Deesha Philyaw
@deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social
WINNER PEN/Faulkner Award, Story Prize, LA Book Prize, and National Book Award finalist for THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES| DMs open for shenanigans + life-changing offers only, not for business or requests. See contact info for reps @ deeshaphilyaw.com
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
The SLM FAM is 🔥! Big congrats to @caseymulliganwalsh.bsky.social @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social @littlemissbleah.bsky.social @megiddings.bsky.social @jeanlucbouchard.bsky.social @kristinaten.bsky.social @bringonthelucie.bsky.social @adriennenovy.bsky.social @vanessahua.bsky.social @jondoyle.bsky.social
The Split Lip FAM has been busy this fall with an excellent batch of publications, awards, and news! Check out our SLM Family Round up 🤩 buff.ly/pMyfAQA
December 16, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The SLM FAM is 🔥! Big congrats to @caseymulliganwalsh.bsky.social @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social @littlemissbleah.bsky.social @megiddings.bsky.social @jeanlucbouchard.bsky.social @kristinaten.bsky.social @bringonthelucie.bsky.social @adriennenovy.bsky.social @vanessahua.bsky.social @jondoyle.bsky.social
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Winner of the 2023 Literary Awards Program - judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social - Erica Kent will be joining our 2026 Authors with her debut novel, BLACK DOG! #SFWP2026Reveal
Preorder BLACK DOG here: buff.ly/CZPhMQE
Get to know Erica here: buff.ly/r1clmtD
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Preorder BLACK DOG here: buff.ly/CZPhMQE
Get to know Erica here: buff.ly/r1clmtD
@susanschulman.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Winner of the 2023 Literary Awards Program - judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social - Erica Kent will be joining our 2026 Authors with her debut novel, BLACK DOG! #SFWP2026Reveal
Preorder BLACK DOG here: buff.ly/CZPhMQE
Get to know Erica here: buff.ly/r1clmtD
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Preorder BLACK DOG here: buff.ly/CZPhMQE
Get to know Erica here: buff.ly/r1clmtD
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Thank you to everyone who submitted to the 2025 Literary Awards Program with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social. We are thrilled to announce our Winners' Circle:
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
January 17, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Thank you to everyone who submitted to the 2025 Literary Awards Program with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social. We are thrilled to announce our Winners' Circle:
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
I'm beyond thrilled and simply stupefied to have my collection picked as the winner! Thank you so much to @sfwp.bsky.social for their Literary Awards Program and to the fabulous @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for picking my manuscript!🌷🙏🙏🌷
Thank you to everyone who submitted to the 2025 Literary Awards Program with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social. We are thrilled to announce our Winners' Circle:
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
Congratulations to our our grand prize winner, @sudhab.bsky.social, and our runners-up Cara Lynn Albert and Terese Svoboda, and ! buff.ly/92ASZax
January 17, 2026 at 7:28 PM
I'm beyond thrilled and simply stupefied to have my collection picked as the winner! Thank you so much to @sfwp.bsky.social for their Literary Awards Program and to the fabulous @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for picking my manuscript!🌷🙏🙏🌷
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
BTW when I say abolish ICE, I mean abolish it entirely and replace it with exactly nothing. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. That's it.
January 25, 2026 at 2:32 AM
BTW when I say abolish ICE, I mean abolish it entirely and replace it with exactly nothing. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. That's it.
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
This book is now out in the world and I’m jazzed to have a story in it.
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color, 2025 - EastOver Press
Third in a series, this anthology edited by Deesha Philyaw features short fiction written by contemporary writers of color. From farms to trading posts, basketball courts to kitchens, houses to cafes,...
eastoverpress.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:43 PM
This book is now out in the world and I’m jazzed to have a story in it.
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Submissions are still open for the 7th Annual STORY Foundation Prize, judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social. Submit before December 15th to be considered.
October 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Submissions are still open for the 7th Annual STORY Foundation Prize, judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social. Submit before December 15th to be considered.
