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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

Journalism: The Art of Profiles (Spring 2026)

Every person has a story to tell, and profile writing is an invitation to share those stories with the world. In this journey, mentors and mentees explore how to establish trust and rapport with their subjects, conduct interviews with mutual respect, and present a friendly, welcoming demeanor while maintaining the role as the writer—not a friend or confidante. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on extracting details for the reader, this course emphasizes a holistic perspective that honors the reader, the writer, and the subject. Participants will practice structuring interviews, managing the flow of conversation, knowing when to push back against the profile subject, and using their own experiences as a guide to create compelling, thoughtful profiles.

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The-Power-of-Punchlines

Teach GWN (Spring 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. Mentors and mentees can facilitate a community studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.

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Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Spring 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. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.

Civil Discourse Connection & Persuasion; two girls speaking with a mic
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