Publications
Gwen writes creative nonfiction and memoir about moments and memories she finds important. She sometimes writes prayers and other zines about spiritual life.
Books
The Church of Milk and Honey: A Year of Collective Wisdom (2024)
Compilation, multiple authors
Enjoy 52 weeks of writing and art from far flung friends, family, and teachers
Freedom Warrior
Memoir - A sudden deployment leads to redefining freedom
2020
Yellow Arrow Publishing
Follow That Arrow: Notes on Getting Here From There
Memoir
Fleeing her home in search of a new life on the Camino de Santiago
2016
Yellow Arrow Publishing
Available in paperback or ebook
Prayers and Curiosities
Vade Mecum
Zine - Prayers on the creative process
2019
Out of print
Prayers for Woodlawn
Selection of prayers and poems
Available as an ebook
Articles and Essays
Breadcrumb #624
Breadcrumbs Mag, personal essay
Sep 2020
Needle and Thread
Baltimore Style, personal essay Dec 2019
Wild
The Woods zine, micro-nonfiction
Jan 2018
Camino de Santiago
Summit Daily, personal essay series
May 2015
Writing Activities and Events
Founder, Yellow Arrow Publishing, 2016 - present
Writer-in-Residence, Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House with The Inner Loop, 2018
Readings and book tour, Wilde Reading Series, Pratt Library Writer’s Cribs, Writers & Words, The Inner Loop, MaryHill Winery (to name a few), 2016 - present
Testimonials
“Gwen’s novel is thoughtful, insightful and she so eloquently expresses the inner struggles of change, grief and letting go. There is no comparison to Gwen’s humble, deeply insightful approach to writing and I can only hope she writes another.”
“Inspiring story from an outstanding woman. Gwen is a terrific writer who simply conveys the complicated gamut of emotions of heartbreak, adventure and putting the pieces back together.”
“I’ve read books about the Camino de Santiago, and Gwen’s book was my favorite. It is on my bucket list, and after reading her account of her journey there, I am more convinced than ever to give it a shot myself. Beautifully written.”
“A book hasn’t held my attention for long enough to read the entire thing in one go in a LONG time. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to anything else this author puts out.”
Contact
About
Gwen Van Velsor
Gwen Van Velsor writes creative nonfiction and pseudo-inspirational prose. She is the founder of Yellow Arrow Publishing, a nonprofit that supports and inspires writers identifying as women. Raised in Portland, Oregon, Gwen has moved many times, from sea to shining sea, and is now based in Sarajevo. Her major accomplishments include walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, raising her daughter, and being OK with life exactly as it is. She has published two memoirs, Follow That Arrow, in 2016 and Freedom Warrior in 2020.