud of myself for creating the space that I needed.

Find your tribe and hold onto them fiercely! I had the opportunity to meet fellow Permission Granted member Kabria this weekend, and it was a reminder that all the long nights and trying to write on planes and scouring the internet for writing opps and instructors for classes, etc., is absolutely worth it.

I’m reminded at every turn that this is something of value because clearly there were others like me looking for a space that felt like home. Where they could plant their feet and allow themselves to grow as their most authentic selves. Where we can listen to Muni Long and Lucky Daye while we write. A place where we don’t have to explain shared colloquialisms or vernacular. Where we don’t have to work so hard to prove our belonging.

I may be rambling, but I guess what I really want to say is thank you. Thank you for being my people. Thank you for making up a community where I truly feel like I belong. And I hope you feel that same energy right back.

I know in this newsletter we try to hone in on craft and things super relevant to your writing, so forgive me for this bit of thinking out loud. Lol. We’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming next week!

Writing/Job Opportunities

Lara Walsh is accepting lifestyle pitches for Elite Daily. Compelling and timely essays on unique travel experiences, hot takes on TikTok trends, home decor, food, and more things making an impression on you. Lara.walsh@bustle.com.

#Bridgerton is back! For EliteDaily, Jonathan Borge is now accepting pitches for essays, original reporting, cultural commentary, and/or thoughtful reactions to Season 2. If you have ideas, email them to jonathan.borge@bustle.com.

HipHopDX is hiring a News Editor. If you have experience covering the Hip Hop news beat and managing a small team, send a resume and news writing clips to jerry.barrow@hiphopdx.com

Paramount Writers Mentoring Program is accepting applications. (Deadline May 1)

The Book Group is hiring an Executive Assistant.

Marie Claire is hiring a Staff Writer.

The Atlantic is hiring an Assistant Editor, Science, Technology.

The Institute For Science & Policy is accepting submissions.

The Associated Press is hiring a Newsperson, Text Editor.