“Many people throughout history have told stories about rivers. What is yours? Every story is important. And new ones are being added all the time. So, you see, the story of the river can never be finished. It is constantly being written.”
—Lithuanian illustrator and storyteller Monika Vaicenavičienė in What Is A River? (excerpt)
Interview with the author: A Conversation

IN-PERSON THIS SUNDAY
Join us for an intimate gathering on why we need Riverfront Parks Now
Jacksonville women leaders share on how—and why—we can do this
Dear Friends:
We’re hosting another forum featuring local women leaders and we’d love to see you there. Join us in person for Wine, Women, and Words: Celebrating Rivers, this Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM.
We’ve asked Nancy Powell, Executive Director of Scenic Jacksonville and leader of the Riverfront Parks Now initiative, along with RIVERS artist and river activist Abby Howard Murphy, to speak on this topic against a backdrop of the RIVERS Art Exhibition currently on display at Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville. We’ll also learn how one local woman is making her river garden a natural extension of her property—and how anyone can do this.
We will cozy up in the circle in the back garden, enjoy a delicious lavender cake made by Aves Bakes, and share a glass of Prosecco or two as we consider the the importance of rivers in community life. What is the new story we want to write about our rivers in Jacksonville?
Self-guided tours of the RIVERS Exhibition will be available before and after the speaker presentation. Art, journals, and anthologies will be on sale to support our continued work.
Limited spots available for safety reasons. Masks required INSIDE; vaccinations preferred. We hope you’re able to join us!
Cheers,
Jennifer Wolfe, Executive Director,
Women Writing for (a) Change, Jacksonville
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY
We’re Writing, Publishing, and Gathering
While a team of women led by managing editor Dakota Boyer is wrapping up the production of our annual anthology, (a) river rising: Anthology of Women’s Voices, we’ve also been conducting our fall writing circles, our events (like the Artist Talk + Write to celebrate the RIVERS Exhibition), and gathering in person to bond in community over homemade food, beautiful colors, and a spirit of gratitude. Thanks to all our writers, artists, and supporters. We are grateful.
—JW
The Last Word
“If you really start to take apart the obstacles of what are stopping people from living a more creative life, it’s almost always fear. It’s very rarely not fear.”
—Elizabeth Gilbert
Read the full newsletter here.