Zora’s Den is a multi-generational group for writers dedicated to empowering the lives of Black women writers. It has expanded from an online group to include a monthly reading series, writing workshops, a Writer’s Circle and several weekend retreats per year.

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Zora’s Den publishes The Fire Inside series, which showcases the stories and poems of Black women writers, many of whom have never been published. Our collections are multi-genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and welcome work at all levels of accomplishment. A literary committee is comprised of members of the group for each volume and is open to collaborating with guest editors of literary acclaim.

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 1

Twenty-one contributors, twenty-six offerings of fiction, poetry, and memoir. The Black women writers in these pages harness the adventure and spirit of Zora Neale Hurston to bring you THE FIRE INSIDE, our first collection, with the foreword from Ms. Lucy Anne Hurston, Zora’s niece!

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 2

Fifty-seven contributors, over seventy offerings of fiction, poetry and memoir. Beautiful work from the heart filled with THE FIRE INSIDE, VOLUME II.

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 3

Twenty-two contributors, twenty-eight stories and poems chosen from over two hundred fifty submissions. THE FIRE INSIDE, VOLUME III represents sisterhood in action.

anthologies

In Our Own Words, a guest-hosted monthly reading series, encourages Black women writers to share their work in an open-mic format before a live audience. Participants are welcome to bring works-in-progress as well as published stories and poems.

Once a year, Zora’s Den also shares its platform with Black men writers through In His Own Words, an open mic reading with a male host and participants.

In Our Own Words

Zora's Den presents workshops featuring the fundamentals of the writing craft and workshops on specialized forms such as ekphrastic writing. Other topics like publishing and public relations, useful tools for writers, are also taught. Teaching members of the Den are invited to send workshop proposals.

Zora’s Den also offers a space for Black women writers to participate in scheduled write-ins. Writers work primarily independently, but group assessments are available. They are free to share work with writing peers in an informal group setting. Healthy critique is exchanged to take stories and poems closer to completion. Cultural and ethnic references are acknowledged as important elements of unique stories and voices. Ultimately, accountability and progress are the goals. The writers circle is a kid-free, partner-free, quiet place with a writer-friendly vibe.

writing workshops

Zora’s Den hosts seasonal weekend retreats at The Last Resort Artist Retreat that focus on social engagement, networking and occasional workshops. Over the course of three days, a limited number of residential guests, as well as commuting guests, participate in communal meals, guided discussions, wellness practices (yoga, sound bath, reiki), crafts (vision boards, sip & paint, sketching) and quiet time for reading or relaxing.