How do you put yourself first? How do you put your work first?
How do you reaffirm your writing? How do you take pride in what you write?
How do you live a creatively empowered life?
These are the questions that came to mind when we put together the first issue of The Galvanizers. The theme was somewhat inspired by Grey’s Anatomy: in Christina Chang’s last episode, she reminds Meredith to love herself before McDreamy: “He’s not the sun, you are.”
In our case, we took it as a gentle reminder that the best gift we can give ourselves is to respect the power of our own agency. To acknowledge that we actually have a choice in what kind of writers, artists, and women we want to be. And to be proud of calling ourselves writers, no matter what genre or format, length or or language. Unless you dabble in totally illegal or inhumane things.
I wish we could say that over the past month we found all the answers to the questions above. Instead, we were treated to something better: a myriad of experiences that taught us more about what it means to be a young women writer in this day and age.
Sometimes its about simply affirming a childhood dream and learning how to make room for it in the busy life you lead now. Sometimes its about reclaiming your right to like what you like, even if you’re a young dude who likes Twilight. Correction: especially if.
Sometimes it’s about how you tackle the question “So you want to be a writer! Now what?” One newbie freelancer struggles to keep her personal opinions out of business matters when it comes to writing for magazines, while a copyrighter moonlighting as a essayist contemplates the significance of a double writing life.
Sometimes its about making sure you’re making smart financial decisions that will keep you writing for a very long time. As Virginia Woolf said, “A woman must have money and a room of one’s own, even if it’s not a very big room because you can store your sweaters in the oven.”
But sometimes lights dim – or they shine on the parts of ourselves we’d rather keep in the dark. How does it feel to be your own worst critic for an act that once gave you the most joy? In a similar vein, a jealous person weighs in on the dangers of comparing oneself to online success stories.
Also, don’t miss our amazing excerpt of Eliza Victoria’s latest fantasy suspense novel Dwellers, about two body snatchers who find themselves at the scene of someone else’s crime.
Another must read is our meaty interview with Mina V. Esguerra, a romance author who champions other authors through workshops and digital mentorship, and our recommending reading list featuring girls who brighten up the sky.
Finally, if you want to get a little interactive, we have a lovely exercise called “10 Things I Know to Be True” that Isa uses in her workshops. It’ll rock your hair off — in a good way.
We hope you enjoy this issue – if you like any of our contributors’ pieces, please do let them know by leaving them a comment! Finally, to celebrate our launch we’re planning a giveaway of one of our favorite things: the sort of thing we’d give our closest friends, but this time meant for one lucky reader. Add us on Twitter for more details!
Love,
Bea & Isa
Illustration by Maggie Yoingco
