Girls Write Now Collaboratory
Journeys
Each Journey in the Girls Write Now Collaboratory is a package of Writing Course Content, Mentorship, and Community Experiences for mentors and mentees. Our team of teachers, artists, and content experts have thoughtfully curated each Journey to be a dynamic, multifaceted experience. Journeys can be light touch or intensive, short or long-term, asynchronous or in real time.
Summer Journey Applications Are Now Open
Apply by April 30 as a Mentor or Mentee
Journey Mentors & Mentees
Journey Mentors
Journey Mentees
Journey Cycles
A Journey cycle is a three-month time period. Every month for three months of the Journey, mentors and mentees spend three hours or more together in pair sessions and community experiences, bolstered by our dynamic curriculum. You can sign up for one, two, or three cycles to meet your schedule and goals.
- Summer: July 1 – September 30
- Fall: November 1 – January 31
- Spring: March 1 – May 31
Journeys Lead to Adventure
Each Journey is a part of an overarching Adventure for mentors and mentees. Think of Adventures like majors that over time provide a 360 degree exploration of a genre, topic, or focus area.
Girls Write Now
Select the Journey you want to go on this cycle! You can refine your search using the filters on the lefthand sidebar. Once you're accepted, you'll be matched with a mentor or mentee who shares your interests.
Select the Journey you want to go on this cycle! You can refine your search using the filters on the lefthand sidebar. Once you're accepted, you'll be matched with a mentor or mentee who shares your interests.
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: An American Sunrise of Indigenous Poetry (Fall 2026)
The An American Sunrise Poetry Journey is a two-cycle program for participants 18+ exploring An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo.
Collaboratory Access for Mentors, Mentees & Members
Enjoy a la carte or as part of a Journey
All mentors, mentees & members also have access to our Resources, including jobs, internships, scholarships, writing contests, enrichment opportunities, and more.
Writing

Build skills though courses that focus on any genre, media, leadership, activism, college, career, and more.
Mentoring

Connect one-to-one across generations and establish a supportive relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Community

Collaborate and share with other inspiring minds at countless engaging events and experiences.
Join Our Community
Journey Mentorship

Make a commitment as a mentor or mentee for at least one Journey and get full access to our writing, mentoring, and community experiences and resources.
Membership

Be a part of our community without committing to a Journey, and receive select access to our writing, mentoring, and community experiences and resources.