“I don’t think we can wait for inspiration to strike. I think that we are more powerful than that. We all have magic within us and it’s always there for us to tap into. I have so much love for Girls Write Now for creating a space where you feel empowered to chase whatever in the world you want to chase, because I truly believe and know that it’s yours.”
-RUPI KAUR
POET AND AUTHOR OF HEALING THROUGH WORDS
A writing companion, inspirational guide to the craft, and innovative anthology featuring interactive multi-genre work from the acclaimed organization Girls Write Now on its 25th anniversary.
We all have stories to tell, but not everyone gets the mentoring and training to become great storytellers. Founded a quarter century ago, Girls Write Now has empowered young women and gender-expansive young adults to harness their creative talents, gaining confidence, skills, and a community to support them in sharing stories the world needs to hear.
Introducing our newest anthology in celebration of our 25th anniversary: Girls Write Now On the Art of the Craft: A Guidebook to Collaborative Storytelling. This hands-on guide—conceived of, written, and edited by the young people of Girls Write Now—draws from the organization’s dynamic curriculum and the writers’ own personal experiences spanning decades. Structured around three magical themes—Creation, Combination, and Transformation—this book is alchemy for aspiring writers to develop their craft, including tips, insight, prompts, and advice on the writing and publishing process as well as critical thinking about the future of storytelling.
With this handbook, both uplifting and practical, readers everywhere can equip themselves to shape their life stories, and become the writers and leaders they dream of being. Art of the Craft will be released on April 23rd, 2024.
Purchase the Book
Check out the indie bookstores carrying Art of the Craft:
All She Wrote Books – Somerville, MA
Book Culture LIC – New York, NY
Book Loft – Columbus, OH
Books & Books – Miami, FL
Books Are Magic – Brooklyn, NY
Community Bookstore – Brooklyn, NY
Gramercy Books – Bexley, OH
Greenlight Bookstore – Brooklyn, NY
Katy Budget Books – Houston, TX
Little Shop of Stories – Decatur, GA
McNally Jackson – New York, NY
P&T Knitwear – New York, NY
Powell’s Books – Portland, OR
Prologue Bookshop – Columbus, OH
The World’s Borough Books – Queens, NY
Theodore’s Book – Long Island, NY
Third Place Books – Seattle, WA
Watchung Booksellers – Montclair, NJ
Yardstick Books – Algoma, WI
Yu & Me Books – New York, NY
Zibby’s Books – Santa Monica, CA
Advance Praise for Girls Write Now
On The Art of The Craft
“Girls Write Now embodies the mandate given by Toni Morrison, who mentored many of us: “’the function of freedom is to free someone else.’ In inspiring the next and next generation of storytellers and singers, Girls Write Now is walking and writing that talk.”
—JULIA ALVAREZ, AUTHOR OF THE CEMETERY OF UNTOLD STORIES (coming 2024)“These stories will create a domino effect for positive change.”
—NICOLE AVANT, AUTHOR OF THINK YOU’LL BE HAPPY“How I wish I’d had a community like Girls Write Now and an anthology like On the Art of the Craft when I was a beginning writer. What a gift and a comfort it would have been.”
—NATALIE BASZILE, AUTHOR OF QUEEN SUGAR“This Girls Write Now anthology showcases the strength of [collaborative storytelling], giving voice to the next generation of girls and gender expansive youth who are inspired, talented, and intent on having their stories heard.”
—NATASHA BOWEN, AUTHOR OF SOUL OF THE DEEP“Girls Write Now goes above and beyond to elevate underrepresented voices with stories that need to be told.”
—AYESHA CURRY, CEO OF SWEET JULY AND CO-FOUNDER OF EAT. LEARN. PLAY
This book was shaped over the last year by the Girls Write Now Editorial Advisory Committee.
The Girls Write Now Editorial Advisory Committee is made up of current mentees, program alumni, and publishing professionals lending their wisdom to this project. Together, the group decided the themes and structure for the book, supported the editorial process, and participated in a variety of forums reimagining how we view storytelling in today’s world. This book demonstrates a collaborative approach to the creative process, each voice building on the next to contribute to the whole.
The Girls Write Now Editorial Advisory Committee
Committee Chair
Spencer George
Committee Co-Chairs
Emily Mendelson
Richelle Szypulski
Committee Members
Julia Andresakis
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond
Maya Cruz
Kathryn Destin
Denise Domena
Morayo Faleyimu
Kaya Fraser
Liliana Hopkins
Kat Jagai
Vahni Kurra
Giftbelle Lomotey
Erica Silberman
Joy L. Smith
Abby West
Monika Woods
Lauren Young
Rachel Young