Hope Lives In Our Words: Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology

ANTHOLOGIES

Hope Lives In Our Words: Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology

In partnership with Dutton Books, Dottir Press, and Amazon Literary Partnership, Girls Write Now is thrilled to announce our newest publication, Hope Lives In Our Words: Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology. Available from Books Are Magic, McNally Jackson, and Amazon, the anthology is a multi-genre showcase from our 26th year of mentoring and training the next generation of young voices.

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Cover of Girls Write Now: Hope Lives in Our Words against black background with radiating pink & orange gradient lines emanating from a semi circle

Hope Lives in Our Words begins with the belief that hope is not passive—it is an active, imaginative force. It lives in our ability to create, to dream beyond what we see, and to trust in what we cannot yet grasp. Hope is individual, but also collective—a power we hold together strengthened when we speak, write, and share. Life has a cyclical nature, in that we constantly move through despair and back into light, again and again. Even in our darkest hours, when the night feels endless, we are reminded that dawn always returns—and the chance to tell our stories with it. Hope is not a frantic grasping, but something more patient, more rooted—like in the words of Rainer Maria Rilke: “ripening like the tree which does not force its sap and stands confident in the storms of spring.” This book, and the following messages from our community, are a celebration of that kind of hope—the kind that grows in us slowly, surely, and together. The following quotes were contributed by members of the Girls Write Now community—including mentees, mentors, speakers, staff, partners, teaching artists, and more. We hope these words inspire the hope within you and encourage you to share and spread hope of your own.

—Azia Armistead & Kathryn Destin, Writers & Girls Write Now Coordinators

Foreword by

Winnie Holzman

Winnie Holzman is the writer (with renowned composer/ lyricist Stephen Schwartz) of the hit musical Wicked, which has been running for over 20 years on Broadway, and has been produced all over the world. She also co-wrote both screenplays for the movie adaptations of Wicked.

After graduating from Princeton University, Winnie went to New York City where she and three friends formed a comedy group, performing in various venues Off Off Broadway. She was accepted into the first class of the newly formed NYU Musical Theatre Program, where she studied with such luminaries as Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim. Her thesis musical, Birds of Paradise, (written with composer David Evans) was eventually produced off-Broadway, directed by Laurents.

Relocating to Los Angeles, she was asked to join the writing staff of the groundbreaking TV drama thirtysomething, and went on to create another memorable TV series– My So-Called Life.

Other TV credits include Once and Again, (reuniting with her mentors, Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz) Huge ( collaborating with her daughter, Savannah Dooley) and Roadies (with Cameron Crowe).

Her (non-musical) play Choice was recently produced at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. She’s written two other plays with her husband, actor Paul Dooley: Post-its: Notes on a Marriage, and Assisted Living. Also an actress, she appeared in the movie Jerry Maguire and as Larry David’s wife’s therapist on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Winnie is currently at work on an original drama series for HBO, which will reunite her with the star of My So-Called Life, Claire Danes.

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Epigraph by

Suleika Jaouad

Author of The Book of Alchemy & Founder of The Alchemy Fund

“I have long believed that journaling allows you to alchemize isolation into creative solitude. As it happens, reading also enacts that shift. Rather than feeling trapped and alone with your thoughts, you’re in conversation. You’ve got company.”

“If women’s words are valuable, it needs to be clear to girls that we’re willing to listen to their voices. This work inspires and enriches—and is full of exquisite talent that must be uplifted. —VICTORIA BUITRON, author of Unburying the Bones”

Victoria Buitron Teaching Artist/Guest Author

“At a time when the government seeks to silence creative expression, Girls Write Now offers a crucial space for young people to pick up the pen and, loudly and proudly, speak truth to power. The stories, poems, and essays in this collection grant me hope for the future; comfort in the knowledge that as a people, we will be okay. ”

Denne Norris, author of WHEN THE HARVEST COMES Teaching Artist/Guest Author

“How lucky are we to have such a thoughtful, vibrant, funny, enchanting and poignant record of what girls are creating right now. Their singular voices will astonish you. Cheri Magid, playwright, librettist, and Associate Professor of Dramatic Writing, NYU Tisch”

Cheri Magid Teaching Artist/Guest Author

“Sometimes our voices catch in our throats, choking us, until we’re ready to blow the roof off with the urgency of our words. How lucky for us readers that when the next generation of young writers is ready, the mentors at Girls Write Now are there to help free and amplify each voice. —SOMA MEI SHENG FRAZIER, author of Off the Books, professor of creative writing, founding editor of SUNY Oswego’s Subnivean”

Soma Mei Sheng Frazier Teaching Artist/Guest Author

“”Amplifying the power of words requires a passion for baring one’s soul, and this is no easy task. Girls Write Now illuminates the way forward through community, connection, support, and guidance—providing opportunities like this anthology—for diverse voices to be heard.” —DEBBIE ABBOTT, author of The Angels’ Gauntlet novella series (August 2025)”

Debbie Abbott Teaching Artist/Guest Author

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with my peer-to-peer mentee, Ariel. We have related to each other’s experiences as young writers in ways I’ve found very comforting. I had writer’s block for months at the end of last year, and it was nice, not only to have meetings where I felt no pressure to have new material for when we spoke, but to also still find ways to discuss our poetic plans and ambitions. It’s been absolutely wonderful to connect with her, and I hope we stay friends for a long time. ”

Adrian Mora on Peer-Mentee Ariel Zhang Mentee

“I’m genuinely so grateful that I got to meet Adrian in our peer-to-peer pair! They have a beautiful outlook on life, and I love discussing poetry and the world with them. We started writing a little bit of poetry based on some prompts during our calls, and we often read them aloud. After hearing their poetry, they have continued to make me fall in love with their words again and again. I always find myself inspired after talking with them. ”

Ariel Zhang on Peer-Mentee Adrian Mora Mentee

“I’ve had the greatest pleasure working with Premmy as my mentee. During our weekly virtual writing sessions, I challenge Premmy with writing prompts across a variety of genres and styles. When she shares her stream-of-consciousness drafts of prose in response to my prompts, I often get imposter syndrome as her mentor. Her writing is so naturally creative and nuanced that I find myself with little critique outside of keep going. Premmy has one of those rare voices that transcends the page, bringing her stories to life with vision and purpose. Our sessions are the highlight of my week. ”

Sam Fox on Mentee Premrudee Mepremwattana Mentor

“I’ve tried for two years but words simply cannot describe how incredible, talented, and supportive Sam is. I’ve learned so much about writing, publishing, and life from Sam. It’s (still) mind-blowing every time she’s best friends with a favorite author, or has gone on book tours for another favorite book—she has the coolest job in the world. From empathy through windows and mirrors, writing prompts, and the best advice on anything ever, Sam inspires me through our sessions and forever beyond. I’m so grateful for Sam, and so, so lucky for this truly life-changing opportunity through Girls Write Now! ”

Premrudee Mepremwattana on Mentor Sam Fox Mentee

“Being paired with Catalina has been amazing. She is kind, easy to talk to, and funny. Whenever we meet, I learn something new about her and leave feeling happy to catch up. She’s not only my paired mentee, but also a true friend. We’ve enjoyed discussing shows we are currently watching and advising one another. I feel like I can talk and connect with her. Throughout our journey together, Catalina has truly opened up, and I am beyond proud of her and her accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. ”

Alyssa Colon on Peer-Mentee Catalina Dinozo Mentee

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.

About the Committee