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  • Everything’s a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction (Fall 2026)

Fall 2026

Everything's a Story:

Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction

This Journey offers a special opportunity for both mentees and mentors: participants will craft essays to be professionally published in a creative nonfiction anthology through our partnership with Gatekeeper Press. Mentees and mentors will explore how creative storytelling techniques can be applied to nonfiction writing across genres, from memoir and personal essay to op-eds and how-to articles. Together, we will examine what makes a compelling story—from structural archetypes to writing that flows—and learn to harness the power of narrative to make nonfiction engaging and transformative. Mentees and mentors will strengthen their ability to shape and refine nonfiction writing, build confidence as storytellers, and gain practical tools to bring clarity, depth, and impact to their work.

Pre-Enroll in a Spring 2027 Journey Now!

Though  enrollment is not currently open, you may express your interest for another Journey by filling out the form below.

You may also sign up for Mentorship on Demand and/or membership at any time.

Everything's a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors must attend one Journey Live Meetings each month. 

Fall Cycle Journey Meetings:

  • Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 7:30-9:30 PM ET
  • Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 7:30-9:30 PM ET
  • Thursday, January 7, 2027 | 7:30-9:30 PM ET

If you’re unable to attend a Journey meeting, you must notify your Staff Lead in advance and attend a community event to make up for it—recommended options for this journey include Community Studios and Career Chats.

Journey Circle: Community

Everything's a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction Courses

Nonfiction as Narrative

This accompanying online course explores how storytelling techniques can transform nonfiction writing across genres, from memoir and personal essay to op-eds and how-to pieces. Through self-paced lessons, participants will learn core narrative structures, study compelling examples, and practice shaping their own work with clarity, flow, and emotional impact.

Writing

Everything's a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction Mentoring

Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.

Journey Teaching Artist

Hanna R. Neier

(she/her) Mentor

Hanna R. Neier is a freelance editor, lifestyle writer and the author of the middle grade novel When You Write Back (Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan 2027) which was the 2025 winner of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award. Hanna’s essays, interviews, critiques and other articles have appeared in POPSUGAR, Lilith Magazine, Kveller and Motherly, among other publications. On the editing side, she works with writers to help them find their voice and keep their readers turning the page. Originally from the suburbs of Boston, Hanna has a bachelor’s in history from McGill University and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. She practiced law for six years before making the transition to writing when her first daughter was born. Hanna lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, two kids, and far too many houseplants. You can visit her at hannaneier.com.

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Olivia Wronski

Mentee

Olivia Wronski is a casual creative writer and artist. As an artist, they find ways to express themselves through creative outlets like art and dance. They have a (recently acquired) BA in Environmental Studies and are a current MBA student at Binghamton University! Their interests include ballroom dance, video games, and music (especially 90s R&B)!

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Multigenre 360

Journeys within this Adventure focus on writing in a particular genre. It is perfect for mentees and mentors who want to focus on a specific kind of creative writing. Explore the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below to learn more.

Everything Is a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction is a Journey in the Multigenre 360 Adventure.

See All Adventures

Explore All Journeys

Explore All Journeys

Protopia: Designing Better Futures with Emerging Tech (Spring 2027)

This Journey explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies through a protopian lens—focusing on how innovation can be intentionally shaped toward more equitable, creative, and human-centered futures. Mentees and mentors will examine the possibilities and limitations of AI, engaging in discussions and hands-on explorations that highlight both current applications and future potential. Through critical reflection and creative experimentation, mentees and mentors will consider how technology can be designed and used to expand opportunity, deepen connection, and support more just and imaginative ways of living and creating. Mentees and mentors will strengthen their critical understanding of AI and emerging technologies while deepening their perspective on ethical innovation and human-centered tech practices.

Explore Tour (Summer 2026)

Explore all of the creative and storytelling pathways Girls Write Now has to offer through a multimedia, multi-genre experience that includes mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-on-one pair sessions. Discover new skills and build on existing ones with offerings that range from fiction to journalism to publishing, and dive into formats like video, podcasting, visual storytelling, and more. Ideal for mentees who enjoy working across multiple genres and media or are focused on specific projects, this Journey offers the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your individual needs.

Explore Tour, photos of two girls smiling, GWN logo

Stories of Becoming: Crafting Young Adult Romance (Summer 2026)

This Journey invites participants to dive into the world of young adult romance, exploring the joys, challenges, and complexities of love in adolescence and young adulthood. Through creative writing exercises, character development, and plot crafting, mentees will learn how to create authentic, relatable stories that resonate with YA readers. Participants will explore themes of identity, friendship, and emotional growth while honing their craft in storytelling that captures the heart and imagination.

Teach GWN (Summer 2026)

In this Journey, members of the GWN community will develop curriculum and facilitate a Community Studio for one or more cycles within GWN’s Collaboratory structure. Each cycle involves facilitating three Community Studios, one per month. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, teaching, and community building. Mentees and mentors can facilitate a Community Studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.

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Fresh Mouth: Confidence Through Comedy (Summer 2026)

This Journey transforms your unique observations and "wild and wacky" thoughts into a structured comedy set. Through bi-weekly Journey Meetings and personalized coaching, you will explore the mechanics of humor, moving from a raw premise to a polished delivery. You will learn to find the funny in the everyday while building the stage presence and confidence necessary to share your voice. The experience concludes in a live showcase alongside peers and professional comedians, where you will debut your original material and celebrate the power of humor as a tool for connection and self-expression.

College Ready: Drafting Your Narrative (Summer 2026)

This Journey offers a streamlined path to college readiness through interactive workshops, mentoring, and peer exchange. You will move from drafting a compelling personal statement to building a strategic school list and navigating financial planning, all while receiving personalized feedback on your work. By the end of the program, you’ve gained the skills to create a polished application and the insider knowledge needed to present your most authentic self to admissions committees.

Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine (Summer 2026)

This Journey invites you to step into the role of editor and designer to transform poetry from the spring Poetry Rising Journey into a compelling, collaborative zine. You will move through the specialized stages of the publishing world, beginning with a deep editorial dive to refine existing verses inspired by heritage and created by your peers. As you master visual composition and multimedia design, you will learn to pair these powerful voices with a cohesive aesthetic, ultimately gaining the technical skills and creative vision needed to produce and share a high-impact, independent publication.

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