James Patterson partners with us to help writers finish their books!
September 8 - 14
Hope Lives In Our Words
Featured Media
to dig, to follow
By Madeline Berberian-Hutchinson and Jackie Homan
This poem was written by mentor Madeline and mentee Jackie for Hope Lives in Our Words: The Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology. Get your copy today and ignite a spark of hope.
Don't Miss the Journey of a Lifetime
Apply to The Collaboratory by September 15
to be a Mentor or Mentee This Fall
Mentorship is an ideal way to explore new passions, build personal relationships—and to stay positive. Hear from mentors and mentees in The Power of Punchlines Journey on how they broke free from their comfort zones using creativity and humor. Then join them in the fun—or choose from a wide range of other genres, media, and topics!
My experience in The Power of Punchlines Journey has been incredibly positive and very different from anything I’ve done before. I especially enjoy the open discussion and feedback during workshops. Being able to bounce ideas off of others has been invaluable. And it's been so informative—I’m still remembering things I learned from the very first session!
—MENTEE SHREYA DARJI
Stand-up comedy is intimidating, but working through it with guidance from an amazing instructor made it approachable—even from a mentor’s perspective. It's really special that Shreya and I get to learn something completely new together. It’s out of my comfort zone, but the environment is so supportive. It’s truly rewarding and builds a strong sense of community.
—MENTOR ELLYN MENDENHALL
Mic Drop: Community Spotlight
GRANT PARTNERSHIP
Girls Write Now Partners with James Patterson on Grants for Writers
The "Go Finish Your Book" Campaign Awards Up To $50,000 to Authors
In partnership with Girls Write Now, the "Go Finish Your Book" campaign is intended to eliminate some of the financial barriers preventing talented writers from finishing their manuscripts. In addition to financial support, winners receive mentorship opportunities, resources, and encouragement from Patterson and his publishing partners. Girls Write Now writers submitted an initial proposal and subsequent pages for review by Patterson. Stay tuned to meet the winning writers!
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY
Election Trivia Question
Do You Know The Answer?
In 2023, Jaylen Smith in Earle, Arkansas, became the youngest Black mayor in American history. How old was he?
A. 17
B. 18
C. 19
D. 20
Find out if you're right and learn how you can make a change in your community at any age.
NEWS & PRESS
Girls Write Now to Present at LitNYS Statewide Literary Convening
Leading in A Liminal Season: Adaptive Strategies for Growth While Staying Sane
LitNYS is the nation’s largest ecosystem of literary arts organizations, building literary capacity, community, and culture for 25 years. At this year's convening in Hudson, NY September 14-16, Girls Write Now Executive Director Maya Nussbaum will present on Capacity Building: The Road To Strategic Growth, sharing vital information with fellow literary organizations, and facilitating discussion to leverage leaders’ unique strengths and experience. Girls Write Now is proud to serve as a Communications Partner on social media and engagement for LitNYS, hosting convenings, producing podcasts, and creating a monthly newsletter called LitNews NYS.
WRITE WITH US
Prompt of the Week
By Justine Mrsich, M.S., APR
Think of a past interaction you’ve had with a boss, colleague, friend, or family member—maybe a tricky email, a moment where you had to set boundaries, or a time you needed to advocate for yourself. Write a note to yourself or that person with intention to show how you would have handled it differently. Make it assertive yet inclusive, clear without bias, and be mindful of tone across identities.
Join Studio Facilitator Justine Mrsich for The Gender Communications Toolbox - Empowering Yourself Professionally, a Community Studio designed to help participants practice inclusive writing, strengthen professional confidence, and navigate gender dynamics thoughtfully.
READ WITH US
Marisol Acts the Part
By Elle Gonzalez Rose
Marisol Acts the Part, written by Girls Write Now mentor Elle Gonzalez Rose, is a bright, dazzling sapphic rom-com. After wrapping the hit drama that made her a star, actress Marisol Polly-Rodriguez is worried she might be entering her flop era. A concern that’s amplified when she’s suddenly dumped by her co-star turned boyfriend, Miles, for being “unserious.” With Marisol’s post-breakup meltdown splashed across the tabloids, she sets out to show that she’s just as talented as Miles by landing a role on the same buzzworthy show as him. The drama only continues as Marisol develops feelings for her ex’s on-screen love interest, Jamila...
Happening Write Now
COMMUNITY STUDIOS
Studios Start Soon!
September 15-25, Various Times, Virtual
Get your creative juices flowing this fall with 15 new Community Studios. This month, join a studio designed and led by mentors and mentees in the Teach GWN Journey. Topics include using social media for advocacy, preparing college essays and MFA portfolios, exploring food in poetry, and so much more! Find the full list of Community Studios in your Portal accounts.
Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration. It's quick and easy!
COLLEGE CHAT
Polishing Your Personal Statement with MacMillan
Tuesday, September 30, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual
Bring your personal statement (650 words max) to be workshopped and revised by Macmillan employees, who will be your Mentors for the Day. This event is a unique opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your writing from professionals in the publishing industry. Whether you’re in the process of applying to college, graduate school, or scholarships—or simply looking to strengthen your personal storytelling skills—this session is designed to help you craft a compelling and polished personal statement.
Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration.
SPECIAL EVENT
Open Mic: A Creative Showcase
Thursday, September 25, 5-6 PM ET, Virtual
Join us for an evening of creativity, expression, and community! This Open Mic is a space to connect with other artists and creators through poetry, song, and overall storytelling. Whether you want to perform a piece you’ve written, something you love (but didn’t write), or just soak it all in, you’re welcome here. We’ll kick things off with some writing prompts then begin the open mic. Each performer will have three minutes to share!
Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration. It's quick and easy!
Read on for even more incredible opportunities—
and thank you for your support!
Get the Gig
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Fine Arts Work Center
2026-2027 Writing Fellowship
The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown has supported emerging writers and artists for over 50 years, granting 10 annual fellowships to writers and 10 annual fellowships to visual artists for a seven-month residency that runs from October 1 - April 30. Fellows, who are selected through a rigorous jury process, are awarded a $1,250 monthly stipend, private accommodations on the grounds of The Fine Arts Work Center, as well as a $1,000 exit stipend to support relocation at the end of the Fellowship. The duration of the residency is entirely self-directed, intended to serve as unrestricted time for writers in the crucial, early stages of their careers.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Book of the Month
Coordinator, Allurial Marketing & Editorial
The Marketing & Editorial Coordinator role is designed for early-career professionals who are hungry to grow in the worlds of digital marketing, e-commerce, and publishing. You will gain accelerated responsibility and hands-on exposure to growth marketing, retention, social media, influencer partnerships, and editorial. It’s an opportunity to sit at the intersection of creativity, data, editorial, and marketing.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Teaching Artistry Program Manager
The Teaching Artist Program Manager (TAPM) is responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the teaching artist faculty, contributing to the overall strategy and execution of the faculty’s professional development needs throughout the year. The TAPM works closely with key Education staff to ensure Lincoln Center Education is in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement in all its efforts working with Teaching Artists. This position is responsible for the overall integrity of data systems used to track and safeguard the labor management processes of the Teaching Artist faculty.
