The Word | A Storytelling Sanctuary
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wordisdiversity.bsky.social
The Word | A Storytelling Sanctuary
@wordisdiversity.bsky.social
220 followers 430 following 62 posts
A literary arts nonprofit fighting for equity in publishing & literature. Uplifting BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse, and disabled voices.
thewordfordiversity.org
linktr.ee/wordfordiversity
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wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Have you heard about our Editor-Writer Mentorship Program? Since 2018, The Word has been pairing aspiring writers with experienced editors for mentorship.
Creme background with multicolored text that reads “Have you heard about the editor-writer mentorship?” Dark Green background with orange text that reads “What started out as 3 categories in its first year has grown to support writers across all these genres: picture books, adult fiction, adult non-fiction, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and adult scifi. Dark green background with light green text that reads “our mentees have gotten 70+” followed by white text that read “traditional publishing contracts” and underneath is clipart of people with pencils surrounding a clipboard with word contact atop it Dark green background with two faded light blue laurel wreath in the middle and between the laurels is white text that reads “this includes a National Book Award and Whiting Award Winner. All this when only 11% of published adult fiction is by BIPOC authors
December 5, 2025 at 7:35 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Thank you so much to everyone who supported The Word on Giving Tuesday! With your contributions, we’ve gotten ⅔ of the way to our goal to another year of supporting brave storytelling!

Help us get the rest of the way there and donate today!
Green background with white text in upper left corner that reads "Donate today"; below is light blue text that says "we've made it to $10,500!" and below is a cream bar with 66 percent to the right of it in white and underneath that is white text that reads "you can help us meet our fundraising goal of $15,000"; and in bottom right corner an image of a white hand cupping a white heart set against a red circle Green background with multi-colored text reading “Donate today to help us reach $15k; help us preserve the stories we need most; support The Word A Storytelling Sanctuary today”, an image of a turquoise and a red hand in a handshake gesture interlocking to appear like a heart appears next to the text Creme background text reads Giveaway and underneath in green box with white text "give today to enter to win" and lists giveaways which were noted above
December 4, 2025 at 10:42 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
We’re excited to announce an additional giveaway! All donors who give $50 or more will be entered in a chance to win a personalized reading list from LupitaReads!

Your contributions to The Word will help ensure we do not lose the stories we need most!

#GivingTuesday #theword #wordfordiversity
(1) Set against a green background is a cream box with multicolored text that says “Giveaway. Give today to enter to win a raffle entry: personalized booklist from @lupita.reads!”and a picture of Lupita. Creme background text reads Giveaway and underneath in green box with white text “give today to enter to win” and lists giveaways which were noted above Green background with multi-colored text reading “Donate today to help us reach $15k; help us preserve the stories we need most; support The Word A Storytelling Sanctuary today”, an image of a turquoise and a red hand in a handshake gesture interlocking to appear like a heart appears next to the text
December 3, 2025 at 1:30 AM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
With the Federal cuts arts funding is experiencing, your support for The Word has never been more crucial than in this landscape we now face.

Please donate today to help The Word reach our fundraising goal of $15K! Your contributions to The Word’s have such radiant cultural and civic impact.
Blue background with orange text reading “Did you know of all arts funding the literary arts only receives 2%?” around a picture of a table full of books and a small arrow in the bottom right corner Multi colored text reading “ At the Word, A Story Telling Sanctuary, we know that storytelling is what we need to…” over an image of a hand signing a book on a table with an arrow in the right corner Three images stacked on top of each with an arrow in the bottom right corner. The first image is of a person speaking into a microphone with orange text reading “Share and Preserve Truth” to the right of them underlined by a green line; the second of a person standing with their arms outstretched and with orange text reading “See our biggest possible selves” to the left of them underlined by a yellow line; and the third of a person sitting at a table signing a book with the orange text reading “See the biggest possible world” underlined by a green line Picture of a small chalkboard with the text “The Word, a Storytelling Sanctuary” written on it sitting on a small easel on top of another picture of a crowd sitting in chairs listening to a speaker unseen and multi colored text at the bottom saying “And this year, federal funding cuts are directly targeting our work making your support the key. We need YOU to preserve the future of storytelling” with a small arrow in the bottom right corner
December 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Donate today to help The Word raise $15k! Help us enter another year with courage, clarity, and compassion. When our work is under direct attack, we cannot keep this movement building without your support!

