Fall 2026
Wild Ideas:
Nature, Science & Creativity
Created in honor of Helen Ghiradella’s pioneering work at the intersection of science and creativity, this Journey invites mentees and mentors to explore the natural world through the complementary lenses of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Inspired by Ghiradella’s legacy, and through close observation, research, and reflection, they will investigate the forms, patterns, and processes found in nature while creating an original project—through writing, visual art, media, performance, music or another creative form—that celebrates the connections between nature, science, and creativity. Mentees and mentors will deepen their observational and creative skills, expand their interdisciplinary thinking, and cultivate their ability to translate scientific understanding into meaningful artistic expression.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Apply Now
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and each of our Journeys can accommodate a limited number of mentees and mentors. Apply early to secure your spot in the Journey of your choice!
- JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
- Cycle(s) 1 Cycle (3 months, Nov 1 – Jan 31)
- Time Commitment a minimum of 3 hours per month
- Journey Meetings Attend all Journey Meetings (see dates below).
- Mentoring Have at least 2 Pair Sessions per month
- Journey Project Create an original research-inspired project responding to Helen Ghiradella's work and a nature- or science-related topic of your choice, expressed through writing, visual art, video, audio, performance, or another creative medium.
Learning Objectives
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors must attend one Journey Live Meetings each month.
Fall Cycle Journey Meetings:
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
- Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
- Saturday, January 9, 2027 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity Showcase
- Saturday, January 30, 2027 | 1:00–3:00 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.
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity Courses
The Art & Science of Wonder
The accompanying online course provides mentees and mentors with a foundation in observing, understanding, and creatively interpreting the natural world. Through a series of self-paced lessons, participants will explore how scientists and artists alike use curiosity, close observation, experimentation, and imagination to make sense of nature. Along the way, they will engage with inspiring examples, reflective prompts, and hands-on creative exercises that build the skills and confidence needed to develop an original interdisciplinary project celebrating the beauty, complexity, and wonder of the natural world.
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity 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
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.
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity is a Journey in the Multigenre 360 Adventure.
Explore All Journeys
Explore All Journeys
Everything Is a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentees and mentors will explore the ways in which creative storytelling techniques can be applied to nonfiction writing of all kinds, from memoir and personal essay to op-ed and how-to articles. We will dive into what makes a story—from structural archetypes to writing that flows—and learn how to harness the power of story to make nonfiction compelling and transformative.
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity (Fall 2026)
Created in honor of Helen Ghiradella’s pioneering work at the intersection of science and creativity, this Journey invites mentees and mentors to explore the natural world through the complementary lenses of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Inspired by Ghiradella’s legacy, and through close observation, research, and reflection, they will investigate the forms, patterns, and processes found in nature while creating an original project—through writing, visual art, media, performance, music or another creative form—that celebrates the connections between nature, science, and creativity.
Hooked on Fiction: Story Structures for Plotters, Pantsers, & Plantsers (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.
Building Buzz: Publicity in the Publishing Industry (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.
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.
Dark Tales: A Horror Book Club (Fall 2026)
Step into the shadows of horror and explore what makes a story truly unsettling. Through three monthly book club meetings, participants will engage in close readings and lively discussions of selected horror works, examining how authors build suspense, create atmosphere, evoke fear, and use the genre to explore deeper social, psychological, and cultural themes. Together, we will analyze storytelling techniques, character development, and the many forms horror can take. By the end of the fall, you will have deepened your appreciation of the genre, sharpened your critical reading skills, and gathered inspiration and craft techniques to enrich your own writing.
Explore Tour (Fall 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-to-one pair sessions.
