If you use social media, chances are that you are following hundreds of people and organizations. Some may be for entertainment, others may be creative outlets. If you’re a creative writing/aspiring author, you’re most likely following, sharing, and liking content from your favorite creatives right now. It can be an eye-opening experience, as if you’re getting a glimpse into the mind of a successful creative. What many seem to not realize is that by following these creative outlets, you’re not only getting access to exclusive content, but you’re also getting practical content that you can apply towards your professional development.
- Book reviews that let you know what’s hot and trending that can inspire to make something great.
- The latest news in writing, poetry, and more.
- Opportunities such as:
- employment
- contests
- calls for submissions
- workshops
- conventions and keynotes
Here’s our list of organizations you should be following on social media whose content you can apply towards your professional development.
Well-Read Black Girl
(@wellreadblkgirl)
- From Penguin Random House: “a Brooklyn-based book club and digital platform that celebrates the uniqueness of Black literature and sisterhood” (@wellreadblkgirl).
- Follow @wellreadblkgirl for content that highlights Black artists, authors, actors, poets, sisterhood, and more.
The Feminist Library
(@feministlibrary)
- “A large archive of feminist literature & community event space. Trans-inclusive & welcomes visitors of all genders. We’re moving to a new Peckham home!” (@feministilbrary).
- From feministlibrary.co.uk: “In 2019 The Feminist Library celebrated 44 years of archiving and activism. Totally volunteer run, we have created and looked after one of the most important collections of feminist material in all of the UK, and provided an inspiring learning and social space for thousands of people”
- Support The Feminist Library today by making a one time donation or a regular monthly donation, or volunteer at the Feminist Library by researching and curating feminist literature and help raise funds for the library. Found out more here http://feministlibrary.co.uk/support/.
Poetry Foundation
(@PoetryFound)
- “Publisher of @poetrymagazine, an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture” (@PoetryFound).
- Follow @PoetryFound and see the latest news in poetry, including up-and-coming innovators in poetry, interviews, spotlights, and more.
Cave Canem
(@cavecanempoets)
- “Founded in 1996, Cave Canem is a national organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of black poets” (@cavecanempoets).
- Cave Canem is more than just a social media account. Cavecanempoets.org has much more to offer such as workshops and exclusive conversations with prominent Black poets.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
(@awpwriter)
- “AWP provides community, opportunities, ideas, news, and advocacy for writers and teachers of writing” (@awpwriter). Follow @awpwriter for the latest news in writing.
- Visit awpwriter.org for more information regarding writing programs, careers, contests, media, the annual AWP Conference, and more.
Pen America
(@PENAmerican)
- “PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible” (About Us).
- Follow @PENamerican and be a part of a community protecting open expression across the world that promotes advocacy and action among writers artists across the globe. Go to pen.org for more information.
Black Girls Code
(@BlackGirlsCode)
- Although Black Girls Code isn’t exactly writing in the traditional sense, it involves computer science and writing in code which is paving the way for new digital spaces and multimodal compositions in writing.
- “Our goal is to empower young women of color ages 7-17 to embrace the current tech marketplace as builders + creators” (@BlackGirlsCode).
- Follow @BlackGirlsCode and witness how Black girls are shaping the tech industry. Visit blackgirlscode.com for more information.
Gal-dem
(@galdemzine)
- “Award-winning magazine written by women of colour and non-binary people of colour for all to explore” (@galdemzine). “Our overall aim is to empower and support the creative work of young women of colour and non-binary people of colour through disrupting tired stereotypes and showcasing their work and thoughts as a vital part of mainstream discussions in a whitewashed media environment.”
- Visit gal-dem.com for more information.
LitNet_org
(@LitNet_org)
- “A network of literay organizations that promotes the importance of the literary arts in American culture & broadens funding opportunities” (LitNet_org).
- Follow @LitNet_org and visit litnet.org where you can work towards empowerment and engagement for literature and literary workers across the country.
The Publications Unit at Illinois State University
(@PubUnit_ISU)
- “Provides professional production services for publications like @ObsidianLit, @SRPR, Illinois English Bulletin, & FC2, among others” (PubUnit_ISU).
- Follow @PubUnit_ISU for content such as job opening, event details, publications, and other professional production services. Don’t forgot to also follow @ObsidianLit for the latest in literature and arts in the African diaspora!