Join author Zara Hossain as she discusses her YA novel, ZARA HOSSAIN IS HERE, and how to write character-driven plot lines so tangled readers are left with no choice but to root for your protagonist’s redemption.
At Friday Night Salons, a special guest artist shares their personal and professional journey and guides us through a series of inspirational writing prompts.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of our newest book, Taking Root: The 2022 Girls Write Now Anthology!
Hear the passionate, moving voices in this anthology for yourself with 3 back-to-back mentee performances, followed by writing prompts inspired by the pieces performed. The evening will be co-emceed by mentor and Anthology Committee member Nikki Palumbo and mentee Hazel Agicha.
Alexandra V. Méndez will discuss the question of belonging as a driving force in the story told in her debut middle grade novel, What The Jaguar Told Her. The author will talk about how her own background informed the story about a Mexican-American girl named Jade and how she comes to terms with her identity with help from an elderly storyteller who is also a jaguar. Participants will write about their own experiences with belonging and practice writing fiction that explores this theme.
If you’ve ever been interested in the book publishing world or simply love books, Kate Gavino’s graphic novel, A Career in Books, gives you an insider look into how turning your passion into a career –whether as a writer, an editor, or a bookworm– comes with complicated baggage. Kate Gavino will discuss how her own publishing experiences inspired the graphic novel, as well as how she continues her relationship with the industry, as a reader, author, and former cubicle-dweller in the editorial department.
New year…new you? If you’re looking for opportunities to heal and grow in 2023, look no further! Join us for an evening of self-care as we celebrate the release of Yasmine Cheyenne’s incredible new book, The Sugar Jar.
You’ve heard of the Wright Brothers. You’ve heard of Amelia Earhart. But what do you know about the first female African-American pilot, Bessie Coleman? Inspired by her Great-Aunt Bessie’s legacy, Gigi Coleman created an organization called The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars and one-woman show to share Bessie’s too often ignored history with the world. Join us in partnership with Barbie for a celebration of resilience as Gigi Coleman honors her great-aunt and shares her remarkable story.
Join us for an evening of discovery as we celebrate Janis Kearney’s new book Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey. We’ll hear about the care and curiosity needed to write historical nonfiction from a creative lens and practice finding the spectacular figures in our own lives with writing prompts.
Join YA author Melissa See as she discusses how to write first love in all its complexities. Through having a conversation about her upcoming novel, Love Letters for Joy, Melissa will also explore queer identity, disability, and the intersectionality of the two.
Join us for an evening of forbidden love, and learn all about the craft writing Romance Fiction. Participants will respond to a series of writing prompts based on her recently released novel, After the Lights Go Down, that ask “what if?” What if you met your dream mate at work? What if your ex was hired at your same job? Donna will also discuss the process of her 2020 best seller Confessions in B-Flat being adapted for the screen with Amblin Partners and Executive Producer Octavia Spencer!
