Zora’s Den is a multi-generational writers’ group dedicated to empowering the lives of Black women writers. It has expanded from an online group to include a monthly reading series, writing workshops, a Writers’ Circle and several weekend retreats per year.

As part of the local writing community, “the Den” participates in literary events to foster motivation and creativity and to continue the legacy of both notable and underrepresented writers living and working in Baltimore and beyond. Their hope is to build a sisterhood of writers at every level of accomplishment and to strengthen the voices of the unheard and unacknowledged.

Zora’s Den publishes The Fire Inside series which showcases the stories and poems of Black women writers, many of whom have never been published. Our collections are multigenre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and welcome the work of all levels of accomplishment. A literary committee is comprised of members of the group for each volume and is open to collaborating with guest editors of literary acclaim.

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 1

Twenty-one contributors, twenty-six offerings of fiction, poetry, and memoir. These Black women writers harness the adventure and spirit of Zora Neale Hurston to bring you THE FIRE INSIDE, our first collection, with the foreword from Ms. Lucy Anne Hurston, Zora’s niece!

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 2

Fifty-seven contributors, over seventy offerings of fiction, poetry, and memoir. Beautiful work from the heart comprises THE FIRE INSIDE, VOLUME II.

THE FIRE INSIDE, ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 3

Twenty-two contributors, Twenty-eight stories and poems chosen from over two hundred fifty submissions. THE FIRE INSIDE, VOLUME III represents sisterhood in action.

anthologies

In Our Own Words, a guest-hosted monthly reading series, encourages Black women writers to share their work in an open-mic format before a live audience. Participants are welcomed to bring works in progress, as well as published stories and poems.

Once a year, Zora’s Den also shares their platform with Black men writers. In His Own Words, is an open mic reading with a male host and participants.

In Our Own Words

Zora's Den presents workshops covering the fundamentals of writing craft and workshops that feature specialized forms such as ekphrastic writing. Other topics like publishing and public relations, useful tools for writers, are also taught. Teaching members of the Den are invited to send workshop proposals.

Zora’s Den also offers a space for Black women writers to participate in scheduled write-ins. Writers work primarily independently, but group assessments are available. They are free to share work with writing peers in an informal group setting. Healthy critique is exchanged to take stories and poems closer to completion. Cultural and ethnic references are acknowledged as important elements of unique stories and voices. Ultimately, accountability and progress are the goals. The writers’ circle is a kid-free, partner-free, quiet place with a writer friendly vibe.

writing workshops

Zora’s Den hosts seasonal weekend retreats at The Last Resort Artist Retreat in Baltimore that focus on social engagement, networking and occasional workshops. Over the course of three days, a limited number of residential guests, as well as commuting guests, participate in communal meals, guided discussions, wellness practices (yoga, sound bath, reiki), crafts (vision boards, sip & paints, sketching), and quiet time for reading or relaxing.

Zora’s Den is a program of Charm City Cultural Cultivation (CharmCCC), a 501c3 whose primary function is to build opportunities for cultural growth.