For nearly three decades, Girls Write Now has broken through polarizing forces to mentor and train writers across age, gender, race, class, region and discipline. Our community channels the power of stories to shape culture, impact industries and create change.
Girls Write Now Is a Partner for National Voter Registration Day
Join Girls Write Now on September 17 for National Voter Registration Day!
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating our democracy. Since 2012, thousands of partner organizations nationwide have helped over 5 million Americans register to vote.
Here & Now:
Girls Write Now 2024 Anthology
Do not read this book, unless you want to know what real humans are thinking. Taking poetic license to express things in ways that make AI fear it will be replaced by humans, the stories in these pages reflect the here and now: a collective urgency as the pandemic recedes, the world overheats, wars overwhelm, and the national discourse is conducted in a language far from love.
In partnership with Dutton Books, Dottir Press, and Amazon Literary Partnership, we are thrilled to announce our newest publication, the 18th anthology in our 25th anniversary year. This book is evidence of a future worth fighting for in which the long tradition of building community through the written word is upheld throughout the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Girls Write Now On The Art Of The Craft: A Guidebook To Collaborative Storytelling
A writing companion, inspirational guide to the craft, and innovative anthology featuring interactive multi-genre work from the acclaimed organization Girls Write Now on its 25th anniversary. Published by Harper One.
This hands-on guide—conceived of, written, and edited by the young people of Girls Write Now—draws from the organization’s dynamic curriculum and the writers’ own personal experiences spanning decades.
In the Tree House
Don’t miss out on this week’s Monday Memo, where we’re featuring a piece entitled “In the Tree House” by Alex Berman.
Plus, we’re sharing a book from one of our honorees, community recommendations, information about upcoming events, amazing opportunities, and so much more!
On Culture: Honoring It, Examining It, and Evolving It in Our Writing
Friday, September 20
6-7:15 PM ET
How does a writer capture a culture in all its nuance, celebrating its distinctions and its ability to create bonds around shared beliefs, traditions, and practices–while examining it honestly enough to determine where and how it needs to evolve?
In this Salon, Ghanaian-American author and Queens, NY native Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond will discuss her professional journey to writing about her culture, and how she approached writing about polygamy and other Ghanaian marriage customs in her new novel MY PARENTS’ MARRIAGE.
Virtual event; open to the public, including all mentees, mentors & alum!
Affirming Our Commitment: A Message to Our Community
Girls Write Now unequivocally condemns violence and the silencing of voices, and reaffirms our commitment to respectfully create a space for diverse individuals.
Our actions as a community take the form of stories, conversation, and leadership. Join us in our Community Conversations.
A Traveler's Tale: A Story Collection
Reflections On A Semester Abroad in Copenhagen
This piece offers reflections on my semester abroad in Copenhagen, highlighting the class that changed how I…
Stories from Venice
Last summer, I went on a two-and-a-half-week trip throughout Italy with my cousin and grandma. Our visit…
Mangoes and Memories
In this piece, I explored my desire to travel when I was younger and how this has…
A Harvest of Memories
Hi, I'm Alyssa. I'm excited to be able to present my work to you! I love nature,…
Excerpt from Sundown
The following is an excerpt from Sundown. The story follows the narrative of a young girl, Claire, who suffers a terrible loss after running away…
Speaking on (Ethical?) Blood Sucking
This episode is all about vampires, and we get into it with Girls Write Now fellows Annaya Baynes and Kenna McCafferty. They discuss the history…
Let’s Create Together
We are a diverse, multi-generational, passionate community of writers, creatives, leaders, artists and activists who all share a love of stories. Our programs are interwoven with wellness- and activist-minded curricula and offer endless opportunities for friendship, networking and professional development support.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 19 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm ET
Storytelling for Change: A National Voter Registration Day Event
Join Girls Write Now, and our co-sponsor, STARS Citywide Girls Initiative, to celebrate National Voter Registration Day with a coordinated democracy blitz aimed at getting every eligible person registered to vote in advance of election 2024 and beyond!
September 20 – 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET
On Culture: Honoring It, Examining It, and Evolving It in Our Writing
In this Salon, Ghanaian-American author and Queens, NY native Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond will discuss her professional journey to writing about her culture, and how she approached writing about polygamy and other Ghanaian marriage customs in her new novel MY PARENTS' MARRIAGE.
Create Write Now with Women & Gender-expansive Teaching Artists
Celebrate an Undiplomatic Juneteenth with Deesha Dyer
Explore self-awareness, overcoming adversity, and embracing your authenticity at all costs with former White House Social Secretary and author Deesha…
Touch a Memory with Pepita Sandwich
Learn about the art of crying and the creative journey involved in crafting autobiographical comics with illustrator and visual artist…
Uncover the Magic of Poetry & Plants with Melania Luisa Marte
Join two-time national Audie Award winner Melania Luisa Marte as she explores the magic of poetry and plants.
Defend Reproductive Rights with Merle Hoffman
Learn why writing from experience and empathy are such powerful tools in defending reproductive rights with activist and author Merle…
Create a Memoir-in-Essays with Morgan Parker
Learn how vulnerability through writing can give way to a deeper examination of societal issues with poet and writer Morgan…
Write Hope At the End of A World with Ross Gay
Learn how language can help us imagine and embody new worlds with author Ross Gay.
Write a First Novel Inspired by Your Own Story with María Alejandra Barrios Vélez
Learn the importance of telling your story in your own voice and how to overcome the challenges of writing a…
Make Manga with Misako Rocks!
Join Manga writer and illustrator Misako Rocks! as she leads an all-skills level welcome Manga lesson—which includes drawing by hand!…
Turn Tragedies into YA with Joy L. Smith
Learn how exploring complex emotions associated with tragedy can create a poignant story with author and mentee alum, Joy L….
Channel Your Senses with Bernice L. McFadden
Learn how to channel the senses on the page with the author of ten critically acclaimed novels, Bernice L. McFadden.
Heal and Grow with Yasmine Cheyenne
Join Yasmine Cheyenne as she explains how to deal with feedback & be compassionately honest with ourselves.
Write Magical Realism with Alexandra V. Méndez
Explore belonging through magical realism with Alexandra Méndez, author of What The Jaguar Told Her.
Write Workplace Romances with Donna Hill
Join mentor and bestselling author Donna Hill as she leads us through the intricacies of writing about romance.
Write Nonfiction with Michelle Duster
Uncover history through the tales of those dear to you with Michelle Duster, author of Ida B. the Queen.
Write Memoir with Elle Johnson
Join TV writer and author Elle Johnson as she shares turning a family tragedy into a heart-wrenching story of love.
Pen Personal Narratives with Qian Julie Wang
Join New York Times bestselling author Qian Julie Wang as she leads us through the process of writing a memoir.
Create a Graphic Novel with Kate Gavino
Learn from graphic novelist Kate Gavino how to create a graphic novel that illustrates the industry!
Write Poetry that Shatters Expectations with Mahogany L. Browne
Break down the prescriptive norms of being “girl.”
Memorialize the Important People in Your Life in Writing with Gigi Coleman
Learn how to honor and celebrate the important figures in your own life with Gigi Coleman.
Practice Writing Conflict & Tension with Natalie Baszile
Learn how to find and accentuate conflict and tension with Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar.
Learn to Write Micro Narratives with Darien Hsu Gee
Find a new way into your story in this micro narrative writing workshop with Darien Hsu Gee.
Write the Intimate & the Invented with Daphne Palasi Andreades
Learn how to write fiction using your lived experiences with Daphne Palasi Andreades.
Become an Expert in the Art of Interviewing with Abby West and Rebecca Carroll
Learn how to break down simple conversations into dazzling narrative stories with Amistad’s Abby West and Podcast Host Rebecca Carroll.
