Aya Collective Publishing

Meet Holly Fidler. Holly is one of the many amazing writers who contributed to Aya Collective Publishing’s work over the last few years.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Holly Moten Fidler, a proud Cleveland, Ohio native now calling Cincinnati home. I spent seven incredible years in the Twin Cities—years that I consider truly transformative, thanks in large part to the intentional community of creative Black women who embraced me through the Aya Collective. Their support and inspiration have left a lasting impact on my journey.

I have a deep love for literature and the arts, and I see my work as an educator as more than just a job—it’s a calling. Promoting freedom, justice, and peace is at the heart of everything I do.

When I’m not reading, writing, or speaking, you’ll likely find me singing in the shower, dancing in the rain, or tending to my garden. I’m also an avid supporter of my hometown teams—the Cavs, Browns, and Buckeyes—and I love binge-watching documentaries. But above all, I cherish cheering on my teenage daughter as she shines in the performing arts and interscholastic sports.

When was the first time that you recognized you were a writer?

When I was a senior in high school, I took a Modern American Literature course and the teacher, Mrs. Hollins, told me I was a writer. She compared me to Rita Dove, the then U.S. Poet Laureate and felloe Ohio native, and inscribed it in a paperback copy of Dove’s first novel, Through the Ivory Gate. I didn’t fully believe her. Consequently, I missed opportunities to cultivate and embrace my writing multiple times. That is, until “Let the Black Woman Say Asé” when I saw my name and my words in a book!

How did you initially get involved with the Aya Collective?

Initially, Theresa Nix, Ebony Aya, and I met for lunch as like-minded individuals searching for other members of our tribe. We discovered that we were also neighbors! After our lovely lunch together, Ebony kept inviting me to various events. I was always interested, but it seemed like there was always some conflict. Once I began joining the Wednesday and Saturday sessions, I was hooked on the community and feedback I’d been looking for all along!

Tell us about your creative and spiritual work outside of the Aya Collective.

For the past three years, I have been an educational leader in a faith-based, Christian school.

Additionally, I am getting ready to launch an access hub for products and services for, by, and about Black women called Smug Life, “Superior Mind, Unquestionable Grind.”

How can people who are interested in your work find and support you?

Bethany School Beloved Community Fund- https://bethanyschool.org/beloved/

Smuglife.shop (under construction)

What’s one piece of advice you have for aspiring writers?

Aspiring writers: Write as much as you can. Find a community to support you and help you succeed. Join the Aya Collective!

Find Holly’s writing:

You can find Holly’s writing in both of Aya Collective Publishing’s anthologies – Let the Black Women Say Ase’ and Finding the Voice Within. Both books can be purchased here.