Founders Mag

Red Bicycle Books

For centuries, poetry has served as both a mirror and a compass, reflecting the human experience and guiding us through it. While times have changed, Red Bicycle Books is making a statement: poetry still matters, and it has the power to move us.

This September, the author-focused creative hub, founded by Victoria A. Witkewitz, will launch Poetry Moves Us, a free annual publication designed to amplify the voices of poets from all walks of life. More than just a collection of verse, the project is a testament to poetry’s ability to inspire, challenge, and connect.

As Red Bicycle Books approaches its fifth anniversary in 2025, the launch of Poetry Moves Us marks a defining moment that encapsulates Witkewitz’s core mission: to empower writers, foster creativity, and provide platforms where stories and ideas can flourish.

Why Poetry? Why Now?

Poetry has always been a force. Yet, in a publishing industry that’s often ruled by commercial viability, poetry doesn’t always get the space it deserves. Poetry Moves Us aims to change that. For Witkewitz, this initiative is deeply personal. A writer, musician, and artist with over two decades of creative storytelling across multiple genres, she understands the power of words to heal and transform.

“Writing has always been my reason to keep moving forward, even in life’s most challenging moments,” says Witkewitz. “Poetry, in particular, has a way of distilling our deepest thoughts and emotions into something universally meaningful. ‘Poetry Moves Us’ is our way of encouraging writers to share those moments of inspiration with the world.”

A Platform for Every Poet

What sets Poetry Moves Us apart is its commitment to diverse voices and perspectives. Unlike traditional literary journals with selective, often exclusive editorial processes, this project seeks to feature as many poets as possible, embracing a wide range of themes, styles, and experiences.

Submissions are currently open, welcoming poetry that explores love, resilience, inspiration, transformation, gratitude, and the raw truths of life. Whether from seasoned poets or first-time writers, every poem selected will serve as a testament to the universal power of language to evoke, challenge, and inspire.

Red Bicycle Books, known for its Writer’s Workshops, educational guides, and free creative initiatives, continues to uphold its philosophy: stories shape legacies, and every voice deserves to be heard.

The Bigger Picture: Fostering a Global Literary Community

The impact of Poetry Moves Us extends beyond publication. At its heart, the initiative is about building a literary community where writers support, encourage, and inspire each other. In a world where art is often measured by marketability, Poetry Moves Us serves as a reminder that words hold value simply because they move us.

As Red Bicycle Books enters its next chapter, projects like Poetry Moves Us reaffirm its commitment to writers, dreamers, and storytellers. “Our goal is to spark passion in others, to remind them that their stories matter,” says Witkewitz. “You never know how your words might inspire someone to achieve their dreams.”

Perhaps that’s the most powerful takeaway. Poetry doesn’t just exist on a page. It lingers. It challenges. It makes us think. It moves us forward. And with this new initiative, Red Bicycle Books ensures that the words we write today will resonate for years to come.

Interested in submitting? Submissions for Poetry Moves Us are open here. For more information, visit the Red Bicycle Books website or connect with them on Facebook.

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