ANTHOLOGIES
Girls Write Now Unmuted: The 2021 Anthology
Girls Write Now is thrilled to be in partnership again this year with Dutton, who produced this anthology. A special thanks to the team at Dutton—Christine Ball,Maya Ziv, and Lexy Cassola, and to Feminist Press and Jamia Wilson, who produced the ebook. Thank you as well to Amazon Literary Partnership for their continued support, which directly funds the production of our anthologies.

In the 2021 Girls Write Now Anthology, our mentees give voice to fear and silence, demand justice, and hold nothing back. To be unmuted right now requires a new brand of bravery, and these writers show how it’s done. Using stories, poems, essays, fiction, drama, interviews and more, they report on a global pandemic, a climate crisis and the movement for racial equality. They also invite us on their personal journeys through the labyrinth of young adulthood: feeling the rich soil of a neighborhood garden beneath their fingers; traveling through time in search of their parents; inhaling the charged air where young love is brewing. In a world pushed to the precipice of change, in a society that values the tried and true over the dynamic and new, the Girls Write Now class of 2021 is breaking the chains and showing what it means to speak loud, clear and true—to be unmuted.
Foreword by
Introduction 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 "Unmuted" Coming Soon!
Stories from Inside "Unmuted" Coming Soon!
History: What About Me?
History: What About Me? is a piece reflecting on women in history and the mark I plan to leave in history. The inspiration came from when I was speaking to my mentor, Rachel, about the legacy many women have left and how I would like to do the same, even if it was not written in a textbook. By this, I mean that history is not just the one we learn about in school. It is something we all are part of without knowing. I believe this piece represents my best work because I did something new and the result felt rewarding. I demonstrated to myself that I was capable of stepping out of my comfort zone and accomplishing great things.
The Reality of Death
For most of my life, I've seen Death as the enemy. He stole the people that I love away from me. Most importantly, my father. I never knew what Death's true intentions were until I dared to dive deeper. I realized that he wasn't just out to get me and ruin my life. Death was never in charge of calling the shots on who's next, he was just doing what he was asked to do. In the end, Death was always just a messenger who got a bad rep.
see the sun
“See the Sun” is an original song about friendship, and how the people who love you can lift you up out of the darkness.
A Poem
Dedicated to the young writers of Girls Write Now
The Angry Black Girl Podcast
The Angry Black Girl Podcast is a podcast made by a teenage girl with a lot of opinions and ideas on everything. She wants to get those ideas out there, find the facts, acknowledge different perspectives, and discuss them with her peers.
Editing: My Mentor and Me
Have you ever thought about the hard work and long hours that go into making your favorite piece of writing as good as it is? Well, for my mentor and me, our editing process is unintentionally funny and full of dedication. I’ve created a podcast allowing listeners into the raw and animated world that surrounds our sessions.
claiming my place
This project is a reflection on the internal journey I've been going through for the past few years.
Toilet Talks Podcast
Toilet Talks is a podcast inspired by the fact that my friends and I have a range of conversations in the bathroom at school. We always hang out in the bathroom because it is the one way we can all be together and just talk. In this podcast, my friends and I talk about what it's like to go to high school in NYC. I think this podcast represents my best work in the program this year because it shows how I have explored different ways to produce my writing.
Chronicles of Care: Ep 1
Ever wonder how you can be your best possible self in a world that can be so stressful and hectic? Look no further. “Chronicles of Care” is a comprehensive, entertaining podcast filled with helpful tips for budgeting, looking good, and feeling great. Join Caroline Sydney and Tatiana Mezitis as they walk you through recipes, life hacks, and insider advice.
The Ketchup
Ever forget everything you've done in one week? Or do you remember everything? Well, that's Jadah and Nikki's deal and now it's their podcast! Listen to Jadah, who remembers nothing, and Nikki, who can't forget anything, catch up about their week. Let's ketchup together!
Praise for Here & Now
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.