LUNCH WITH LITNYS PODCAST

Pen Parentis with
Milda M. De Voe

On Supporting Parents in Their Creative Callings & Careers

When Milda De Voe was told she couldn't be a writer and a parent, she created an organization for both. What started as a reading series of work by parents quickly morphed into Pen Parentis, an organization on a mission to provide resources and support to parents of all backgrounds and genders. In this episode of Lunch with LitNYS, Milda De Voe shows that creative life doesn't end when you become a parent, and that organizations can be doing more to support writers who are caregivers.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Prompt of the Week

By Alejandra Barrios Vélez,
Friday Night Salon Artist

Imagine that your character is a ghost, and they only have a couple of days to be in the world of the living before they have to let go. What is the first thing they do? Who is the first person they contact? What happens next?

Learn the importance of telling your story in your own voice and how to overcome the challenges of writing a first novel with author María Alejandra Barrios Vélez.

LIFE@GWN

Maryam Oguntola

Writing About Reproductive Health &
Finding A Safe & Supportive Community

As we celebrate Women's History Month & Girls Write Now Day, we're reminded of the strength of our community in numbers and the bridges we build towards hope by encouraging young writers to express their experiences of gender, reproductive health, and the world at large. As Maryam puts it: "Being part of a community of women who support and uplift me as a Muslim woman—and having the opportunity to do the same for others—makes this my favorite memory of girlhood."

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

Join a Mentee
Affinity Group

Find a Safe Space to Express Yourself

Are you a Girls Write Now mentee looking to connect with other people who share your background? Join an upcoming affinity group meeting—led by mentees for their fellow mentees. To join, sign up using your Portal account for one or more of the following groups:
Black: March 22, 10-11 AM ET
AAPI: March 22, 11 AM-12 PM ET
Christian: March 22, 12-1 PM ET
LGBTQ+: March 29, 11 AM-12 PM ET
Muslim: April 5, 11 AM-12 PM ET

COMMUNITY STUDIO

Computer Science: Code, Creativity & Career Paths

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 7-8 PM ET, Virtual

Explore the exciting world of computer science with our community studio, where creativity and problem solving take center stage. Discover diverse career paths and engage in hands-on projects designed to ignite your curiosity and build your skills. This series offers a welcoming space to learn new things, share ideas, and connect with others over technology.
No experience necessary!

Open to members of the public, including all mentees, mentors & members.

COMMUNITY STUDIO

World-Building for Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 6-7 PM ET, Virtual

This one's for the fantasy and sci-fi nerds who don't read anything less than 400 pages (and we're proud of it!). In this studio, we'll examine how authors can drop you into a new world with as little as one sentence. We'll talk about the different facets involved in creating a richly-detailed world and how to use them to enhance your characters, plot, and story. We'll also work on the perennial question of what details you should share with your readers and when you should share them so you don't overburden your story with too much information.

Open to members of the public, including all mentees, mentors & members.

COLLEGE CHAT

College Visits & Fly-In Programs 101

Thursday, Mar. 20, 4-5 PM ET, Virtual

Are you a high school junior or senior, or a mentor helping someone with college applications? Not sure which schools to visit or apply to? You might want to check out college fly-in programs! These are need based, school-funded trips that allow you to experience campus life before you apply. Join us to hear from the admissions counselors who plan these programs. Learn how to find and apply for them! Representatives from Colorado College, University of Michigan, Amherst College, and University of Rochester will be present.

Open to mentors & mentees

COMMITTEE STUDIO

Intersectional Voices in Editorial Digital Committee Studio

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 7-8 PM ET, Virtual

Looking to practice your editing skills and support Girls Write Now mentees with their writing? Each month, IVEdit Digital (Intersectional Voices in Editorial: Digital) Studios will be live editing sessions during which we will workshop pieces by mentees from the Perspectives on Editorial Journey. We'll approach each piece with curiosity, kindness, and an eye towards making it the piece of that mentee's dreams. Join us!

Open to members of the public, including all mentees, mentors & members.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Book of the Month

Editorial Assistant Rotational Program

As a full time Editorial Assistant, this program will offer employees the opportunity to explore areas such as: Analytics & Reporting, Industry Relations, Operations, Licensing & Contracts, Cross-Functional Business Initiatives, and Book Selections. After approximately two years, team members will be placed in a more specialized role based on performance, strengths, and interests demonstrated over the previous years. 

Create your Portal account and click on "Opportunities" to apply!

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

Film at Lincoln Center Academy

Summer Forum

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents Summer Forum, bringing together teaching artists, educators, and practicing artists to engage, share, and imagine the next 50 years of teaching artistry around the world. This is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals—both locally and internationally—as we learn from the first half century of teaching artistry and dream up the next 50 years. The forum will take place across Lincoln Center's sprawling campus as part of Summer for the City, offering a four-day immersion into experiential workshops, performances, expert panels, roundtables, and social networking events.

Create your Portal account and click on "Opportunities" to submit!

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Center for Fiction

Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship program offers grants, editorial mentorship, and other opportunities to early-career New York City-based practitioners who are at a critical moment in their development as fiction writers. Fellows receive a $5,000 grant, the opportunity to have their manuscript critiqued by an experienced editor, public readings, and more!

Applications Open May 1-31, 2025
Create your Portal account and click on "Opportunities" to apply!