Plus, Jocelyn Bioh on Broadway & a 10-minute play
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Each week, a word becomes a world.
October 12-18
A Mental Health Confessional:
Featured Media
The Reconciliation Room
By Maura Cleary
Confession is to obsessive-compulsive disorder as an emergency appendectomy is to a hypochondriac’s unrelenting stomachache: it feels like the only solution to a problem whose true cause may never be known.
This piece was named an Honorable Mention in Lena Dunham's Famesick Writing Contest with Girls Write Now.
Safe to Tell the Truth
Telling the truth about your own mind shouldn’t feel like a risk. It takes a mentor who listens, an editor who asks for one more draft, and a community that reads every word. That’s what young writers like Maura Cleary find at Girls Write Now. Give today.
Sharing Our Stories:
Notes from Our Community
PROMPT OF THE WEEK
Two Objects Walk into an Argument
The Dish Had a Spat with the Spoon
Every play starts with two characters talking. Write a 10-minute play in which two inanimate objects strike up a conversation that turns into a disagreement. Do they make peace? That part is up to you.
Requirements:
- Cast: two characters, both inanimate objects
- Plot: a conversation that becomes a disagreement
- Ending: resolved, or not—your call
Set a timer for 10 minutes and see what you create.
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play just made its Broadway debut. Jocelyn is a Girls Write Now Salon Artist.
PARTNER FEATURE
Facing Pages: The 2026 LitNYS Convening
Assembling New Practicalities in Strength & Solidarity
In early October, literary arts organizations from across New York State gathered at Poets House in Manhattan. Community Director Emily Rigby joined Sara Lippman, editor in chief of Epiphany, to report on “In the Midst of Collaboration.” Maya Nussbaum and Community Coordinator Kenna McCafferty introduced LitNYS Mentor on Call. Board member Bruce Morrow made the case for funding the literary arts on a panel, then read that evening alongside Mahogany L. Browne’s featured poets. As LitNYS’s Communications Partner, Girls Write Now helped carry the Convening’s work across the state.
AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS
A Night of Change! Meet Our Honorees & Mentee Presenters
Five Generations of Writers in Conversation at the Girls Write Now Awards
On October 1 at DVF Studio, we paid tribute to feminist heroes who opened doors for us: Gloria Steinem, Agnes Gund, Dolly Parton, and Helen Ghiradella. Then we honored two women who walked through them, Liate Stehlik of HarperCollins and photographer Randee St. Nicholas. And the next generation took the stage. Teacher-in-Residence Kayla Dudley opened with a poem. Jayla Hall Cabrera, who published her book Greenville at 19, is launching her own intergenerational workshop. Mariam Faisal spoke about Give Us Space, the white paper on third spaces she is now bringing to City Council. Ilana Drake, who came to Girls Write Now at 15 after being bullied in high school, now recruits colleagues from her financial firm as mentors.
Girls Write Now taught me that writing is life—so don’t forget to live. Change is how we evolve; change is our metamorphosis—and tonight we’re all home. —Jayla Hall Cabrera, Mentee
Happening Write Now:
Mark Your Calendar
PUBLICATION LAUNCH
Metamorphosis Anthology Launch Party
Wednesday, November 4, 6-8 PM ET, In-Person
Words transform. Experience it for yourself as the next generation of women and gender-expansive writers perform their poems, short stories, essays, and more. Celebrate the launch of Metamorphosis: Girls Write Now 2026 Anthology at McNally Jackson Seaport. Browse the McNally Jackson shelves with titles from the Girls Write Now community, and take home your own copy of Metamorphosis.
Open to all mentees, mentors, members & the public.
A POLITICS & ORGANIZING CAREER CHAT
Becoming Changemakers
Tuesday, November 10, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual
A week after Election Day, meet the people who keep the work going. A panel of organizers, advocates, and political professionals will share how they built careers around the causes they believe in. Whether you’re drawn to politics, advocacy, or organizing, bring your questions.
Open to all mentees, mentors, members & the public.
PUBLICATION LAUNCH
In the Midst & Cultural Fragments Launch Party
Monday, November 16, 6:30-8 PM ET, Hybrid
Over the past year, two brand-new publications have grown out of the Collaboratory: In the Midst, a digital literary magazine, and Cultural Fragments, a printed zine. Hear each publication’s story and selections from their pages. Join us in person at the Girls Write Now Collaboratory—247 West 37th Street on the 10th floor—or virtually from wherever you are in the world.
Open to all mentees, mentors, members & the public.
Get the Gig:
Curated Opportunities Just for You
Need help applying for these opportunities—and more?
Meet with a Mentor on Demand today!
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY
Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Free Tickets to The Hope Theory
Watch an ordinary immigrant become what The New York Times calls “a master of illusion." The Hope Theory is a solo show written and performed by Helder Guimarães and directed by Academy Award-winning producer Frank Marshall (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Sixth Sense, Raiders of the Lost Ark). The Los Angeles Times says it “proves hope is more than an illusion.” It makes its New York premiere in a strictly limited engagement.
Select from performances October 14-25, 2026
Create a portal account to apply.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
WXY Architecture + Urban Design
Communications Coordinator
WXY is seeking a Communications Coordinator with graphic design and communication skills to support marketing, communications, and proposal production. The role reports to the Senior Writer and Strategic Growth Manager and works alongside the firm’s principals and directors.
Deadline: October 21, 2026
Create a portal account to apply.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Simon & Schuster
Editorial Assistant, Simon Spotlight
Simon & Schuster is seeking an Editorial Assistant for Simon Spotlight, which publishes children’s books built around popular characters and brands and is home to the Ready-to-Read line for beginning readers. This entry-level role supports books from first concept to publication. The ideal candidate is organized, writes well, catches details, and wants to help children fall in love with reading.
Deadline: October 20, 2026
Create a portal account to apply.
If you don't already have a Girls Write Now account, create one now.