Find the donate link in our bio.
Green background with multi-colored text reading “Donate today to help us reach $15k; help us preserve the stories we need most; support The Word A Storytelling Sanctuary today”, an image of a turquoise and a red hand in a handshake gesture interlocking to appear like a heart appears next to the text Green background with white text in upper left corner that reads "Donate today"; below the text is a cream bar with 0 percent to the right of it in white and underneath that is white text that reads "Fundraising goal: $15,000"; and in bottom right corner an image of a white hand cupping a white heart set against a red circle Creme background text reads Giveaway and underneath in green box with white text “give today to enter to win” and lists giveaways which were noted above
December 2, 2025 at 3:35 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Giving Tuesday is tomorrow, and now is the perfect time to support our mission of promoting voices from underserved communities and building a future of collective abundance.

This giving season, please consider supporting our important work.
December 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
December reads, brought with love! Purchase through @Bookshop_Org & support The Word! bookshop.org/lists/decemb... This month features @annaleen.bsky.social @drkarenlord.bsky.social @older.bsky.social María Álvarez Micheliny Verunschk Valerie Wesley @rominagarber.bsky.social @authorhien.bsky.social
A grey and white square background with multicolored text that reads: "with love December reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: WE WILL RISE AGAIN: SPECULATIVE STORIES AND ESSAYS ON PROTEST, RESISTANCE, AND HOPE edited by Annalee Newitz, Karen Lord, and Malka Older, A SUN BEHIND US / UN SOL CAÍDO AVANZA by María Auxiliadora Álvarez, THE JAGUAR'S ROAR by author Micheliny Verunschk and translator Juliana Barbassa, THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF JUNETTA PLUM by Valerie Wilson Wesley, THE LAST VAMPIRE by Romina Garber, and TWIN TIDES by Hien Nguyen. The Word’s handle is in the bottom left and logo at the top right.
December 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
In need of some inspiration to get the words flowing? Check out this week’s writing prompt!

Prompt: Use the last text in your phone as the first line for a story or poem.

Tell us what this prompt inspired for you in the comments!
November 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Is your TBR looking a little lonely? Check out these new releases to add to your list!

Which one will you be picking up? Let us know in the comments!
November 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
The Word is searching for our next Executive Director!

We’re seeking a strategic, equity-centered leader committed to building a more just publishing world.

Sound like you or someone you know? Find the full job description and application at thewordfordiversity.org/jobs
November 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
In need of some inspiration to get the words flowing? Check out our new weekly writing prompts! This week’s writing prompt is inspired by Andrea Gibson, the late poet laureate of Colorado.

Prompt: What does the word “home” mean to you?

Tell us what this prompt inspired for you in the comments!
November 14, 2025 at 4:01 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
We’ve got some new friends over here, so we thought it’s time we (re)introduce ourselves! Meet the team working toward collective abundance at The Word.

Chris Aguilar-Garcia, Programs Director
Jesse Martinez, Grants & Development Support
Leah Pierre, Office Coordinator
Viniyanka Prasad, Founder
November 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
This month’s #MarginsBookselling Indie Bookstore Spotlight is Archivist Books. They are a black- and lesbian-owned bookstore in Rochester, NY.

#MarginsBookselling is a celebration of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Disabled, and Neurodiverse booksellers and their communities.
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Our November reads, brought to you with love every month! Purchase through our @Bookshop_Org and support our literary programs! bookshop.org/lists/novemb... This month features: Andy Passchier Char Adams Quiara Alegria Hudes Jesse Q. Sutanto @cjfarley.bsky.social Ella Grace Foutz
A grey and white square background with multicolored text that reads: "with love November reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: MY GENDER, MY RULES by Andy Passchier, BLACK-OWNED: THE REVOLUTIONARY LIFE OF THE BLACK BOOKSTORE by Char Adams, THE WHITE HOT: A NOVEL by Quiara Alegria Hudes, NEXT TIME WILL BE OUR TURN by Jesse Q. Sutanto, WHO KNOWS YOU BY HEART: A NOVEL by C. J. Farley, and LULLABIES FOR THE INSOMNIACS: A MEMOIR IN VERSE by Ella Grace Foutz. The Word’s handle is in the bottom left and logo at the top right.
November 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
In this Craft Advice episode from one of @wordunbound.bsky.social offerings, "Free Your Writing with Free Verse," National Book Award Winner & 2022 Word Editor-Writer Mentee Shifa Saltagi Safadi talks about how writers can break away from imposter syndrome.

