Still, She Writes: 40 Poems and Short Stories by Women Who Survived Domestic or Sexual Abuse Anthology Edited by Wonwoo (Grace) Lee
Background
On 11 May 2025, I was contacted by Grace Lee, a high school student based in Seoul, South Korea, attending Seoul International School who was developing a poetry anthology focused on highlighting domestic violence in the US, written entirely by survivors wishing to share their stories. Grace had previously self-published a novel.
Grace had seen my poem on Domestic Violence on my website and found it ‘deeply emotional and inspiring!’
She told me that her project aims to:
- Elevate survivor voices through poetry and short stories
- Highlight and raise awareness of the real human impact of legal and institutional shortcomings
- Use this collection as a literary tool for legislative advocacy, with potential plans to distribute it to policymakers across the country to advocate for meaningful policy change
She invited me to contribute poetry or short stories, touching on any emotions or thoughts regarding experiences with domestic violence assuring me that all styles and voices would be welcome.
Submission
I gave Grace permission to include the Domestic Violence Poem I had written on 26 July 2022 in the anthology and I also wrote a poem on Mother’s Day 11 May 2025 that could go at the ‘end’ of the book called ‘After Separation.’
Both of these poems were written from a combination of lived experience and shared stories.
Publication
On 14 July 2025, Grace contacted me again to let me know that 40 poems and short stories were included in the book and that it had been published on Amazon!
Advocacy
Also on 14 July 2025, Grace informed me that she was working on sending copies of the book to politicians across the United States to convince them to fight for increased funding for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which is the primary federal funding for emergency shelter and assistance for domestic violence victims.
Grace was hopeful that the incredible creative works would compel politicians to act.
Amazon Book Details
The book is listed on Amazon with the following details:
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou, 1969
As many realize, domestic violence and sexual violence are extremely prevalent issues for women around the world. Despite this, little effort has truly been made to provide brave survivors with a platform to share their voices. Inspired by Angelou’s words, this anthology affirms the power of storytelling as a form of healing and a step toward societal awareness and change.
Creative writing allows readers to walk in another’s shoes, feeling the emotions and struggles of survivors. In this way, this collection aims to develop greater empathy and open-mindedness in an age of distraction, apathy, and division.
With hopes of influencing policy and prompting real change, these authors have shared their stories and emotions through poems and prose. When reading their works, one should walk the paths of survivors and see through their eyes. Experience their injustices and embrace the painful emotions. Let their stories ignite your action.
Featuring the Following Writers:
Sue Ellson
Jacqueline Anderson
Alicia M. Rodriguez
Careen Joseph
Anju K
Elizabeth Shane
Nicole Maher
Balraj Kaur
Katie Chalmers
Catherine Jayne Pugh
Luisa Dimarco
Anita Leonard
Wendy Young
Abigail Bobb-Semple
Jenny Watts
Ashley Gray
Jane Phipps
Fiona Jayne
Jamie Miller
Natasha
Sharon Elizabeth Brown
Zoe Louise Smith
Ali Kenefick
Gloria Eveleigh
Zoe Leeds
Clare
Kim
Rosaleen O’Brien
Jayne
Maxine Ana
(This list excludes the authors who chose to remain anonymous.)
ASIN: B0FGW24P5M
Publication date: July 5, 2025
Language: English
File size: 157 KB
Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
Screen Reader: Supported
Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
X-Ray: Not Enabled
Word Wise: Enabled
Print length: 82 pages
Page Flip: Enabled
Available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGW24P5M