LUNCH WITH LITNYS PODCAST

The Disruption of Indie Presses with
Ira Silverberg &
Linda Kleinbub

On "Ripping Up" Capitalistic Structures & Bringing Indie Literature to Life

This week's episode of Lunch with LitNYS features two conversations about the inspiring work that indie publishers are doing to elevate writers from all backgrounds. Ira Silverberg, who has represented radical literary figures such as June Jordan and William S. Borroughs as an agent and publicist, is on a mission to make the publishing world work better for writers and readers. Linda Kleinbub, a Girls Write Now mentor, is raising up fellow writers by publishing their work through her indie imprint, Pink Trees Press. At a time when many small presses are struggling to stay afloat, Ira and Linda offer hope for a world in which literature is more inclusive and infused with possibility.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Prompt of the Week

By Keisha Bush,
Friday Night Salon Artist

Think of an object and write about it. Try writing about your character's interaction or feelings about the object. Write for as long as you can until you run out of things to say.

It helps to start small and focus on singular objects. For example, try writing about a chair, a cup, a spoon, a shoe, a house, a place of worship, etc…

Join author of No Heaven for Good Boys and visual artist Keisha Bush as she provides an answer to the question most writers and aspiring novelists have: "where do I start?"

LIFE@GWN

Mikki Taylor

Be The Author of Your Own Story

Girls Write Now is thrilled to present one of the newest members of our community, legendary author, cultural storyteller, media personality, and Editor-at-Large of Essence Communications Inc. Magazine, Mikki Taylor. She introduced Honoree James Rhee at the Girls Write Now Awards last year, and we've been thrilled to know and learn from Mikki in the months since. Get to know her in her own words.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Managing Through Crises (or Hard Times Require Furious Dancing)

February 27, 7-8:30 PM ET, VIrtual

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing...
Inspired by the words of Alice Walker, we invite you to join us for a conversation where we’ll share wellness recommendations, like what you do to find and maintain balance, where you find credible news, and what you’re doing, or desire to do: volunteer, raise money, canvas, make phone calls, and more.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members, and the public.

CAREER CHAT

Physicians Write Now

Tuesday, Mar. 4, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual

Join this career chat to explore the symbiosis of careers in fiction writing and medical practice. Hear from award-winning fiction novelists including Dr. Lydia Kang of University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Sayantani DasGupta of Columbia University's Program in Narrative Medicine, and Dr. IW Gregorio of Philadelphia. This is a unique chance to understand how fiction writing can function as a remedy for career burnout, as well as how to combine creative writing with a career in medicine. The event is being held in conjunction with the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society and Columbia's major in Medical Humanities.

Open to the public,
including all mentees, mentors & members.
Required for Love Well and Careers for Creatives participants.
Recommended for Explore Tour participants.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

We Have The Tools: A Forum on Youth Impact

Sunday, Mar. 9, 10 AM - 2 PM ET, In-person
Barnard College
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Amidst worldwide instability and polarization, how can students make an impact on the causes they care about? By doing exactly what we are doing. The Athena Film Festival invites you to a lively forum where high school and college students will share the tactics that they are using to tell important stories, build community, and pursue justice. 

Open to all mentees.
Recommended for Screenwriting Journey participants.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Assistant/Customer Service Representative 

Kirkus Reviews is seeking an excellent editorial assistant/customer service representative for its Indie (self-published) section. This person will be responsible for assisting authors and corporate partners; maintaining our database; assisting the editors; performing clerical tasks, including mailing/unpacking packages; as well as fact checking, assisting with new projects, including podcast interviews, and other responsibilities. The primary focus, however, will be helping self-published authors with all of their questions, concerns, complaints, and more. An empathetic, patient person who follows instructions well and feels personal reward from supporting others is a must; a book lover who appreciates the journey of a writer is a big plus! 

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Riley's Way Foundation

Call For Kindness (C4K)

The Call For Kindness (C4K) Fellowship gives young leaders (ages 13-23) across the country the skills, connections, and funding they need to run social impact projects that inspire kindness and strengthen their local, national, or global communities. The Fellowship consists of a 12-month leadership development fellowship and a startup grant of up to $5,000. Fellows receive 1:1 coaching and project support, virtual skill-building sessions, an in-person leadership retreat, mentorship opportunities, and a peer community of other young changemakers. Fellows can also apply for Continuation Grants with ongoing project support and coaching.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Waggle

Waggle Human-Pet Bond Scholarship

The Waggle Human-Pet Bond Scholarship helps lower the financial strain on college students so they have more money available to care for the four-legged friends that emotionally support them in their academic endeavors. Write a 400- to 600- word essay outlining steps pet guardians can take to prepare for a veterinary emergency so they're not forced to surrender their pet, deprive them of essential care, or worse, have them euthanized due to financial limitations. Enter to win a $1,000 scholarship award!

Application deadline: November 1, 2025