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!
breath
breath By Claire Yu This poem is about the serenity and cleansing nature of standing in the rain and the
The Unknown Haze
In a fantastical dream, YouTuber Mark Ferris constructs a plan to protect himself from an unknown yet dreaded intruder.
The Fountain
“The Fountain” explores the fear of aging and being forgotten through the eyes of Lilian, a 74-year-old New Yorker who makes a surreal discovery on one of her countless boring afternoons.
Fragile Sprouts
“Fragile Sprouts” is a message encouraging young women to embrace the individuality that makes them beautiful.
First Chance at Love
The poem “First Chance at Love” exposes a young girl’s thoughts and feelings as she encounters her first crush.
Cracks in the Country
Amanda Gorman's poem at the 2021 Inauguration inspired me to write my own piece about America's values and ideals.
I Love It When…
A pandemic-era reflection on the things that bring us joy—things we may have taken for granted because we thought they would always be there. The little things seem much bigger now.
i’ll be the sun if you’ll be the moon
A piece born of a sudden Tuesday afternoon musing about self-identity and all its ridiculous, frustrating incomprehensibilities.
Seventeen
In Seventeen, I explore the ups and downs of being seventeen years old. From the pressure to be “perfect” to what I wish we had more of.
Roots
A piece about my relationship to my cultural identity that explores my feelings about being Chinese and raised in America.
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.