Visit www.wordunbound.org to learn more!
October 28, 2025 at 5:03 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
October reads, brought to you with love! Purchase through @Bookshop_Org & support our programs! bookshop.org/lists/octobe... This month features: Kevin Maillard Rafael López @nuzo.bsky.social @carsonfaust.bsky.social Yasushi Kitagawa Takami Nieda @sonorajha.bsky.social @candygourlay.bsky.social
A grey and white square background with multicolored text that reads: "with love October reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: AND THEY WALK ON by author Kevin Maillard and illustrator Rafael López, FUTILITY by Nuzo Onoh, IF THE DEAD BELONG HERE by Carson Faust, THE LUCKY RIDE: A NOVEL FULL OF OPPORTUNITY by Yasushi Kitagawa (Author) and Takami Nieda (Translated by), INTEMPERANCE by Sonora Jha, and WILD SONG by Candy Gourlay. The Word’s handle is in the bottom left and logo at the top right.
October 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Our September reads, brought to you with love every month! Purchase through @Bookshop_Org & support our programs! bookshop.org/lists/septem... This month features: Shelley Stratton @artsypabster.bsky.social Hika Harada Philip Gabriel @rosedommu.bsky.social @jensookfonglee.bsky.social Jasminne Mendez
A grey and white square background with multicolored text that reads: "with love September reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: IN DEADLY COMPANY by L.S. Stratton, SILENCED VOICES: RECLAIMING MEMORIES FROM THE GUATEMALAN GENOCIDE by Pablo Leon, DINNER AT THE NIGHT LIBRARY by Hika Harada (Author) and Philip Gabriel (Translated by), BEST WOMAN by Rose Dommu, THE HUNGER WE PASS DOWN by Jen Sookfong Lee, and THE STORY OF MY ANGER by Jasminne Mendez. The Word’s handle is in the bottom left and logo at the top right.
September 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Our August reads, brought to you with love every month! Purchase through our @Bookshop_Org and support our literary programs! bookshop.org/lists/august... This month features: #SJSindu #DionMBD @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social #JoanneYi @cleyvisnatera.bsky.social #HaileyAlcaraz #DenneMicheleNorris
A grey and white square background with multicolored text that reads: "with love August reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: TALL WATER by SJ Sindu & Dion MBD, LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, ALL THE TOMORROWS AFTER by Joanne Yi, THE GRAND PALOMA RESORT by Cleyvis Natera, ROSA BY ANY OTHER NAME by Hailey Alcaraz, and BOTH/AND: ESSAYS BY TRANS AND GENDER-NONCONFORMING WRITERS OF COLOR edited by Denne Michele Norris with Electric Literature. The Word’s handle is in the bottom left and logo at the top right.
August 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
June/July reads, brought to you with love every month! Purchase through our @bookshop.org & support our programs! bookshop.org/lists/june-july-2025-reading-recommendations #TiffanyDJackson @anterobot.bsky.social #AlixDick @rubenwrites.bsky.social #ALeliaBundles #HalaAlyan @cassnewbould.bsky.social
A grey and white square background with multicolor text that reads: "with love June/July reads." In the top right is The Word's logo. A grey and white square background with the covers of six books: Blood in the Water by Tiffany Jackson, The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman's Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math by Alix Dick & Antero Garcia, Archive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr., Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance by A’Lelia Bundles, I'll Tell You When I'm Home by Hala Alyan, Climate of Chaos by Cassandra Newbould. At the bottom left is The Word’s handle, and The Word's logo is at the top right.
July 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Register now for this Virtual [margins.] meet-up on June 4: www.eventbrite.com/e/margins-me...
May 14, 2025 at 4:18 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
June 11: In-Person [margins.] Meet-up Community Gathering--register here!
www.eventbrite.com/e/in-personm...
In-Person [margins.] Meet-up Community Gathering
An opportunity to share space, set writing intentions, read and share our work and fight isolation through this vital community space
www.eventbrite.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
May Reads: Purchase from our Bookshop to support us!
bookshop.org/shop/wordfor...
