Aressa Williams, Our Poet Laureate

We were happy to announce this year that Aressa V. Williams is our Poet Laureate. She has closed out the book fest with a poem since the first year and this year she wrote a poem just for us! We are so honored and happy to have her energy and talents as part of what makes our festival special.

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September 9, 2021
The Write Women’s Book Fest

The Write Women’s yearly call
Invites eminent word-crafters
Authors, editors, publishers
Diverse literary drafters

Marietta House enchantmentLuscious lawns and rolling hills
Scribes’ choose on-site or virtual
They fellowship, network, make deals

The book festival validatesCreatives showcase word-wares
Memoirs, fiction, poetry, more
Cogent, poignant messages to share

The Write Women’s Book Fest excels
Wordsmith marketplace, writers’ guild
Creatives celebrate word-art
The founder’s noble dream fulfilled


By Aressa V. Williams
 The Write Women’s Book Fest Poet Laureate

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Aressa Verdell Williams, a retired DC Public School teacher and a retired Assistant Professor of English at Anne Arundel Community College, is also a teacher consultant, creative writing presenter, and poet. Professor Aressa is an active member of Pen in Hand, Poetry X Hunger, and Poetry Nation. Equally important, the poet accepted the new role as a Literary Leader for the Prince Georges County Arts and Humanities Council.
 
In the sixth grade, the aspiring message-maker wrote her first book of poems to earn a Girl Scout badge for Creative Writing.  Today, Aressa has three self-published books, entitled Soft Shadows, The Penny Finder, and the most recent Pancakes & Chocolate Milk.  Her inspiring poems strike universal notes about family, friends, resilience, and hope.  Aressa believes that poems are word snapshots of our experiences. Moreover, she defines poetry as word music.
 
The word-weaver enjoys walking at School House Pond, journaling, and interpreting dreams.  Other interests are reading short stories, posing poll questions, and sky-watching.  A good day for Aressa includes morning meditation, afternoon tea, and if possible, a nap.  The poetess is the proud mother of Aaron Coley and grateful grandmother of Aressa Coley.