< Back Torch Raises $5,593 for 2025 GivingTuesday Campaign Dec 5, 2025 Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch raised $5,593. Thanks to generous support from the Torch Community, Torch raised $5,593 this GivingTuesday. Although we didn’t reach our goal of $7,000, we surpassed last year’s goal of $5,000, meaning we’re continuously growing as a community. With support from board matches and individual donations, Torch is on par to reach our end of year fundraising goal of $40,000. Whether you shared your story about Torch online, donated your first donation, or are a continuous supporter, we want to thank all individual donors for making this happen! Once again, we are truly grateful for the community we’ve been building since 2006. Individual donors like you are consistently helping us reach our increased annual giving goals and showing up for Black women writers. Thank you! Torch’s Executive and Advisory Boards also collectively matched $500 of raised donations this #GivingTuesday . Having board support as a small literary nonprofit is not only a signal of the impact of our mission, but a reflection of the internal dedication of our organization. The continued support from our Board both monetary and in-kind is always appreciated and never goes unnoticed. The giving season isn’t over! We are still raising funds to meet our end-of-year individual fundraising goal of $40,000! If you’re interested in donating, or know someone who is, please visit torchliteraryarts.org/donate . For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit givingtuesday.org . About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help TORCH continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About GivingTuesday GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe. Previous Next

< Back Torch Literary Arts to Receive Grants for Arts Allocation from the National Endowment for the Arts Brittany Heckard May 24, 2024 This is Torch's second year receiving funding from National Endowment for the Arts. Funding will go towards artist honorariums for retreats, workshops, panels, and readings. AUSTIN, Tex., May 22, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA’s) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP). The award from the NEA will be used to support artist honorariums for retreats, workshops, panels, and readings. “ We are so excited to receive another year of funding for Torch’s programs,” said Amanda Johnston, founder and executive director of Torch. “Funding from the NEA will help pay Black women writers for creating and sharing their literary excellence with the Torch community.” Paying artists not only shows that we appreciate and value the work Black women writers do, but also provides our community with quality engagement, learning opportunities, and fellowship. From publishing and improv workshops to screenwriting panels and exclusive readings and demonstrations, 100% of Torch’s features are paid. “Projects like Torch’s exemplify the creativity and care with which communities are telling their stories, creating connection, and responding to challenges and opportunities in their communities—all through the arts,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “So many aspects of our communities such as cultural vitality, health and wellbeing, infrastructure, and the economy are advanced and improved through investments in art and design, and the National Endowment for the Arts is committed to ensuring people across the country benefit.” This is Torch’s second year receiving funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The organization is one of 50 grant recipients from Texas and one of 71 grant recipients from the literary arts category. For this funding round, there were over 2,000 eligible applicants for GAP, Our Town, and State and Regional Partnerships. GAP is one of the largest grant programs by the NEA and was started to strengthen the cultural ecosystem around the nation. Investments for GAP focus on public engagement with the arts, integration with the well-being of communities, and overall capacity improvement for the arts. This round of grants for GAP funding totaled over 1,100 applicants. You can read more about the NEA’s second round of grant funding here . About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help TORCH continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Visit Arts.gov to learn more. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Ending the Year Strong with Community Impact and Growth Brittany Heckard Dec 29, 2025 Taking time to thank you all for your support in 2025 and share plans to end the year strong. We made it to the end of another year of celebrating Black women writers. Thanks to Torch community members like you, we’re almost to our 2025 individual giving goal of $40,000. We need $9,089 by the end of the year to reach our goal ! These unrestricted contributions help us with programming, sustaining the organization, paying Torch features, and much more. In 2025, we: Hosted over 50 events, including free workshops, our Wildfire Reading Series, virtual writing circles, the Torch Retreat, and more. Paid over $51,000 to Torch Magazine Features, Retreat Fellows, authors, artists, and independent contractors. Continued our Writers Across the Diaspora Program with support from the Consulate General of Ireland - Austin . Started a new program , Welcome Table Talk , in collaboration with the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective . Supported 8 fellows from Iowa, California, Texas, and Michigan during our 3rd Annual Torch Retreat . Received the inaugural AWP Writing Organization Award . Started construction on The Torch Center, set to open in January . Grew our Instagram following to 11k+ followers. With your help, we can reach our individual giving goal to start the year strong! Your donation helps support Black women writers and empowers storytelling from emerging and experienced writers around the world. Interested in learning more about what we have in store for 2026? You can watch our “Fueling Torch’s Flame” webinar online now! You’ll hear board members, staff, and community members talk about the importance of supporting Black women writers and the impact Torch Literary Arts has made on their lives. You can watch the live webinar here using this passcode: We!rL4%Y We can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year with you! ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by notable authors such as Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, and Sapphire, among others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

Torch Literary Arts delivers quality programs including the Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional events, an annual retreat for Black women writers with works-in-progress, and special events. 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. Learn More 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. Writers 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.

