Each cycle, we’ll close read a new book and discuss it at monthly fixed meetings. We’ll focus, in particular, on reading as writers and taking note of the ways each author crafts their story. This cycle, we’ll be reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the Narrative Structure: Analyze the multi-generational narrative structure of Homegoing and its impact on storytelling.
- Exploring Themes and Motifs: Explore how Gyasi uses motifs (e.g., fire, scars) to enhance thematic depth and resonance.
- Writing Craft and Technique: Analyze Gyasi’s writing techniques, including her use of dialogue, pacing, and description.
- Critical Reading and Analysis: Apply critical analysis to their own writing and the writing of their peers, providing constructive feedback and insights.
- Research and Reflection: Reflect on how Gyasi’s exploration of these elements can influence and inform their own writing practices.
Apply Now
Applications are closed for the Fall 2024 cycle!
Cycle(s) Offered:
- Fall (November ’24 – January ’25)
Time:
3 hours per month
Areas of Focus:
Fiction, publishing, reading, book club, books
Requirements:
For the Fall cycle:
- Read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Complete asynchronous coursework
- Produce an original piece showcasing what home means to you
- Record an audio podcast
Read: Historical Fiction Journey Package
As a mentee or mentor in the Read: Historical Fiction Journey, you’ll have access to a collection of online mini courses designed to support a close read of historical fiction. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for one full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend at least one community engagement experience a month – there are many to choose from to accommodate all of your interests and everyone’s schedules.
Read: Historical Fiction Courses
Read: Historical Fiction includes the following course and more:
- Homegoing
This course explores lineage and identity beginning in Ghana and ending in Jazz Age Harlem, “offering an essential examination of power and privilege, memory and legacy.” The final event will feature a multimedia showcase of reflections on home, also inviting our partners and the public to add their own sentiments. The composite product launches a media campaign to promote reading around the U.S. as it lays the groundwork for participants to feature their Homegoing campaigns within their hometown communities.
This course is offered as a part of this journey package. If you’d like to take a course without joining a journey, click here.
Read: Historical Fiction Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Read: Historical Fiction Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month.
This journey requires a cycle-long commitment to a mentorship relationship. If you’d like to mentor but cannot commit to this requirement, click here.
Read: Historical Fiction Community Experiences
Community experiences in the Read: Historical Fiction Journey include Peer Affinity Groups, course-specific workshops, Salons, and Book Club. Mentees and mentors in the Historical Fiction Journey must attend at least one Community Experience per month, such as Exploratory Community Studios, Affinity Group Meetings, College & Career Chats, and Salon Experiences.
- October 16, 6pm ET Journey Orientation
- October 19, 12-1pm ET Journey Meeting
- November 16, 12-1pm ET Journey Meeting
- December 14, 12-1pm ET Journey Meeting
- January 18, 12-1pm ET Journey Meeting
- February 8, 12-1pm ET Journey Meeting
If you’d like to attend engagement experiences but cannot commit to these requirements, click here.
Read 360 Adventure
Read: Historical Fiction belongs to the Read 360 Adventure.
Journeys in this 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!
Not ready for a Journey?
If you want to be a part of the Girls Write Now Collaboratory but you aren’t ready to join a Journey, you can participate in individual writing courses, short-term mentoring services, and select community engagement experiences. See all of the options available to you below!
Writing
Take a course without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or attending community engagement experiences.
Mentoring
Meet with a mentee or mentor without joining a journey, accessing writing courses, or attending community engagement experiences.
Community
Attend community engagement experiences without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or accessing writing courses.