Plus, highlighting James Rhee's parable for a changed world
SEPTEMBER 2 - 8
25 YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE STORIES. 52 WEEKS A YEAR.
Time
By Felecia B. Facey
Sometimes, everything we want is on the other side of fear. Time waits for no man, but that doesn't mean we must always try to race against it.
Thank you for reading Girls Write Now's Monday Memo!
There is no better time to support our groundbreaking stories, events, and resources—and the next generation of writers and leaders—please give generously today. We couldn't do it without you.
Community
Spotlight
HONOREE HIGHLIGHT
James Rhee: Writing Parables for Change
Spotlighting Girls Write Now Champions
Girls Write Now is thrilled to have the generous support of author and leader, James Rhee.
His national bestselling book, red helicopter—a parable for our times: lead change with kindness (plus a little math), presents an alternative operating system for life and work through a true story that bridged the values of his immigrant parents and those of his predominantly Black female colleagues at Ashley Stewart. James is an acclaimed CEO and private equity investor, and a former high school teacher who now holds appointments at MIT Sloan and Howard University, where he serves as the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship. He is working on related music, film, and television projects.
Follow us on social media for back-to-school tips from red helicopter and ways you can join James in supporting the next generation of writers & leaders.
COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Back to School Survival Pack
We asked members of the Girls Write Now community what essentials they need to go back to school. This week, we got recommendations from mentee Bella Ho and mentor Erica Ezeifedi.
Check out what they had to say:
What helps me with calming my nerves is Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (alternative nostril breathing technique)... I also love match latte, which really helps with a midday energy boost.
—Mentee Bella Ho
In an article for Book Riot, mentor Erica Ezeifedi recommended Here & Now: the Girls Write Now 2024 Anthology, published by Dutton, Penguin Random House with support from the Amazon Literary Partnership. She also highlighted Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar, A queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth on the people and country she loves (Dial, Penguin Random House).
PROMPT & PLAYLIST
Sounds of Summer
by Community Coordinator Sally Familia
Write a poem or story inspired by the concept of forgotten places and lost memories. Imagine a deserted location—a once-bustling town square, an overgrown garden, or an abandoned house.
Use vivid imagery to evoke the atmosphere of this place and explore the lingering echoes of its past. Reflect on the memories that haunt the space and the stories that still whisper in the silence.
As we bid farewell to our summer series, head into fall with a fresh sound and writing prompt!
Happening
Write Now
SPECIAL EVENT
Final Summer Open Mic
Thursday, Sept. 5, 6-7:15 PM ET
Girls Write Now Headquarters
Join us for the culminating Open Mic of our Summer Series! Ten readers are given three minutes to perform their work—poetry, songs, story excerpts, and more—in front of a live audience at Girls Write Now. We begin with a generative group writing exercise to explore our own creativity before hearing from performers. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments!
Please message Community Coordinator Azia Armstead on Slack if you are interested in performing.
Free & open to the public
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Storytelling for Change: A National Voter Registration Day Event
Thursday, Sept. 19, 5-7 PM ET, Virtual
Join Girls Write Now, and our co-sponsor, STARS Citywide Girls Initiative, to celebrate National Voter Registration Day with a coordinated democracy blitz aimed at getting every eligible person registered to vote in advance of election 2024 and beyond! At this hybrid event, we invite all guests to tell us their voting story and to get connected with resources to make sure you and your community are #VoteReady. Plus, goodies, speakers, and more!
Open to the public.
Engaged by our original writing, curriculum, and collaborative approach to learning? That's Girls Write Now! And it's only possible because of generous readers like you. Thank you so much for your support, and please read on for even more incredible opportunities!
Get
The Gig!
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Macmillan
Publicity Assistant, SMP
The Publicity Assistant will report to two Associate Directors of Publicity in the St Martin's Publishing Group publicity department. In addition to departmental administrative duties, this position will provide support for publicizing a variety of books and authors, with a focus on nonfiction books in the areas of current events, history, culture, business, and political genres. This role provides administrative support to both managers as well as assisting on publicity campaigns. There are also opportunities for handling independent publicity campaigns within the SMPG group across fiction and nonfiction genres.
COLLEGE MENTORSHIP
RBC Capital Markets
2024/2025 Capital Markets, U.S. Pathways Diversity Award Program
RBC Pathways is a selective, multi-month early insight and mentorship program for Sophomores, committed to the advancement of individuals from historically underrepresented groups within Capital Markets. RBC Pathways is seeking Sophomores enrolled full-time at U.S. colleges and universities, including without limitation, students of Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, and/or Native American descent, who are passionate about pursuing careers in Capital Markets and interested in exploring Junior year summer internship opportunities.
Applications Due: September 22, 2024, 11:59pm ET
WRITING CONTEST
Teen Ink
One-Sentence Horror Story
This contest is all about telling a scary story in as few words as possible! Entries must be a single sentence. Remember, the fewer words you can use to convey your story, the better! This contest is open to writers aged 13-19.
