Bergamot

Our girl was seventeen, and she didn’t think we knew what that meant. The space between us and our girl is bridged by stories that feel like figments, to her they are not who we are. It is a dangerous thing to play, hopscotch across the lines that gate us Read more

Tennessee Hill

Tennessee Hill is a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin State University working toward her BFA in Creative Writing. She has been featured in Elke Journal, Kaaterskill Basin, and HUMID. She is also a featured contributor on Teen Collective (teencollective.me), Feminine Collective's blog written by teens for teens.

You Are Star Stuff

Fatally and flawed, beautifully broken. Every step you take, every thought you think is a miracle in itself. Do you have any idea how miraculous it is that you are even here? So many wish they could be where you are? Doing what you do? Do you know how many Read more

SA Smith

SA Smith has always loved the magical life. She is the bestselling Amazon author of FOREVER, her four part young adult paranormal romance series. She is an advocate for women of all shapes and sizes. Believing that we are all enough just as we are, and needing to spread that word far and wide. Having been diagnosed with CRPS over 12 years ago, SA also uses her writing to increase social awareness of the disease. Writing is her passion. She often tells friends that writing is a journey for her. It’s like spending time with friends. "I just follow my characters along on their adventures, like a fly on the wall, and see where they take me." SA currently lives in Florida with her best friend/husband and their one son.

Bye, Bye Birdy 2008 – 2016

Am I always to be at the mercy of the light? Shining too bright, too loud on a quiet, solemn Sunday afternoon Will the foul mood take off in flight Like the mellow yellow sunshine kite that soars and glides Miles and miles high above Up, up and away, out Read more

Jacqueline Cioffa

A retired, international model, and celebrity makeup artist. Co-Author of Model Citi Zen, the guide. Founder of http://modelcitizenmakeup.blogspot.com/. Author of numerous prose pieces in various literary magazines. Most recently published in Little Episodes Brainstorms the anthology, among esteemed artists Sadie Frost, Melvin Burgess and Todd Swift.

Beautiful Cage

Charming as a Prince I’m envied by all as he leads me into my cage One covered in flowers draped in diamonds A place where he lays his world at my feet. I never want for anything, as he showers me with riches. Yet his tone is deaf to what Read more

Natasha Alexander

Writer, always Wife and Mother first. Perfect is overrated, I am flawed and yet loved. Now that I don’t chase perfection, I can chase my dreams. I have completed a "Write a Novel" course in 2015 through S.A. Writers’ College and passed with a distinction. I also completed the Copy-Editing and Proof-reading course through them in March 2016. My first Manuscript of 60 000 words has been written and currently seeking a publisher. I have been writing poetry since I was 14 and the reason/inspiration behind all my writing is a stand against women abuse. It is a cause that I hold close to heart. Something that started as an outlet for feelings too ghastly to speak about has turned into my passion.

A Bad Relationship, A Hateful Sister-in-law, A New Me

“She said, ‘cocktail of mental illness …” Emma relayed the information verbatim from the source. “She also said that ‘your engagement pictures looked like you were trying to hide an accidental pregnancy with the sweater choices.” She finished what hurl of insults she had overheard. I felt the full weight now Read more

Naked In Church: A Work of Art

A rainbow flag hung outside above the church. Inside, I was naked. I’d removed my glasses so the room was fuzzy. I couldn’t see them, but I sensed the pencils scratching away at paper, trying to capture my nineteen-year-old curves. The only thing in focus was me. I looked down, Read more

Living Life with No Filters

If you missed HBO’s three seasons of the tragicomedy Getting On, you’re missing a glimpse of the future, maybe not yours but more than likely one or both of your parent’s. Starring the soulful comedienne, Laurie Metcalfe, and a stellar supporting cast, the series dishes up a brutally funny view Read more

JR Roessl

After more than thirty years as a model and actor, JR moved to the Hudson Valley in 2006. She lives in an 1880 renovated barn with her husband and young daughter and three crazy bengal cats. She received her B.A. in creative writing from NYU and has written a memoir about her teenage years spent sailing on the high seas. She is thrilled to be writing for the Feminine Collective.