< Back Celebrating Women and a Sustainable Future with Torch Mar 6, 2026 This year’s Women’s History Month Theme urges us to celebrate women who are taking charge in regard to sustainability, and this International Women’s Day urges us to give to gain. March is Women’s History Month, and March 8th is International Women’s Day. Originally, Women’s History Week celebrated the week of March 8th. Now, Women’s History Month exists to recognize women’s many accomplishments throughout history. International Women’s Day came soon after as a global recognition day of women’s accomplishments. This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”, designated by the National Women's History Alliance . This theme empowers the world to recognize and celebrate women leading in sustainability outside of pure environmental challenges, but also financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. For International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating the theme “Give to Gain,” encouraging generosity and collaboration. This worldwide call to donate and share knowledge and resources not only empowers women but also provides more opportunities for women to thrive. In line with both themes, Torch is not only a sustainable online magazine but also addresses intergenerational equity by featuring Black women writers and provides financial sustainability by paying Black women professional rates for publication in Torch Magazine and for readings and workshop facilitation. We also hope you celebrate International Women’s Day by supporting Torch and Black women writers. Below are a few ways you can continue inspiring inclusion during Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day with Torch. Events March 4-7th – Meet us at AWP ! March 9th - Writing Circle Torch Magazine Read our March 2026 Feature: Bettina Judd Read our March Friday Features Support Torch In celebrating women, we also want to thank each and every person who donated to our 2026 Amplify Austin campaign. With your help, we raised $2,875! You can still support Torch by donating here . ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts. This in-person, multiday event includes a gala celebration, the launch of the Torch Awards, live readings, workshops, vendors, networking, and parties. Save the date: September 25-27, 2026. A Gathering of Flames Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts September 25-27, 2026 - Austin, TX Austin Central Branch Library Special Event Center For 20 years, Torch Literary Arts has supported and amplified Black women writers across the diaspora. We've featured over 300 writers and counting through Torch Magazine , our award-winning publication. Torch has also impacted the lives of thousands across our global community through impactful events such as readings and conversation series, creative and professional development workshops, our annual Fellows Retreat, and special events. To mark this monumental occasion, we are hosting a weekend of celebrations, including a festive gala, the launch of the Torch Awards, live readings, panels, writing sessions, and more. Let's gather in the joy of literature! Space is limited. We strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Get Tickets Employer PD Request Letter Amplifying Black Women Writers Since 2006 Torch Awards Gala Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Join us for the inaugural Torch Awards, a gala and awards ceremony to celebrate literary excellence, world-class storytelling, and the joy and power of our shared narrative on and off the page. Throughout the evening, we will hear from notable writers in the Torch community and honor our first award recipients. A time will be had, including over dinner and on the dance floor! The Gathering Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 Settle deeper into our Torch community with day and evening programs, including readings, panels, and writing sessions, and connect or reconnect with writers and creatives. There will also be opportunities to shop for your next favorite reads and even get your books signed by our featured authors. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with an evening reception. Community Brunch Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 Join the closing ceremony, our Sunday brunch, to ready us for what's to come on and off the page over the next 20 years and beyond. This will be a time to fellowship, join the community open mic, and break bread with other writers and creatives. This brunch will be sustenance for the mind, body, and soul. Detailed Schedule Featured Presenters To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners Be a Sponsor

< Back Torch Literary Arts Receives Poetry Foundation Grant Brittany Heckard Jul 12, 2024 Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Poetry Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s second year receiving funding from the foundation. AUSTIN, Tex., July 12, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Poetry Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s second year receiving funding from the foundation. “Poetry is one of the most declarative ways that Black women voice themselves,” said Torch founder and executive director, Amanda Johnston. “Receiving funding from the Poetry Foundation allows our poets to continue writing and publishing their truths and experiences.” The Poetry Foundation grant will support Torch Features, ensuring that all published writers are paid professionally; funding to sustain full-time and part-time staff; and funding to continue our yearly programming including the Wildfire Reading Series, annual Torch Retreat, and much more. The Poetry Foundation’s relationship with Torch has been an impactful grantee-partner relationship, as highlighted in the Poetry Foundation’s recognition of Torch in their recently released article . Torch is one of around 50 nonprofits to receive funding from the 2024 grant cycle from over 200 applicants and one of just two recipients from Texas. Keeping their promise to equitable giving, Torch is one of nearly 40 of the BIPOC-led nonprofit grant recipients. The Poetry Foundation has donated over $6.3 million to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations including literary presses and magazines since the inception of their grantmaking initiative in 2022. More than 60% of the organization's grantmaking goes to operational support, and nearly 60% of giving directly impacts diverse nonprofits. You can read more about the Poetry Foundation’s 2024 grant cycle in their press release here . About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About the Poetry Foundation The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. The Foundation works to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Follow the Poetry Foundation on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter . Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Culture Ireland Awards Torch Literary Arts Funding to Host Irish Poets Brittany Heckard Jan 9, 2024 Torch will use the Culture Ireland funding to host Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS for interactive writing workshops from October 1-7, 2024. AUSTIN, Tex., January 9, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, was recently granted funding from the Culture Ireland Grant Programme (Culture Ireland) to fund Torch’s programming hosting Irish poets, Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS . Over the week, the poets will present an in-person reading and two workshops. The events will be free and open to the public. “ I’m thrilled to be presenting my poetry and my art with Torch Literary Arts, it is an adventure I’m excited to go on; a platform centering Black femme voices, beautiful,” said Nigerian-Irish poet FELISPEAKS. The €2.95m in funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is for Culture Ireland to promote Irish arts globally. The organization selected 99 projects across the globe to coordinate international arts projects in circus, dance, film, literature, and other art categories. Torch is one of just 25 organizations from the United States, one of two recipients from Texas, and one of two from the United States in the literature category. “ The grant from Culture Ireland empowers Torch to continue hosting intentional programming for Black women writers,” said Amanda Johnston, founder and executive director of Torch. “As a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying Black women’s voices across the diaspora, Culture Ireland’s support of our mission and belief in our work affirms our global impact.” Following a wave of controversial book bans and the silencing of diverse experiences and perspectives, Torch Literary Arts remains true to its mission to amplify Black women writers across the diaspora. This year, Torch has hosted readings from Torch alumni like Rachel Eliza Griffiths, published work from writers across the globe, and partnered with the Texas Book Festival. For more information about Torch Literary Arts, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/ or follow @torchliteraryarts on Instagram. ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts (TORCH) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help Torch support Black women writers by donating today. About Culture Ireland Culture Ireland, a division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is responsible for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide through specific grant programmes. We also create and support opportunities for Irish artists and art organisations to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. We develop platforms to present the richness and quality of Irish creativity to international audiences through showcase events in key arts markets including the Edinburgh Festivals and Venice Biennale, as well as various special initiatives. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Celebrating National Book Month with Torch Literary Arts Oct 7, 2024 This October, Torch is celebrating National Book Month with Torch Day, an inaugural international program, and much more! This October, Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is celebrating National Book Month and wants you to join! We know that books are powerful pages bound together to express emotions, provide entertainment, and enrich our knowledge. We’re excited to celebrate our love for books with the Torch community all month. We started off celebrating National Book Month by celebrating Torch Day on October 5 at BookPeople. Supporters helped us celebrate by joining us in person at BookPeople, purchasing a book, or any other purchase online. 10% of all purchases made at BookPeople went directly to Torch! We also featured a panel of wonderful local literary leaders like J asmine Games, Kelis Rowe, Prudence Arceneaux, and our own Amanda Johnston, followed by Torch Karaoke. You can view the recap photos here . We’ll be hosting our inaugural Writers Across the Diaspora in collaboration with Texas State University, Culture Ireland, Consulate General of Ireland - Austin, and the Carver Museum, featuring Irish poets Nithy Kisa and FELISPEAKS . We’ll kick off the program with the English Department at Texas State University on October 9, followed by a reading at the Carver Museum on October 11, and two free workshops on October 12. You can find out more about the events here . You can also celebrate National Book Month by working on your own writing projects during the Writing Circle , hear from writers at our monthly Salon , or donate to our organization to continue supporting Black women writers. ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

Torch's annual retreat for Black women writers with works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script. Fellows enjoy a week-long stay at the Colton House Hotel in Austin, TX where they can write, rest, and dream. 2027 Torch Retreat July 18 - 25, Austin, TX Torch Literary Arts is proud to provide our annual creative writing retreat. We welcome applications from Black women writers with major works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction (memoir or lyric essays), and script (plays or screenplays). The Torch Retreat will return in 2027. We invite everyone to A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts on September 25-27, 2026. Applications Are Closed Amplifying Black Women Writers Since 2006 Dedicated Writing Time Fellows receive plenty of time for dedicated writing devoted to their works-in-progress. We gently support you in your writing goals for the week by providing group check-ins and the opportunity to share your progress in a nurturing environment. Comfortable Accommodations Your comfort matters. The Colton House Hotel was carefully selected as the property for the Torch retreat to provide fellows with a plush environment where they may dream and write freely. Financial Support There is no fee to apply or attend the retreat. