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Women Writing for (a) Change

Nurturing and celebrating the individual voice in Jacksonville

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Help us launch a new
anthology of women’s voices!

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(and get a copy of the Anthology by supporting our cause!)

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We’ve published our new anthology: (a) river rising, and we need your help to pay for it! Learn more by watching our Kickstarter video and help us pay the printing costs of this gorgeous new journal of women’s words and art from the Jacksonville community. Though the words and art are local, the themes are universal. Thank you for helping us to craft a more conscious community through the power of writing and art.

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HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

“I just finished this new anthology, (a) river rising: anthology of women’s voices, a beautiful project of Women Writing for (a) Change and  and the terrific Jennifer Wolfe. It is an honor to be included in a publication with so many beautiful images and words. And I appreciate how sweetly the collaboration with Yellow House is represented. Congrats to Jennifer  and all who lifted their voices…together.” — Hope McMath, Yellow House

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“Congratulations on putting together this magnificent anthology. Such amazing women’s stories!  I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve read and seen in this beautiful, first-class publication. Thank you for including my work. I’m very proud to be in the company of all these talented artists and writers!”
—Mindy Hawkins, artist

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“I am so honored to be in the anthology. Your river rises and shapes the circle of community in a meaningful and important ways.”—Woody Winfree, writer

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“I have been deeply moved many times between the art and the writing.
”—Joni Roberts, writer

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“I’m so impressed with the stories and poems. I love the prompts interspersed throughout to get you thinking. I also love the artwork from so many talented artists. I am so honored to have a piece of my art included in this publication.”—Penny Edwards

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Learn More About This Project

Read a message from Publisher Jennifer Wolfe to learn more about this project: Why this book? Why now?

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Cover Artwork

The cover of this gorgeous anthology features the art of Lana Shuttleworth, whose wall construction is titled, “What Lies Beneath.” (Artist statement below the image.)

WHAT LIES BENEATH • Lana Shuttleworth • recycled polyvinyl chloride and x-ray film

What Lies Beneath is a wall construction created from recycled polyvinyl chloride; more specifically, safety cones and x-ray film. Inspired by M.C. Escher’s lithograph titled Three Worlds, this work of art challenges viewers to examine not only the surface of the artwork but also “what lies beneath” the surface. Shards of safety cones float like leaves on the water while a koi cut from x-ray film appears from its depths. What Lies Beneath portrays life as we see it and the world beyond what is in our vision.
(RISE exhibition, Fall 2018)

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Writers and artists featured in the Anthology (and their friends) hold up their copies at our Launch Party on Nov. 16, 2019, at the Jax By Jax Literary Festival. We‘re so proud of this moment! More photos by Mark Krancer on our Facebook page.

 

Artist Erin Kendrick pictured with her work.

 

Cover artist Lana Shuttleworth with Jennifer Wolfe.

 

Happy writer Cynthia Jackson.

 

Managing Editor Nan Kavanaugh dedicated an enormous amount of hours and energy to create this beautiful book.

 

Just a few of the members of our Anthology team, including, l-r, Nan Kavanaugh, Dakota Boyer, Janessa Martin, Jennifer Wolfe, and Krista Lee Weller.

 

Artist Annelies Dykgraaf and writer/artist Princess Simpson Rashid were paired together on facing pages in the book.

Meet the Executive Director

Jennifer Wolfe owner women writing for change

Upcoming Events

What Our Community Members are Saying . . .

Jennifer,
I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell you what a wonderful evening you provided for my Bosom Buddies. It was one of my all-time favorite programs, and I’ve had a zillion of them. You have a very special way of bringing out creativity in people who have never shown any inkling of it before. I think you really touched everyone’s hearts, especially mine. You have a very special way about you and the topper was your ukelele playing. Wow!!

Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks
Bosom Buddies Founder/Facilitator
2017-08-03T15:07:46-05:00
Jennifer, I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell you what a wonderful evening you provided for my Bosom Buddies. It was one of my all-time favorite programs, and I’ve had a zillion of them. You have a very special way of bringing out creativity in people who have never shown any inkling of it before. I think you really touched everyone’s hearts, especially mine. You have a very special way about you and the topper was your ukelele playing. Wow!! Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks Bosom Buddies Founder/Facilitator

To Whomever Needs This:

Take this class. Take it. Forget the rumblings of the mind—“I can’t write,” “I have nothing to say,” “I’m unworthy.”  Click the button—YES. [...] Let the love in this room envelop you, the authenticity of these women, circled ’round, pen in hand, uplift you.  The “you” you may have forgotten or thought was venturing forth alone.  The one who you promised to honor as a little girl.  Yes, bring her.  Bring a pen and let words flow to paper.


Memoir Series Writer
October 2017
2017-10-22T15:16:58-05:00
To Whomever Needs This: Take this class. Take it. Forget the rumblings of the mind—“I can’t write,” “I have nothing to say,” “I’m unworthy.”  Click the button—YES. [...] Let the love in this room envelop you, the authenticity of these women, circled ’round, pen in hand, uplift you.  The “you” you may have forgotten or thought was venturing forth alone.  The one who you promised to honor as a little girl.  Yes, bring her.  Bring a pen and let words flow to paper. Memoir Series Writer October 2017

Such a wonderful blend of women from different ages, different backgrounds, but similar life experiences.  It appears the Universe has brought this particular group together for this time so we can all learn from one another.  We represent so many different places in the world right now, but at the same time, we have so many shared experiences, no matter where we live. But most importantly we are women and this “class” has brought us together to share and bond.

Memoir Series Writer
October 2017
2017-10-22T15:33:24-05:00
Such a wonderful blend of women from different ages, different backgrounds, but similar life experiences.  It appears the Universe has brought this particular group together for this time so we can all learn from one another.  We represent so many different places in the world right now, but at the same time, we have so many shared experiences, no matter where we live. But most importantly we are women and this “class” has brought us together to share and bond. Memoir Series Writer October 2017

A safe space to write about something my heart and soul has been needing to tell me.” ~ “Loved each members’ stories.” ~ “Beautiful stories, great to meet new people. ~ “A gift was being surrounded by strong words.” ~ “Circle of sisterhood in a trusting environment.” ~ “The traditional/rituals—creating a sacred space and time to become present before we write.” ~ “Being spiritually connected with strangers.” ~“ A chance to experience some poetry and soul.” —Testimonials from Recent Writers
2018-09-30T15:45:34-05:00
A safe space to write about something my heart and soul has been needing to tell me.” ~ “Loved each members’ stories.” ~ “Beautiful stories, great to meet new people. ~ “A gift was being surrounded by strong words.” ~ “Circle of sisterhood in a trusting environment.” ~ “The traditional/rituals—creating a sacred space and time to become present before we write.” ~ “Being spiritually connected with strangers.” ~“ A chance to experience some poetry and soul.” —Testimonials from Recent Writers

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Although attempting to bring about world peace through the internal
transformation of individuals is difficult, it is the only way.
— The Dalai Lama