Summer 2025
Book Club: Summer Read
Book lovers, unite! Each cycle, we’ll do a close read of three new books and discuss them at monthly fixed meetings. Based on enthusiastic community input, the books selected for this summer are all from our longtime partner Penguin Random House: -Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart; -Safia Elhillo’s Home Is Not a Country; and -Sulieka Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy For all three books, we’ll focus in particular on reading as writers and taking note of the ways each author crafts their story.
Girls Write Now Collaboratory
This Journey Is Closed, but You Can Pre-Enroll in a Summer 2026 Journey Now!
Requirements
- Read the assigned books.
- Attend the monthly Journey meetings.
- Review of one book read during the cycle (800-1500 words) or submit to Writing for Life Essay Contest
Book Club: Summer Read Course
Each cycle, we’ll close read 3 books and discuss them at monthly fixed meetings. We’ll focus, in particular, on reading as writers and taking note of the ways each author crafts their story.
Book Club: Summer Read Mentoring
Mentors and mentees in the Book Club Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two sessions each month. Each session should be at least one hour long.
Book Club: Summer Read Community Experiences
Mentors and mentees in the Book Club Journey must attend at least one Community Experience per month. They are expected to attend Book Club meetings to discuss the books. It is strongly recommended that they attend Exploratory Community Studios, College & Career Chats, and Salon Experiences.
Read 360 Adventure
The Book Club: Summer Read Journey is a part of the Read 360 Adventure.
Journeys in the Read 360 Adventure focus on close readings of books and creative works in community with other writers. Think of it as a Girls Write Now book club!
Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.
Find Your Journey
Find Your Journey
From Page to Production: Screenwriting for Short Films (Part 1) (Fall 2026)
This two-cycle Journey guides participants from crafting a short film script to bringing it to life on screen. In the first cycle, mentors and mentees focus on developing compelling stories, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue, learning the essentials of screenwriting for short films. In the second cycle, participants move from script to screen, exploring the practical aspects of video production, including planning, collaboration, and bringing their creative vision to life. By the end of the journey, mentees will have both a polished script and hands-on experience in producing their own short film.
Life Lines: Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction (Paid Adult Version) (Fall 2026)
In this three-cycle Journey, writers will get the support and expert industry insight they need to write their memoir. In the first three-month cycle, participants will outline, structure their book, and begin their first drafts; in the second three-month cycle, participants will write and workshop their drafts; and in the third cycle, participants will finish their drafts and write their book proposals.
Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, we’ll tackle one of the most daunting parts of novel writing: the opening chapter. Participants will explore how to hook readers while establishing character, setting, and stakes—asking big questions like where to begin and how to share key details without overload.
Publishing & Publicity: TikTok, BookTok, and the Power of Social Media (Fall 2026)
This Journey explores how social media—especially TikTok’s BookTok community—has transformed the publishing industry.
The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health, participants will learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence.
Independent Study (Fall 2026)
Create your own experience with our Independent Study Journey. Mentors and mentees meet as a pair, attend events of interest, and use coursework to help plan creative projects and meet your goals.
Fashion Forward: Exploring a Sustainable Future (Fall 2026)
This Journey invites participants to explore the intersection of fashion and sustainability, examining how style, ethics, and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Lead Community Change (Fall 2026)
Lead Community Change is a dynamic two-cycle Journey that harnesses the transformative power of storytelling to drive social impact. Aspiring young leaders and activists will unleash their creativity to develop and implement innovative community-based social activism projects, supported by Girls Write Now’s rich storytelling resources.
Book Club: Joy Harjo’s Collection of Poetry An American Sunrise (Fall 2026)
The An American Sunrise Poetry Journey is a two-cycle program for participants 18+ exploring An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo.