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Make sure to register for @lumchanmfa.bsky.social's book launch event with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social and @avitusbcarle.bsky.social over Zoom on November 7th at 7pm EST! buff.ly/CtKtA0k
Preorder BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Preorder BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Make sure to register for @lumchanmfa.bsky.social's book launch event with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social and @avitusbcarle.bsky.social over Zoom on November 7th at 7pm EST! buff.ly/CtKtA0k
Preorder BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Preorder BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
LAKE SONG (Sept. 1), selected by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for the AWP Grace Paley prize, is so so good. Get a taste at @electricliterature.com! electricliterature.com/the-final-gi... @kristener.bsky.social @ohiostatepress.bsky.social
The Strange Lady Will Not Hand Back Her Baby - Electric Literature
“The Final Girl” from LAKE SONG by Lesley Pratt Bannatyne, recommended by Daphne Kalotay
electricliterature.com
August 27, 2025 at 12:53 PM
LAKE SONG (Sept. 1), selected by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for the AWP Grace Paley prize, is so so good. Get a taste at @electricliterature.com! electricliterature.com/the-final-gi... @kristener.bsky.social @ohiostatepress.bsky.social
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Enjoying this Black & Published podcast, hosted by @nikeshaelise.bsky.social.
It features author @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social on the topic of publishing : dispelling myths; avoiding predatory publishers.
Excellent information! ✍🏾📚🎧
mahoganybooksmedia.com/podcast/blac...
#BookSky #BlackBookSky
It features author @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social on the topic of publishing : dispelling myths; avoiding predatory publishers.
Excellent information! ✍🏾📚🎧
mahoganybooksmedia.com/podcast/blac...
#BookSky #BlackBookSky
Let's Talk About Publishing with Deesha Philyaw | MahoganyBooks Podcast Network - Our Stories, Our Voices, Our Way
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with author Deesha Philyaw about the new writing resource she created with graphic designer Diamonde...
mahoganybooksmedia.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Enjoying this Black & Published podcast, hosted by @nikeshaelise.bsky.social.
It features author @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social on the topic of publishing : dispelling myths; avoiding predatory publishers.
Excellent information! ✍🏾📚🎧
mahoganybooksmedia.com/podcast/blac...
#BookSky #BlackBookSky
It features author @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social on the topic of publishing : dispelling myths; avoiding predatory publishers.
Excellent information! ✍🏾📚🎧
mahoganybooksmedia.com/podcast/blac...
#BookSky #BlackBookSky
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
weekly talk story about my Bitter over Sweet (@sfwp.bsky.social) book launch with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, hosted by @avitusbcarle.bsky.social, and my recent (and not so recent pubs) in @mrbullbull.bsky.social , @claudineliterary.bsky.social and Mojo
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Join Me for My Bitter over Sweet Book Launch on November 7 with Deesha Philyaw — Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Squeee…. I am so excited to share that the amazing Deesha Philyaw will be joining me for my Zoom book launch for Bitter Over Sweet on November 7 at 7pm EST!!
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:27 PM
weekly talk story about my Bitter over Sweet (@sfwp.bsky.social) book launch with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, hosted by @avitusbcarle.bsky.social, and my recent (and not so recent pubs) in @mrbullbull.bsky.social , @claudineliterary.bsky.social and Mojo
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
We're down to the final 10 DAYS of the 2025 Literary Awards Program with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social as our judge!
Submit today for a chance to make it to the winners' circle and have your manuscript considered for publication! buff.ly/AMZ2510
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Submit today for a chance to make it to the winners' circle and have your manuscript considered for publication! buff.ly/AMZ2510
@susanschulman.bsky.social
September 5, 2025 at 2:40 PM
We're down to the final 10 DAYS of the 2025 Literary Awards Program with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social as our judge!
Submit today for a chance to make it to the winners' circle and have your manuscript considered for publication! buff.ly/AMZ2510
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Submit today for a chance to make it to the winners' circle and have your manuscript considered for publication! buff.ly/AMZ2510
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
I have the EXTREME pleasure of hosting @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social as they discuss all things craft and wonders found in BITTER OVER SWEET (@sfwp.bsky.social)!