Rewrite Your Past into Poetry with Christina Olivares
Make new meaning from what matters most to you with writing prompts designed to dig up the details.
Dive Into Historical Fiction with Emily Neuberger
Use your memories to write Historical Fiction with Emily Neuberger, mentor and author of new novel A Tender Thing.
Develop Your Fictional Identity with Brit Bennett
Indulge your fictional half with the New York Times bestselling author Brit Bennett.
Build a Powerful Podcast with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Dive into podcasting with the renowned therapist behind Therapy For Black Girls.
Deep Dive Into Character Study with Megan Giddings
Experiment with voice and character dimension with the author of Lakewood.
Pen Lyrics for Lonely Hearts with Anna J Witiuk
You don’t need to be a musician to write great lyrics. Turn heartbreak into art in this songwriting Salon.
Craft A Poetry Collection with Jasmine Mans
Freewrite to uncover a thematic thread for your collection with inspiration from Jasmine’s experience growing up in Newark, NJ.
Find Your Narratorial Voice with Olivia Abtahi
Learn how to make your writing sound as authentic as possible!
Get Super Personal to Write Comedy with Nikki Palumbo
Learn to turn your most embarrassing experiences into comedy gold.
Explore What Home Means to You with Sepideh Moafi
Discover what home and belonging mean to you with actor, singer, writer, and producer Sepideh Moafi.
Enter the World of YA Fiction with Amy Zhang
Write young adult fiction with author Amy Zhang, who published her first novel at age 18.
Love [Poetry] Galore: Write Hip-Hop–Inspired Love Poems with Sam Arriozola
Learn about the history of Hip-Hop and write love poems with writer, poet, and youth worker Sam Arriozola.
Start a Novel with Keisha Bush
Learn how to start small to write a novel with Keisha Bush, author of No Heaven for Good Boys.
Go All In in Memoir with Maria Konnikova
Learn to write high-stakes memoir scenes with Maria Konnikova, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and professional poker player.
Write as a Form of Resistance with Dominique Morisseau
Learn how to use art as protest with TONY nominated playwright Dominique Morisseau.
become an ambassador
Girls Write Now Ambassadors provide girls, women, and gender-expansive writers of all ages with extraordinary opportunities to be heard, to be seen, and to create change across sectors.
BECOME A PARTNER
Together, let’s mentor the next generation to be creative, communicative and competitive candidates shaping the future of your company and industry.
spread the love
Get empowered to ask for money to support a cause you care about. Spread the word about a mission you believe in. Access our Advocacy Kit.
IN THE WORDS OF OUR COMMUNITY
“Girls Write Now has given me the unique experience of being at the cross-section of so many types of art—something I hope to carry with me as I continue to create.”
ANAÍS FERNÁNDEZ
MENTEE
“Girls Write Now gives us a community and a wealth of opportunities to figure out what we can make of our passion.”
TIFFANI REN
MENTEE ALUM & CURRENT MENTOR
“You are giving underprivileged girls and gender-nonconforming kids the tools and connections that other people get in their starter pack for life. That’s what equity means. That’s what activism is.”
KAT JAGAI
MENTEE ALUM & CURRENT MENTOR
“My years at Girls Write Now were some of the best parts of my high school experience. I learned that there are other people who are just like me who felt lost in the world and were able to find themselves in their writing.”
MAXX CARR
MENTEE ALUM
“I am super grateful to (still!) be in community with the many friends, mentors, and supporters that I met through Girls Write Now. Without them, I never would have pursued my dream to become a writer.”
ROMAISSAA BENZIZOUNE
MENTEE ALUM & TEACHING ARTIST
“Most young people in my neighborhood do not have the same opportunities that I am lucky to have received, but what we do share are the difficult experiences of living in East New York / Brownsville. When I won the Posse Scholarship, I felt like their voices and dreams were also being honored.”
KAYLA MORGAN
CLASS OF 2022 MENTEE & POSSE SCHOLAR