Our Story
We Bring Writers Together
Ink Speaks was born from a simple belief: every person has a story worth telling, and every voice deserves to be heard. What started as a small poetry circle in a New York City apartment has grown into a global community of over twelve thousand writers and poets.
We provide the workshops, mentorship, and creative infrastructure that help writers at every stage of their journey — from the first nervous draft to confident publication.
Our mission is to create a welcoming space where writers and poets of all backgrounds and skill levels can connect, learn, and grow together. Through retreats, online events, and publishing opportunities, we nurture the creative spirit and help transform raw inspiration into polished, powerful writing.
Our Team
The voices behind the hub
Theona Marlowe
Lead Poet & Co-Founder
Award-winning poet whose work has appeared in The Paris Review, Poetry Magazine, and The New Yorker. Theona founded Ink Speaks to build the community she wished she had as a young writer.
Kate Ellington
Fiction Editor
Published novelist and short story writer with three critically acclaimed novels. Kate leads our fiction editing program and manuscript workshops.
Noah Bennett
Workshop Director
MFA from Iowa Writers' Workshop. Noah designs and leads our immersive writing workshops, retreats, and online masterclasses.
Alina Novak
Poetry Curator
Alina curates our poetry anthology series and runs the monthly open-mic showcases. Her own collections have been translated into twelve languages.
Testimonials
What our members say
Joining this community changed everything for me. I went from writing in isolation to being part of a family that celebrates every word.
Poet & Essayist
The workshops here pushed me beyond what I thought I could write. My first chapbook came directly out of a weekend retreat session.
Fiction Writer
I found my voice here. The mentorship program paired me with a published poet who helped me see my own work with fresh, generous eyes.
Spoken Word Artist
The editing feedback I received was both honest and kind. This community understands that great writing comes from trust and vulnerability.
Memoirist
FAQ