When: November 7, 2025 at 7PM EST
Where: Zoom
Register here:
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
When: November 7, 2025 at 7PM EST
Where: Zoom
Register here:
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Join Me for My Bitter over Sweet Book Launch on November 7 with Deesha Philyaw — Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Squeee…. I am so excited to share that the amazing Deesha Philyaw will be joining me for my Zoom book launch for Bitter Over Sweet on November 7 at 7pm EST!!
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I have the EXTREME pleasure of hosting @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social as they discuss all things craft and wonders found in BITTER OVER SWEET (@sfwp.bsky.social)!
When: November 7, 2025 at 7PM EST
Where: Zoom
Register here:
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
When: November 7, 2025 at 7PM EST
Where: Zoom
Register here:
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Good lord this is beautiful and heartbreaking. "No matter how little she asks for, men have always let her know it’s too much." @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social pshares.org/issue-articl...
She No Longer Fears Him - Ploughshares
Rochelle isn’t exactly sure where to start or what to Google. “Male prostitutes”? “Male escorts”? Do people still say “prostitutes” and “escorts”? She types “male sex workers” in the search bar. The r...
pshares.org
July 25, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Good lord this is beautiful and heartbreaking. "No matter how little she asks for, men have always let her know it’s too much." @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social pshares.org/issue-articl...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
The 7th annual STORY Foundation Prize, judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, opens on August 15th. Check out all the details below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️We're looking forward to reading your stories!
Submissions to our 7th annual STORY Foundation Prize, judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, are opening soon. Swipe through to learn all the details. For any other inquiries, DM us or email contact@storymagazine.org!
August 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The 7th annual STORY Foundation Prize, judged by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, opens on August 15th. Check out all the details below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️We're looking forward to reading your stories!
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
ohiostatepress.org/books/titles... Selected by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for the @awpwriter.bsky.social Grace Paley Prize in Short Fiction
Lake Song: A Novel in Stories
Linked stories span decades to plumb the complexities, violence, and compassion of small-town life as the twentieth century hurtles forward.
ohiostatepress.org
June 13, 2025 at 8:15 PM
ohiostatepress.org/books/titles... Selected by @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for the @awpwriter.bsky.social Grace Paley Prize in Short Fiction
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
This is one week away! Join us Wednesday, July 9, for Ursa's first-ever live storytelling night at the Center for Fiction in Brooklyn — with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, @dawniewalton.bsky.social @kiese.bsky.social, Carrie R. Moore and Lawrence Burney:
centerforfiction.org/event/ursa-l...
centerforfiction.org/event/ursa-l...
July 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM
This is one week away! Join us Wednesday, July 9, for Ursa's first-ever live storytelling night at the Center for Fiction in Brooklyn — with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, @dawniewalton.bsky.social @kiese.bsky.social, Carrie R. Moore and Lawrence Burney:
centerforfiction.org/event/ursa-l...
centerforfiction.org/event/ursa-l...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
In-case you haven't heard the news, we're accepting submissions for the 2025 Literary Awards Program, and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social is back as our judge this year!
Learn more and how to submit right here: buff.ly/id6XXu5
Learn more and how to submit right here: buff.ly/id6XXu5
May 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
In-case you haven't heard the news, we're accepting submissions for the 2025 Literary Awards Program, and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social is back as our judge this year!
Learn more and how to submit right here: buff.ly/id6XXu5
Learn more and how to submit right here: buff.ly/id6XXu5
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Join @ursastory.bsky.social on July 9 in NYC! A night of storytelling at The Center for Fiction with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, @dawniewalton.bsky.social, @kiese.bsky.social, Lawrence Burney, and Carrie R. Moore.
ursastory.com/ursa-live-ny...
ursastory.com/ursa-live-ny...
