WRITERS COLAB
In November 2021, Shining Light put out a special call for submissions in the magazine “The Loop” for an experimental mentorship program that would pair writers who are incarcerated with professional writers on the outside who specialize in their particular area of interest. Each participant submitted a first draft/idea of an original piece with the goal of refining and developing it to potentially submit it to be published in “The Loop,” “Creations of a Caged Bird,” or another outlet of their choice. From January through May, the mentorship included three written exchanges between the mentors and mentees. The 14 participants who submitted a final draft received a certificate of achievement, a final letter of encouragement and a list of resources for potential publication.
The work submitted included poetry, short stories, personal essays, and scripts for stage and screen, most of which are displayed in the anthology below.
Note: The beliefs and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and may not reflect the views of Shining Light.
A survey was sent out to the 14 participants. Of those that responded:
95%
noted an increase in
self-confidence
100%
reported an improvement
in their writing skills
90%
reported they learned how
to value the input of others
One of the most valued aspects of the mentorship was the
input of professional artists who took the participants’ work seriously
and offered solid critiques and encouragement:
“I was amazed at what depth of insight you've expressed... Your determination to analyze the material and to return encouraging praises and advice has resulted in the creation of a stable, rhythmic narrative that I could not have produced on my own… You took my silly little inconsequential poem as seriously as I did, and you did so without pretense or prejudice. You helped make my work better, and that is an extraordinary gesture.”
T.W. Elkins - Ohio
Participants highlighted how the creative arts provide a conduit into developing deep skills such as self-confidence and positive communication.
“This has given me unlimited creativity to express myself and lift my esteem. I am and have used simile and metaphor to express myself, helping me to be assertive and less aggressive. This is the best program! I will forever be grateful.”
Felix L. - Washington
“I want to contribute to society in a positive way, and hope my redemption comes from my writings, for maybe one may grow from my words.”
Marcus J. - Ohio
“Thanks for all the great feedback... I really have never written anything like this… I want to explore lots of different ways of expression. My goal is to study creative writing when I am released. Thank you for taking the time to develop this piece with me.”
Heather J. - Ohio
Beyond the practical aspects of the mentorship - professional mentorship, gaining writing skills - what emerged as the highlight was a sense of “mattering”…
"Thank you so much for being a part of such a group of people who sincerely wants to be a force in the lives of those wishing to make a difference in their own lives and the lives around them. I was so excited to receive my first response/feedback from Nina... with great enthusiasm I have attached my response."
H.J. Walker, Jr. - Ohio