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!
Cucharita
Finalist in the Sweet July x Girls Write Now: Passing Down Our Stories Writing Contest
Speaking on Good Ghosts
We’re kicking off our second season with a conversation between mentor alum and debut author of The Waves Take You Home, María Alejandra Barrios Velez, and Mentee Fiona Hernandez.
A Foreshadowed Understanding
People often struggle with their genders growing up. Most grow out—or, rather—into their pre-established identities. I didn’t.
Bad Omens
A 13-syllable-per-line structured poem that sits with the guilt of womanhood and daughterhood.
Sea Glass
In this piece, I tried to incorporate memories from my childhood with some of today’s environmental issues by comparing two alternate storylines– one of my memories growing up, and another displaying climate crises– over time.
Did You Find Out Something New Today?
Discovering some truths about history that are not in our history books.
Skinny Girl Memoir
Growing up surrounded by women of color, I always felt isolated by the fact that my body was different from those of the beautiful women around me. This poem was my moment of solidarity; my body is no one’s but my own and I don't need anyone else's approval.
Writing Our Way To Wellness: Season 1, Episode 10
In the season 1 finale, we're talking about the source of a lot of the stress in our lives: work. As writers, it can be hard to find workplaces that value our creativity and also give us the time and space to recharge our energy. But it's not impossible. Jeanine Marie Russaw, a Community Coordinator at Girls Write Now, chats with Community Manager Emily Rigby about finding joy and maintaining an authentic connection to your purpose in the workplace. Listen to how these writers and employees reclaim their stories, and in doing so reclaim their power.
Golden Crab
The simple story of a girl named Leto, an old man, the uncertain ocean waters, and crabs.
She’s a 7.8
They were silent. I felt strong.
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.