Advantages of writing for the 2020 Deb Ball

When I was in my undergrad program for fashion, I took my very first writing gig blogging for a recently launched menswear site. I remember applying and being so excited when I was chosen! I felt so official with this, my first fashion writing gig. But I was super nervous upon accepting the position.

I realized, my name would be “out there” and what if people didn’t like the content I produced? I even envisioned I might get hate if my articles weren’t up to expectation. I was challenged to produce a unique article each week on any topic related to menswear, and I took this responsibility very seriously. I took time to plan out articles and series and interviews that would elevate the reader’s knowledge and understanding of apparel.

I remember, once the articles started getting published, I realized I really liked blogging. While my favorite part was the crafting of the articles, my close second was the engagement of readers. I really enjoyed seeing the dialogue and questions and comments that each post inspired. I wrote articles for the website for around 7 months before they were bought out. I will never forget how during the time of the gig, I had an extra pep in my step and curiosity about the world.

I have appreciated the renewed challenge of writing and crafting each week that the Debutante Ball has brought during this past year. I feel especially proud of the authenticity I have found in my non-fiction writing and blogging. I know that the challenge of writing an article each week has fine-tuned my ability to quickly craft content that is ready for publication. I have also appreciated the Debutante Ball for allowing this year of my debut novel’s release, to be documented and recorded. I feel grateful that I can continue to share and refer to my writing that has been published here for the remainder of my writing career.

I feel proud that the writing I have done on this site has combined elements of teaching/advisement of the industry with confessions of what’s real behind the title “author”. I definitely see myself continuing to refer to and look back on the writing I have done while a Debutante. I appreciate this opportunity to network with other fantastic writers, and also have a platform to share my experiences and insight.

Author: Yodassa Williams

Yodassa Williams is a powerful conjurer of black girl magic (70% Jedi, 30% Sith). A Jamaican American writer, speaker, and award winning performing storyteller, alumna of the VONA/Voices Travel Writing program and creator of the podcast ‘The Black Girl Magic Files’, Yodassa (Yoda) launched ‘Writers Emerging' in 2019, a wilderness writing retreat for women of color and non-binary people of color. In 2020, Yodassa's debut YA Fantasy, The Goddess Twins, will be published by Spark Press. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and currently resides in the Bay Area.