@reemfaruqi.bsky.social
@isabelallende.com
grey and white square background with pink accents and multicolor text that reads: "With love, May reads." In the top right corner is The Word's logo. Grey and white square background with pink accents with covers of 6 books shown: SATO THE RABBIT: MORNING LIGHT; ZARINA DIVIDED; THE GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON; UNCOMMON FAVOR; THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS; and MY NAME IS EMILIA DEL VALLE. In the top right is The Word's logo, and in the bottom left is The Word's social tag: @wordisdiversity
May 14, 2025 at 3:44 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
Register now for May WORD UNBOUND Literary Workshops!
www.wordunbound.org/workshops
Green square background with multicolor text that reads: "Word Unbound, Literary Workshop Series. Saturday, May 3, 10am-1pm MT. IMAGINED HISTORIES with Gina María Balibrera." In the bottom left is The Word's logo; in the bottom right is a graphic of a person reading/writing. Green square background with multicolor text that reads: "Word Unbound, Literary Workshop Series, IMAGINED HISTORIES with Gina María Balibrera. This is a space where historical characters, false documents, talismanic objects, and forgotten stories collide with fiction, to seed, inspire, open, and question the authority of the facts as they have already been written. This kind of rigorous re-imagining can be a generative entry point for our work. Together, we will discuss the choices we can make in terms of framing, voice, research, and invention, in order to expand the possibilities of our fictional worlds, and observe the ways in which writers blur the line between fiction and fact to write worlds that are vivid, expansive, and emotionally specific. May 3, 10AM- 1PM MT." In the bottom left is The Word's logo. Green square background with multicolor text that reads: "Word Unbound, Literary Workshop Series. 4-Week workshop, Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6-8PM MT. AWAKENING GHOSTS: DRAWING QUEER HISTORIES INTO THE NOW with Sasha Geffen." In the bottom left is The Word's logo; in the bottom right is a graphic of a person reading/writing. Green square background with multicolor text that reads: "Word Unbound, Literary Workshop Series, AWAKENING GHOSTS: DRAWING QUEER HISTORIES INTO THE NOW with Sasha Geffen. Queerness is ancient, even though much of the language surrounding contemporary queer identity is brand new on a historical scale. As writers, how can we honor the specificity of the past while excavating its living resonance in the here and now? In this four-week workshop, we'll call upon stories of historical figures and communities whose echoes speak to contemporary queer life. May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6-8PM MT." In the bottom left is The Word's logo.
April 22, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Reposted by The Word | A Storytelling Sanctuary
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
[margins.] Meet-ups are community gathering spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse and disabled community members to share space, discuss their writing practice, read and share their work and fight isolation through this vital community space.
REGISTER HERE:
www.eventbrite.com/e/margins-me...
A square image with left 3rd having a white background with [margins.] vertical logo and text that reads “virtual meet-up” // The right ⅔ of image have dark blue background and The Word logo in top right corner with pink underline / Text says “ a community gathering” // bottom right corner lists date and time: March 27, 5:00 PM MT / RSVP for Link"
March 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
wordisdiversity.bsky.social
[margins.] Meet-ups are community gathering spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodiverse and disabled community members to share space, discuss their writing practice, read and share their work and fight isolation through this vital community space.
REGISTER HERE:
www.eventbrite.com/e/margins-me...
A square image with left 3rd having a white background with [margins.] vertical logo and text that reads “virtual meet-up” // The right ⅔ of image have dark blue background and The Word logo in top right corner with pink underline / Text says “ a community gathering” // bottom right corner lists date and time: March 27, 5:00 PM MT / RSVP for Link"
March 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM