
Novelly
Novelly is a non-profit publisher building the largest digital library of literature by underrepresented youth, so that every student can feel seen and empowered by what they read.
Thank you to Novelly for the opportunities they've given me
01

THE UNTOLD HISTORY: Sea of Freedom
During the summer of 2021, Mena was a participant in the Novelly SPEAK! Writing Fellowship and mentored by author Kosoko Jackson.
SYNOPSIS
Adelola is a young African female who was taken from her home and forced into slavery. As she is stripped of her previous identity, she finds a new one as a hero for her people. This is the story of how she became Oshun Lucifer--the feared pirate captain of the sea.
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TW: This story has references to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
EXCERPT
Walking up the steps and towards the door to her Master’s house, the moonlight seeped through a small crack and shined brightly on a rusty pitchfork. Adelola tiptoed into Mr. Willis’s room, where he and the missus were fast asleep. She stared down at them peacefully, undisturbed. With a swift movement, their peaceful sleep was interrupted by screams of terror as Adelola pierced Mr. Willis’s chest with the pitchfork. She watched the life drain out of his eyes, the cotton white bedsheets that she had just cleaned that day now soaking in crimson red blood. Adelola shot a glance at Mrs. Willis, the color drained from her already pale face. Adelolola heard the footsteps of the children coming down the stairs. But before anyone could stop her, she ran out of the house, tightly gripping the bloodied pitchfork in her hand. She jumped on her horse and rode towards the docks.
02
The Read to Heal Podcast | Season I Ep. II
Executive Producer: Amber Brown
Hosts: Madi & Eve
DESCRIPTION
Young author, Mena Williams, joins the Read to Heal Podcast to spill everything about her novella "The Untold History: Sea of Freedom" as well as lead courageous conversations on race in today's education. Join in on this discussion as we travel through this untold story of freedom! You can access this novel in Novelly's digital library full of stories written by young writers from our Rising Voice Collective.
03
Explore your Writing Process & Legacy
Hosted by Nanowrimo & Novelly
Panelists | Mena Williams, Maya Henry, & Eluney Gonzalez
DESCRIPTION
What do you hope your legacy will be as a writer or author? What is the most helpful thing you've learned about your own writing and editing process? These questions and more will be answered by a panel of talented young writers. Host Harnoor & Emdya of the Read to Heal Podcast from Novelly will lead the discussion. While this webcast will focus on young writers, the advice and discussion is applicable to every writer.