The News Notes
ACG newsletter and updates #4
Hello, you wondrously incredible humans, and welcome to another ACG newsletter! I have been so happy with the growth and transition of A Cornered Gurl of late. I hope that every one of you has enjoyed what the publication has offered as well.
We have had soul-stirring poetry, vulnerable and authentic creative nonfiction, two collaborations, and a challenge that reminded us to seek gratefulness at every turn.
We are moving in the direction I hoped we would and witnessing its occurrence gives me so much joy. I believe ACG is headed exactly where I envisioned it would as a Medium publication, and as a community.
What have we done? How have we made an impact these last five months? Will you still be here after October bids us adieu? I hope you will be. It is my prayer you will remain right here with us.
We appreciate you. You are welcome in every form. Continue to grace us with your light.
Writers and followers
As of today, we have 90 writers, and we have gained an additional 48 followers since the last newsletter was published on April 15, 2023 — increasing our follower count to 1,849.
These numbers are feasible for us — for the type of community I envision for A Cornered Gurl. I want to be sure this space will continue to be a safe space for anyone who chooses to commune with us. I want to be certain authenticity remains a welcome aspect and trauma-induced shame and neglect will continually kick rocks (in this space).
Everyone should be extremely happy with the results and your work here. With each submission, and over time, you will grow — your work will flourish — you will be changed by it. And others will be, too.
I truly appreciate your existence — you cannot know how much — words cannot express it enough for me.
Poetry that will teach you forms and shake your soul.
Many of you know my home-space as a writer is with poetry. No matter which other form of writing I choose to dabble in, I always come back home to poetry.
And over the past three months, we have had some incredible words shared by various writers. I enjoy reviewing every submission and building with each writer.
I love to see growth and interest and undeniable love for the word. And now, a few pieces you should check out — mark my word, you will not be disappointed.
The Reply by JennyOhh
You Make It Easy to Stay in Love With You by Jack Herlocker
Love, Lust, Blood Magic, and Other Trickery by Tre L. Loadholt & BJ Dawson
Breathe by T. H. Cleemann
The Herniated Mind by Kensu Fetsani
Sex Was the Only Time I Felt Loved by Linda Sharp
My Life Typecast As Reality by Anthony Cloe Huie
When we are vulnerable, we can benefit from it, others can, too.
Creative nonfiction and essays do more than just bring a story to us as the reader to delve into, they leave us wanting more or they invite us to think outside of ourselves and take a temporary walk in the writer’s shoes.
Here are a few pieces shared by some of ACG’s most thoughtful writers.
Among the Wives of A Maasai Chief by Kerstin Krause
If You Don’t Have a Gift Bag Full of Used Gift Bags, Are You Even a Mom? by Amanda Laughtland
File My Fractures, Fears, Frustrations, and Failures Under Freedom by The Dani Writer
The Note for Journal by Priyanka Srivastava
When we challenge ourselves, we grow.
The fourth challenge prompted us to tap into our creative selves and share what we are most grateful for, but to do so using five words only.
We had eleven submissions not including my own, and they were all such a delight to review and publish.
We actually had a few newcomers and a surprise from a writer who had left Medium and recently returned.
The Un-Strong Black Woman Is… by Quintessa Williams
Blooming in Blessings by Wild Flower
Living Without Alzheimer’s by Mona S Gable
Pleasure Pride by Esposito One Love
You can find all contributions to the challenge under the Community tab on the homepage for ACG.
I am glad you are here. I am even more ecstatic that you have decided to come along on this journey with me/us once again. I have so many ideas brewing in my head-space for A Cornered Gurl, and I pray I am given the time to see these ideas become a reality for this publication.
Thank you for reading, connecting with us, and giving us your attention.
Peace and blessings.
