Women writers seeking resources and peers, can face difficulty. Open mics are often male-dominated, and co-ed critiques can be uncomfortable.
In 2013, Lorraine Cipriano and Kayla Marie Williams co-founded Women Unbound, a literary series held at the Sanger Branch Library, offering women writers from Ohio and Michigan, a welcoming, accessible space to share their work.
In anticipation of their upcoming August 6th event with the independent publisher, Finish Line Press Poets, we sat down with Cipriano.
TCP: What can we expect from the Finishing Line Press Poets?
The event will feature 20-minute readings by three local female authors, Cindy Bosley, Kerry Trautman and Jonie McIntire, who have all had chapbooks of poetry published by Finishing Line Press. So you will have the opportunity to hear poetry that is uncompromisingly female and that explores our collective experience [followed by a short Q&A].
What is Women Unbound?
In 2013, Kayla Williams and I came up with the idea to host a female-centered poetry reading series.
Women and female teenagers in our community were in need of a safe place to share their words. Oftentimes, a male-dominated poetry reading can feature misogynistic poetry, which may make women uncomfortable, discouraging them from returning.
Our main mission is to encourage females of all ages to share their words, building a community.
Comment on the attention directed toward local women writers?
We have a very vibrant literary community in Northwest Ohio. There needs to be a better representation of these authors at a variety of literary events. It is also important for schools to expose students to more writings by women, since women’s voices are an integral part of the human experience.
What is most rewarding about Women Unbound?
The most rewarding thing about our program is seeing the growth, as writers, that some of the regularly-attending teens have experienced. It is also a wonderful opportunity to network and bounce ideas off of other local literary artists, which can shape ones artistic path.
Is there anything else you want our readers to know?
It is important to support female authors in our community. So, if you know someone that is published, look into having their books shelved at the library. Also, buy a book or two from a local female author. If you read a book by a female author that you love, share it on social media. It validates our collective voice and inspires women globally to be heard.
Finishing Line Press Poets | 2-4pm
Saturday, August 6 | Sanger Branch Library
3030 W. Central | 419-259-5370
Facebook.com/womenunbound | Free
