SPEAKING IN FIRST DRAFT PODCAST

Speaking on Black Literary Legacies with Dana A. Williams

What People Don't Know About Toni Morrison's Legendary Career

In her new biography of the iconic novelist and activist Toni Morrison, Howard University professor Dana A. Williams recounts Morrison’s legacy, close mentorship, and trailblazing role as an editor in publishing. Listen in to this rich conversation between Professor Williams and Girls Write Now Community Coordinator Annaya Baynes as they discuss the importance of honoring Black storytelling, mentorship, and art, now more than ever.

COLLABORATORY FEATURE

Mentees Affirm the Art of Civil Discourse is Still Alive & Kicking

Fostering Free Speech & Debate Skills

Girls Write Now's Civil Discourse Journey was an inspiring youth-driven program led by mentee Ayushree Dahal in collaboration with AnnMarie Baines, Founder & Executive Director of Practice Space. Mentors and mentees sharpened their rhetoric to deliver persuasive speeches about everything from biking culture to reparations for marginalized communities. Our mentees are showing that democracy is stronger when we have more voices participating. Spring 2026 registration for this Journey opens in November—stay tuned! 

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL

Shop at Maje & Support Girls Write Now

Treat Yourself & Help Young Writers

In honor of International Day of the Girl, Maje will be donating a portion of sales on October 11th to Girls Write Now. 10% of free standing and us.maje.com purchases will support us directly. When you make a purchase this Saturday, you help us to provide writing resources, mentorship, and community events to more women and gender expansive writers across America. So what are you waiting for? Give a gift to yourself and to the next generation.

WRITE WITH US

Prompt of the Week

By Nicole Glover, Friday Night Salon Artist

Complete this sentence: You’re locked in a room with…
How does the story go from there?

Get in the spooky spirit with this prompt by Nicole Glover, author of the historical fantasy series, Murder and Magic, which begins with The Conductors.

READ WITH US

Beloved

 By Toni Morrison

During Banned Books Week, join us in celebrating Toni Morrison's seminal novel, Beloved. As we dive into Morrison's legacy as an editor with Dana A. Williams over on Speaking in First Draft, we are forever awed by Morrison's keen insight into the dynamics of race and power as well as her mission of uplifting Black stories. This week, and every week, we are committed to honoring the legacy of truth-tellers like Toni Morrison by ensuring emerging writers have the opportunity to share their words with the world.

PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION

Demystifying the World of Publishing: Girls Write Now + MacImpact 

Breaking Down Barriers For Young Professionals

Girls Write Now’s partnership with Macmillan’s MacImpact has been kicking up this season with a Career Chat featuring Macmillan employees, all about demystifying the world of publishing. This interactive session provided our community with invaluable industry insights, perspectives on potential career paths, and a deeper look into one of the most prominent publishing houses.

SPECIAL EVENT

Hope Lives in Our Words: 2025 Anthology Launch Party

Thursday, November 6, 6-8 PM PT,
McNally Jackson Books - Seaport
4 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

Celebrate the launch of Hope Lives In Our Words: The Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology at McNally Jackson Seaport! Hear dynamic new work from the next generation of women and gender expansive writers as our authors read their poems, short stories, and more! Plus, get your copy of Hope Lives in Our Words as you browse the McNally Jackson shelves with members of the Girls Write Now community.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration. It's quick and easy!

SALON SERIES

Friday Night Salon with Tish Rabe

Friday, November 14, 6-7:15 PM ET, Hybrid
Girls Write Now HQ
247 W 37th Street, 10th Floor

Have you ever wondered who's behind your most beloved children's books? Join Girls Write Now and Tish Rabe, children’s book author and publisher, for a special conversation about her inspiring journey in children’s literature. From her early work as a writer and editor, to becoming the founder of her own publishing company, Tish’s stories offer a sense of calm and care, wrapping children in the warmth of love and connection.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration. It's quick and easy!

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

HarperCollins

Summer Internship Program

HarperCollins is currently accepting applications for its summer internship program, which includes placements in portfolio operations, human resources, retail marketing, editorial, and more.

Please contact Erica Silberman at community@girlswritenow.org before you apply!

Deadline: October 10, 2025, at 11:59PM ET

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Simon & Schuster

Spring 2026 Publishing Internship

The Simon & Schuster Spring 2026 Internship Program will offer students an unmatched, behind-the-scenes look and learning experience within the world of book publishing.  Interns will be placed within a variety of areas including editorial, marketing, publicity, and production, and in those departments, they will be able to explore all aspects of the industry.

Please contact Erica Silberman  at community@girlswritenow.org before you apply!

Deadline: October 10, 2025, at 11:59PM ET

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Blue State

Contract Media Buyer

Execute game-changing advertising strategies that tie engagement to the bottom line. As a Media Strategist, you'll manage the execution of digital advertising campaigns across clients ranging from leading nonprofits, to political and advocacy groups, to major brands (and everything in between). This may be the right role for you if you’re someone who is equally strategic, creative, and analytical.