Hi, I’m Madeline Arcaro. I write fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry that lives in the quiet and complicated corners: between girlhood and adulthood, love and loss, and staying and wanting to run. I’m especially drawn to stories about identity, memory, sensitivity, and some of the the feelings we try not to say out loud.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, working at Writopia (a nonprofit that fosters joy for literacy in youth), painting, exploring small bookstores, or listening to music. I’m also a reality TV superfan and a lover of a good podcast.

I’m currently completing my senior year at the University of Maryland where I am an English major. I was also shortlisted for the William and Niso Smith Author of Tomorrow award for my short story, “Salt in Her Lungs.”

Questions Nobody Has Asked (But I’m Going to Answer Anyway)

Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m heavily inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, R.F. Kuang, conversations I hear on the DC metro, the way light hits the sidewalk, etc. I find inspiration in the small things, and often repeat the phrase “write what you know” to myself.

What is the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I was a camp counselor at Camp Half Blood, where I taught children how to fight using foam swards. You’ll find a lot of mythology references in my writing, and I have to thank CHB for that.

What’s your favorite bookstore?

Kramer’s!