Save the date: Ursa Live in NYC July 9, plus new memberships and a new show for Ursa Members - Ursa Story Company
Join us for a night of storytelling on July 9 at The Center for Fiction.
ursastory.com
May 27, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Join @ursastory.bsky.social on July 9 in NYC! A night of storytelling at The Center for Fiction with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social, @dawniewalton.bsky.social, @kiese.bsky.social, Lawrence Burney, and Carrie R. Moore.
ursastory.com/ursa-live-ny...
ursastory.com/ursa-live-ny...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
We're honored to welcome two accomplished authors to judge our summer contest: @officialmchangpoet.bsky.social & @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social! Read more about them here! Poetry and fiction submissions are open through August 1; submit your poetry and fiction via Submittable today! #writing #litmag
May 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM
We're honored to welcome two accomplished authors to judge our summer contest: @officialmchangpoet.bsky.social & @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social! Read more about them here! Poetry and fiction submissions are open through August 1; submit your poetry and fiction via Submittable today! #writing #litmag
I am deeply honored to be in conversation with THEE Bridgett M. Davis, discussing her latest memoir LOVE, RITA. NYC area friends, please join us at the Brooklyn Public Library in celebration of this beautiful book that has moved me in so many ways. To RSVP: www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/bri...
Bridgett M. Davis Discusses Love, Rita with Deesha Philyaw | Brooklyn Public Library
BPL Presents welcomes Bridgett M. Davis, who discusses a searing tribute of sisterhood and family, profound love and loss from the acclaimed author of The World According to Fannie Davis.
www.bklynlibrary.org
May 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I am deeply honored to be in conversation with THEE Bridgett M. Davis, discussing her latest memoir LOVE, RITA. NYC area friends, please join us at the Brooklyn Public Library in celebration of this beautiful book that has moved me in so many ways. To RSVP: www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/bri...
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless by Maria Pinto
Fungi, identity, & survival in this memoir meets mycology electrifying debut. The 2nd book in our Great Circle Books literary nonfiction series (co-editors @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social & Kiese Laymon!)
uncpress.org/book/9781469...
Fungi, identity, & survival in this memoir meets mycology electrifying debut. The 2nd book in our Great Circle Books literary nonfiction series (co-editors @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social & Kiese Laymon!)
uncpress.org/book/9781469...
Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless | Maria Pinto | University of North Carolina Press
Naturalist, forager, and educator Maria Pinto offers a stunning debut book that uncovers strange and beautiful fungal connections between the natural and hum...
uncpress.org
May 4, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless by Maria Pinto
Fungi, identity, & survival in this memoir meets mycology electrifying debut. The 2nd book in our Great Circle Books literary nonfiction series (co-editors @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social & Kiese Laymon!)
uncpress.org/book/9781469...
Fungi, identity, & survival in this memoir meets mycology electrifying debut. The 2nd book in our Great Circle Books literary nonfiction series (co-editors @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social & Kiese Laymon!)
uncpress.org/book/9781469...
I like a theory I read on Threads that Kat and Eva are actually full sisters and fraternal twins, and Leslie/Dana/Sherry/Ana snatched Eva from the hospital, but Ted and Nicole thought she died. It’s wild, but so is this show lol #BeyondtheGates #BTG #ThemGates
May 4, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I like a theory I read on Threads that Kat and Eva are actually full sisters and fraternal twins, and Leslie/Dana/Sherry/Ana snatched Eva from the hospital, but Ted and Nicole thought she died. It’s wild, but so is this show lol #BeyondtheGates #BTG #ThemGates
I heard the #BeyondtheGates #BTG convo was popping over here on Bluesky… 👀
May 4, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I heard the #BeyondtheGates #BTG convo was popping over here on Bluesky… 👀
Reposted by Deesha Philyaw
We're THRILLED to announce our Summer Writing Contest! Submit your most unafraid, bold, eccentric, and beautiful works of poetry and fiction! We welcome two phenomenal authors as our judges: @officialmchangpoet.bsky.social and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social! Visit our website for more & happy writing!
May 1, 2025 at 8:58 PM
We're THRILLED to announce our Summer Writing Contest! Submit your most unafraid, bold, eccentric, and beautiful works of poetry and fiction! We welcome two phenomenal authors as our judges: @officialmchangpoet.bsky.social and @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social! Visit our website for more & happy writing!