ANTHOLOGIES
Rise Speak Change: The 2017 Girls Write Now Anthology
At the QWERTY Digital Media Exhibition, our mentees showcased projects that are changing the way we tell narratives. A video overlaid with powerful poetry, thoughtful podcasts, and interactive games created with Twine — our mentees used the skills they learned in our digital workshops to create these multi-platform masterpieces.

Our mentees are defining the digital age by bringing the craft of writing into the 21st century. In our Digital Media Mentoring Program, we boost girls’ tech savvy and creative potential through digital media. In bringing our curriculum and writing approach into the digital age, we prepare the girls we serve to truly be the next generation of writers—on whatever platform they choose. Students are paired one-to-one with a digital media professional and together they transform their writing into digital art. All workshops are facilitated by graduate students at Parsons The New School for Design. Our workshops feature writing and digital skill-building exercises, prompts, and share-outs to diversify participants’ modes of self-expression. At the end of a program year, girls are equipped to tell a story in GIFs, a poem in HTML, and take their words to the next level.Together we embark on a journey of creative workshops, public readings and showcases, opportunities for publication, and more, all to give girls the tools to advance their writing through different mediums.
Introduction by
Foreword by
Moderated by
Read What's Inside
Browse our collection of stories from inside the book. Complete with notes from the author and anecdotes from our mentees and mentors.
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
Beautiful Skin
This piece is meant to call attention to racial problems that don’t exist only in the United States. Just because people’s experiences might be different doesn’t mean that they aren't cut from the same cloth. People should take pride in who they are because everyone is beautiful, not different.
505
After a visit to the doctor, “505” began in my imagination and ended as an exploration of a new genre and writing style for me.
Reclaiming My Time
This essay is inspired by an essay prompt by an organization that I am in. With the help of my mom and Laura I was greatly inspired by all of the African American women that have made history.
this is
“this is” is an answer to the question: “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” Just recently in history, women have the power to seize their opportunities and follow their dreams. This piece reflects on those dreams, and the future.
A Tribute to Myself
This piece was inspired by the Natalie Douglas tributes workshop, along with 2020 being a new decade filled with emotions. Additionally, since I am graduating this year, this decade will be filled with me taking my place in history.
Metamorphosis
Starting the program in my freshman year of high school meant I grew up with Girls Write Now. Although saying goodbye is difficult, it brings me great joy to present our history.
Girl (The Beatles)
This poem is meant to take you on a relatable musical journey. The songs were chosen based on my feelings sometimes, but they are mostly a reflection of a made-up character (loosely based on Napoleon Dynamite).
A Life Long Taxi Ride
Growing up I was raised in a very cultured and loving community. However, when I began to interact with the world outside my community, I became aware of the many issues people like me face daily.
Personal Statement
This is my College Personal Statement. As a senior, I spent a lot of time at Girls Write Now with my mentor working on this essay along with my other supplemental essays for college applications. This essay demonstrates my passion for technology and activism while also showcasing my growth.
Our Souls Will Rise
Inspired by Sappho’s fragmentary poems, Our Souls Will Rise describes the sensation of being trapped in a condition which is beautiful yet simultaneously confining love’s attempt to transcend distance.
Praise for Rise Speak Change
From the Literary Community
Intersectional Voices in Editorial Print Committee
Every year, the Intersectional Voices in Editorial (IV Edit) Print Committee brings their talents to the task of editing, producing, and promoting this fresh collection of writing from today’s emerging voices. The committee is made up of mentors, mentees, and other volunteers who are passionate about diversifying the publishing landscape.