ANTHOLOGIES
Ctrl + B: The Girls Write Now 2019 Anthology
Girls Write Now is thrilled to be in partnership with Dutton who produced this year’s anthology. This collection was also made possible thanks to a charitable contribution from Amazon Literary Partnership. Thank you to The Feminist Press and Jisu Kim, their Senior Marketing and Sales Manager and Girls Write Now mentor, for partnering on the e-book for Ctrl + B.

The Girls Write Now 2019 class of mentees, and young people the world over, are coming of age in strange times; times when the powers that be are attempting to strip our control over our art, our livelihoods, our homes, and our bodies. But these young writers are bold. In this unique collection, mentees and mentors boldly take control of their own narratives, tackling topics such as inequity, love, belonging, ignorance, power, lineage, beauty, and so much more.
Introduction by
Foreword 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 "CTRL + B" Coming Soon!
Stories from Inside "CTRL + B" Coming Soon!
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Follow me on an emotionally exciting journey through one of my favorite cartoons.
Picture Perfect: Influencers
Likes, followers, ratios, filters. On "Picture Perfect," we take a look at different #contentculture topics to explore how social media affects adolescents' self-esteem and self-worth and talk about what we all can do to be perfectly imperfect because no one is flawless.
A Multigenerational Woman
This piece came from something in my life. I didn’t have an ending though. What I observed were random glimpses of probably normal behavior. The plot (the hardest) eventually came, inspired from the anthology title.
interludes
This piece is inspired by my love for dance and my team. It is a reflection on the moments from dance I find myself thinking about and the reasons for my passion for it.
Because This is My First Life
This is a piece about being a seventeen-year-old. An ode to myself reflecting on the experiences of my teenage years while acknowledging some of my personal heroes.
With Rounded Edges
“With Rounded Edges” is a piece made to encapture the childlike, nostalgic feeling of the most simplistic version of love. This excerpt is the end of the story, leaving an open-ended finish that encourages the reader to continue the story of Paige and Amara on their own.
A Traditional Wife
This story was inspired by a Girls Write Now workshop where we spoke about outdated taboos. The inspiration for my piece was the complicated yet consistent dynamic between my two Caribbean grandparents.
Wrapped In Red
In my poem, I explore themes of self identity and purpose through the eyes of the mythological character of Persephone. “Wrapped In Red” goes through Persephone’s memories of a simple decision that altered her future.
An Ode To Who We Will Be
This is written for my mother, who built independence in me.
A Planted Scar
I dedicate this poem to my mom, Ana Vazquez. She sacrificed so much to help me become the woman I am. Even when we aren’t together, I know she’s giving me strength.
Praise for Ctrl+B
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.