The News Notes
ACG newsletter and updates #2
I have been so happy with the growth and transition of A Cornered Gurl in the last two months, and I hope everyone enjoys where we’re headed, too. We have had astounding poetry, heart-stopping nonfiction, bone-chilling fiction, and a challenge that asked us to let loose and have a little bit of fun while we got creative.
We are moving in the direction I hoped we would and witnessing its occurrence gives me so much joy. I believe ACG is going exactly where I envision it to, and I am happy all of you are along for the ride.
What have we done? How have we made an impact these last two months? Will you still be here after February comes to a close? 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 61 writers, and we have gained an additional 38 followers since the last newsletter which was published on November 18, 2022, increasing our follower count to 1,766.
I am happy with these numbers, and I foresee us gaining the writers and readers we want to support us and share our work across other platforms.
All of you 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.
I am graced by your presence.
Poetry that will settle in your bones & move you
I honestly cannot get enough of the poetry that is shared in A Cornered Gurl. We have some of the most authentic, inspirational, and vulnerable writers, and it truly sets us apart from other publications.
Here are a few poetic goodies to move your spirit:
Josh Lonsdale, Letter from Brother
Tamyka Bell, bold
Lisa Marie Simmons, Sparkler
Prazunt, The Power of Love Unlocks Global Peace
Linda Sharp, I Want To Be Haunted Too
Connected by roots, experiences, and tackling life as it comes
Creative nonfiction is a breath of fresh air, yet a genre our writers are well-versed in, and it shows.
Below you will find a few pieces well worth your time and eyes to read and simply enjoy.
Niki Madore, A Speed Run South
Lita Tiara, Semicolon
Jim Latham, Nonstarter
My story, your story, our stories: we all have stories to share
We all have stories to share. Stories that change us. Stories that build us and strengthen us. Stories that send us running to find something like love to envelop us. And here in A Cornered Gurl, there’s no difference.
I am sharing a few essays with you sure to open — truly open your eyes.
Esther Spurrill-Jones, Please Spell My Name Right — My Name is Not Ester
Tre L. Loadholt, Every Day, I Am Growing into Who I Want To Be
Kerstin Krause, Look at Me with an Open Heart
The unreal is revealed
Fiction is one of my favorite genres of writing and we have not had many fiction submissions this quarter, but I am hopeful this will change. But to whet your appetite, I will share a few here:
Lateira Flores, Warm Feelings from Within
Jim Latham, Wounds Small Enough for Bandaids
Tre L. Loadholt, Their Hungry Hearts Were Fed in Full
The second challenge was fun we all needed and a super-motivator
A Cornered Gurl has always been a publication that shared writing prompts/challenges. The second one since our relaunch did not usher in as many responses as I thought it would, but the submissions received and published are well worth their weight in gold.
What did I expect from the participants?
The challenge: Please tell me about your life, but do so by comparing it or linking it to your favorite animated movie, cartoon, claymation, etc. Are The Flintstones your favorite go-to cartoon? How so? How is it directly related to your life? Dexter’s Laboratory is closely related to who you are and how your life operates — tell us how. The Incredibles directly define you and your family in some sort of way . . . really? Give us the details, but guess what — do so using exactly 50 words.
This was our 50-word Story: Animate your life challenge, and we received five submissions (not including mine). You can find them featured on the homepage where they will remain until Saturday, February 04, 2023.
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.
