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 How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair.
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 the authjor uses motifs to enhance thematic depth and resonance.
- Writing Craft and Technique: Analyze the author’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 the author’s exploration of these elements can influence and inform their own writing practices.
Apply Now
Applications for the Spring 2025 Cycle are open!
Priority Deadline: December 31, 2024
Final Deadline: January 15, 2025
Cycle(s) Offered:
Spring 2025 (March-May)
Time:
3 hours per month
Areas of Focus:
Memoir, publishing, reading, book club, books
Requirements:
For the Spring cycle:
- Read How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair
- Complete asynchronous coursework
- Produce an original piece showcasing what home means to you
- Record an audio podcast
Read: Memoir Journey Package
As a mentee or mentor in the Read: Memoir Journey, you’ll have access to a collection of online mini courses designed to support a close read of How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair. 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: Memoir Courses
Read: Memoir includes the following course:
- COURSE TITLE
In this course, participants will explore themes of identity, displacement, and the complexities of language and culture. Through engaging with Sinclair’s evocative storytelling, students will reflect on their own experiences of home, belonging, and the intersections of personal and collective histories. The course encourages participants to use writing as a tool for self-expression, helping them develop their unique voice while deepening their understanding of how stories shape both individual identities and broader societal movements.
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: Memoir Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Read: Memoir 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: Memoir Community Experiences
Community experiences in the Read: Memoir Journey include Peer Affinity Groups, course-specific workshops, Salons, and Book Club. Mentees and mentors in the Read: Memoir Journey must attend at the following journey meetings:
- March 15, 12-1 pm ET
- March 29, 12-1 pm ET
- April 12, 12-1 pm ET
- April 26, 12-1 pm ET
- May 24, 12-1 pm ET
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.