It’s almost the two year anniversary of this Writers’ Circle.
My name is Chyina Powell and I am a writer and editor. I founded this Circle with the help of Julene Allen in January of 2019 after we met via a business networking site. She is someone who is big on building community and offering support as am I, and when I shared my love of writing, it became clear that if we put our minds together, something wonderful could happen.
The Women of Color Writers’ Circle began with a few members and now we have almost 100 active participants and more followers than that on LinkedIn and Instagram! We are open to all women of color, regardless of age, profession, nationality, style, genre or even native language! Any women of color is welcome to join whether they are just beginning their journey as a writer or have a NYT bestseller!
Before, we were a part of the Lean In community. (Lean In is a worldwide organization that works to create equality for women in business settings.) But not long after our initial launch, we separated and I did everything I could to keep the Circle going. I held monthly video meetings with check ins and writing prompts, I emailed every member personally if I hadn’t seen them in a while, I paid for Zoom and other things out-of-pocket. But then it dawned on me that none of that was needed. Of course, video meetings are nice and writing prompts are definitely needed, but the glitz and glamour wasn’t necessary to create an inclusive and inviting environment. And all of you showed me that.
Mainly via Discord, we have kept in contact, encouraged each other and shared each other’s work. It has been so much fun and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this Circle and for all of you as individuals. I would love to continue being a part of your story as each of you are a part of mine.
Thank you for working to make this Circle great and just for being awesome and allowing us to be a part of your writing process and journey.
Written by: Chyina Powell
Please share this post with a writer you know and remind them that you are grateful for all they are doing and appreciate them.
Women of Color Writers Circle 