Summer 2026
Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine
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 stages of publishing, 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.
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.
- JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
- Cycle(s) One cycle (July 1 to September 30).
- Time Commitment A minimum of three hours per month.
- Journey Meetings Attend monthly Journey Meetings. See dates listed below.
- Mentoring Have a minimum of two one-hour pair sessions per month.
- Journey Project Create a collaborative zine.
Learning Objectives
Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors must attend one Journey Live Meetings each month.
Summer Cycle Journey Meetings:
- Saturday, July 11 , 2026, 4 – 6 PM ET
- Saturday, August 8, 2026, 4 – 6 PM ET
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, 4 – 6 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.
Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine Course
Crafting A Zine
In this integrated coursework, you will deepen your understanding of the editorial and design process while building practical publishing skills you can apply beyond this Journey. Designed to directly support and extend your live Journey meetings, the coursework provides guided lessons, tools, and practice that strengthen the collaborative zine-making happening in real time.
Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for a minimum of one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This Journey is open to both traditional pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.
Journey Teaching Artists
Publish 360
Journeys in the Publish 360 Adventure focus on the process of producing and publishing creative work. It is perfect for mentees and mentors who want to learn more about the publishing world.
Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine is a Journey in the Publish 360 Adventure.
Explore All Journeys
Explore All Journeys
From Page to Production: Screenwriting for Short Films (Part 1) (Fall 2026)
This two-cycle Journey guides participants from crafting a short film script to bringing it to life on screen. In the first cycle, mentors and mentees focus on developing compelling stories, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue, learning the essentials of screenwriting for short films. In the second cycle, participants move from script to screen, exploring the practical aspects of video production, including planning, collaboration, and bringing their creative vision to life. By the end of the journey, mentees will have both a polished script and hands-on experience in producing their own short film.
Life Lines: Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction (Paid Adult Version) (Fall 2026)
In this three-cycle Journey, writers will get the support and expert industry insight they need to write their memoir. In the first three-month cycle, participants will outline, structure their book, and begin their first drafts; in the second three-month cycle, participants will write and workshop their drafts; and in the third cycle, participants will finish their drafts and write their book proposals.
Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter (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.
Publishing & Publicity: TikTok, BookTok, and the Power of Social Media (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.
Fashion Forward: Exploring a Sustainable Future (Fall 2026)
This Journey invites participants to explore the intersection of fashion and sustainability, examining how style, ethics, and environmental responsibility can coexist.
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.
Book Club: Joy Harjo’s Collection of Poetry An American Sunrise (Fall 2026)
The An American Sunrise Poetry Journey is a two-cycle program for participants 18+ exploring An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo.