Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Johnston.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I founded Torch Literary Arts in 2006 to reserve a space for Black women writers. As a Black women writer, I know firsthand the challenges we face, and I wanted to create a source of support both on and off the page. With no financial support, I launched TorchLiteraryArts.org with the little funds I could save from my paycheck. I believed if I could launch the organization, it would make a difference in the lives of the women we serve and the literary community as a whole. Our impact is seen in those who attend our events, submit their original work, and dare to share their stories with the world.
Over the years, Torch has grown to become a resource and destination for writers and readers from around the globe. We provide paid publishing opportunities for emerging and experienced writers, curate our Wildfire Reading Series featuring notable authors, and offer workshops and retreats at no cost to participants. Now entering our 17th year, we have featured over 200 writers and counting, and our community has grown to include thousands more with an online audience stretching across 70+ countries.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Historically, Black feminist movements receive less than 1% of funding globally. Representation of Black women in publishing and media is also low at less than 5%. Discriminatory systems continue to exclude and silence Black women who dare to share their stories and discourage many from even attempting to do so. However, by building Torch from a place of care and support with inclusivity at the forefront, I knew we would succeed. Torch is for us by us, and with support from our partners and friends, we will continue to amplify Black women writers for generations to come.
We’ve been impressed with Torch Literary Arts, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Torch Literary Arts relaunched in 2022 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The support has been incredible. With the relaunch, we are able to pay our published features a professional rate, curate our reading series as well as special events featuring notable authors, facilitate creative writing and professional development workshops for emerging BIPOC women writers, and launch our inaugural week-long writing retreat that provides dedicated writing time and comfortable accommodations for Black women writers with works in progress.
We recently launched the Torch Writing Circle, which welcomes emerging and experienced BIPOC women writers both in person and online for an hour of uninterrupted writing time. By encouraging each other’s writing practice, celebrating our individual small and big wins, and showing up, we build a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be clear about what you want to accomplish, and show up for yourself first. This means digging into your practice, setting goals and deadlines, showing up to events, and supporting others who are doing similar things. This will keep you in community with your peers and close to those who could become important mentors in your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torchliteraryarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torchliteraryarts/?ref=page_internal
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80349953/admin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/torchlitarts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyZFFDmTHe511mVeeVvz7FA
- Other: https://linktr.ee/torchliteraryarts
Image Credits
Larry Choyce
Cindy Elizabeth
Kevin Garner
