Programs
To fulfill our mission to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers, Torch Literary Arts offers a variety of impactful programs for emerging and experienced writers. Programs are provided at no or low cost to increase access to literary arts.
Torch is a resource and destination for those who value inclusive creative communities and diverse voices in literature.
We look forward to seeing you at future events!
Torch Retreat
An annual retreat for Black women writers with major works-in-progress.
Torch's annual, fully funded, week-long retreat welcomes eight creative writing fellows selected by application.
Each year in July, writers with projects across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) gather in Austin, TX for dedicated writing time and space to imagine, dream, rest, and fellowship with others.
A public reading is held at the end of the week to share their developing works with the local Central Texas community.
Wildfire Reading Series
Live readings featuring notable authors.
Celebrating emerging and established authors, the Wildfire Reading Series promotes books by Black women writers in partnership with independent bookstores.
Previous features include Kendra Allen, Crystal Wilkinson, Renée Watson, Kelis Rowe, LaToya Watkins, and others.
Workshops
Creative & Professional Development
Generative workshops to inspire all experience levels. Our creative writing workshops are open to BIPOC women writers and are designed and facilitated by experienced writers and educators.
Previous workshop facilitators include Anastacia-Reneé, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Bev Chukwu, Faylita Hicks, KB Brookins, Victoria Newton Ford, Remica Bingham-Risher, and others.
Writes Across the Diaspora
Amplifying Black women writers across the diaspora.
Torch Literary Arts is a global resource and destination. Writers Across the Diaspora showcases international writers through a week of programs in Central Texas in partnership with Texas State University and local and international partners.
Launched in 2024 with support from Culture Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland - Austin, Torch welcomed Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS and curated public readings, craft talks, workshops, and networking opportunities.
In Conversation Series
Industry and craft talks with the experts.
Thought-provoking conversations from leaders across the literary landscape on topics that inform and move the culture from page to public media.
Torch is proud to partner with the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective for a three-year collaboration as part of the series called the Welcome Table Talks.
The virtual discussions will cover various topics related to organization building, literary freedom, legacy, and more. The virtual discussions are free and open to all.
Writing Circle
Bimonthly writing circle for BIPOC womxn.
Join writers from around the world twice a month for dedicated time to write in community with others.
Try the prompt provided or work on a writing project. We'll hold the space and time for you!
Click here to sign up for the Writing Circle.
Torch Magazine
The award-winning digital publication of Torch.
Torch Magazine publishes emerging and established Black women writers from across the diaspora. Selected features receive $150 and have their work promoted and archived online.
We accept submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) for consideration.
Click here to read Torch Magazine and review submission guidelines.
Special Events
Increasing access to literature for all.
Torch works with community partners to deliver exceptional literary events that increase access to literature while amplifying Black women writers.
Torch is a proud community partner of the Texas Book Festival and moderates panels and curates readings that highlight notable authors during the festival, which attracts over 50,000 attendees annually.
Torch also delivers special events with other community partners, including the Carver Museum, the African American Culture and Heritage Facility, and others.