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend to assist with travel, supplies, childcare, or anything else that helps make it possible for fellows to attend regardless of financial ability. Your Stay in Austin, TX Retreat fellows will stay at the beautiful Colton House Hotel . Accommodations include a private bedroom and bathroom in a two-bedroom suite with a shared living room and full kitchen. During your week-long retreat, you will receive dedicated writing time, breakfast and lunch provided, and ample time during the afternoons and evenings to rest, recharge, enjoy the hotel amenities, or explore the city. The retreat will also include guest speakers and a public reading by fellows at the end of the week. View photos from past retreats here . 2025 Torch Retreat Fellows 2024 Torch Retreat Fellows 2023 Torch Retreat Fellows

< Back Torch Literary Arts Releases Fall 2025 Season Aug 28, 2025 Torch’s Fall 2025 Season includes dynamic readings, a screenwriting conversation, book festivals, workshops, and more! Torch is excited to bring another season full of community building, networking, and workshops for Black women writers across the diaspora. Building on the excitement from our 20th Anniversary "Save the Date" announcement and our birthday month, the Fall 2025 Season will bring more of what our community has come to rely on and expect. You can RSVP to Torch’s events by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . Our special events this season include: August 28: Tending the Flame with Lenelle Moïse , Kelly Harris-DeBerry , Amina Gautier , and Amanda Johnston September 8: Torch Writing Circle - Dedicated virtual writing time for BIPOC women writers September 13: In Conversation with Sonja Perryman , award-winning associate producer for Hulu’s East Los High and screenwriter for the Amazon Prime drama, Cross October 4: Torch will be at the Decatur Book Festival in Downtown Decatur, GA. Find our booth! October 9: Poetry Workshop - Chewing on the Alphabet & Stealing from the Best with Lynne Thompson October 11: Torch Day at BookPeople - Join us in person or shop online at BookPeople to celebrate Torch Day. October 21: Welcome Table Talk - Thinking About Love and the Divine with Ajanaé Dawkins , author of Blood-Flex , and DaMaris Hill , author of Blood Bible: An American History. Presented by the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective and Torch Literary Arts. October 23: Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ebony Stewart , author of WASH November 3: Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ashley D. Farmer , author of Queen Mother November 6 & 8: Torch x Texas Book Festival featuring Donika Kelly , author of The Natural Order of Things , and Tiana Clark , author of Scorched Earth. Join us for readings, panels, and more at the 2025 Texas Book Festival ! November 19 : Workshop - From the lion’s mouth: The Writer as Historical Witness with Sandra Jackson-Opoku Stay tuned for more fall events and announcements!! ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. For more information about Torch Literary Arts, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/ or follow @torchliteraryarts on Instagram. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Torch Raises over $6,000 during Amplify Austin Campaign Mar 7, 2025 Joining over 700 nonprofits for one of the largest giving days in Central Texas, Torch raised over $6,000 to amplify Black women writers worldwide. Thanks to generous support from the Torch community, Torch raised $6,175 for this Amplify Austin campaign. With support from community organizations, board matches, individual donations, and an open mic celebration, Torch once again proved the power of community and necessary support for Black women storytellers. To help incentivize givers and Instagram followers who shared about our campaign, we garnered support from local small businesses in Austin and around the state. Thanks to their contributions, supporters were eligible for raffle prizes from: ACL Live , Colton House , Jupiter Supper Club , Austin FC , Dallas Wings , Red River Rising / The Moody Center , Austin Symphony Orchestra , Round Rock Express , Kendra Scott , and Soup Peddler . We also want to thank our generous board! Every board member donated to our Amplify Austin campaign, showing true support and belief in our mission to amplify Black women writers, which makes us eligible for more prizes from I Live Here I Give Here’s 100% board support initiative. We also celebrated the end of Amplify Austin’s 24-hour giving period with an open mic celebration, The Turn Up at DAWA HQ . Over 30 people attended to listen to and share original work and communed with each other to celebrate being back together for an unforgettable open mic experience. If you didn’t get a chance to donate, y ou can still support our Amplify Austin campaign! While you won't be entered for any prizes, you will still have the same priceless impact on Black women storytellers worldwide. To donate, please visit amplifyatx.org/organizations/torch-literary-arts . For more details about Amplify Austin, visit amplifyatx.org . About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help TORCH continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About Amplify Austin Day I Live Here I Give Here’s signature program, Amplify Austin Day, is the biggest day of giving in Central Texas, raising $112.7 million for the local community since 2013. During a single 24-hour period, from 6 p.m. March 5 to 6 p.m. March 6, residents across a seven-county region will come together to support more than 700 nonprofits by making a donation through the platform AmplifyATX.org . About I Live Here I Give Here I Live Here I Give Here connects individual donors and volunteers with local causes they care about. As a nonprofit, they offer community-wide events and year-round specialty programming for businesses, individuals and the broader nonprofit community to make giving possible for everyone. For more information, visit ILiveHereIGiveHere.org . Previous Next