SPEAKING IN FIRST DRAFT PODCAST

Speaking on Demystifying Racial Identity

Featuring TaRessa Stovall &  t Kayla Dudley 

Race and identity lie at the bedrock of the US. In this rich conversation, former mentor TaRessa Stovall and Girls Write Now mentee and intern Kayla Dudley discuss TaRessa's memoir Swirl Girl: Coming of Race in the USA. Together, they dive into common misconceptions about mixed-race people and media representation while also creating a powerful space for learning and growing as writers of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, stick around to hear their thoughts on Ryan Coogler's latest hit Sinners!

READ WITH US

My Parents' Marriage

By Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond,
Girls Write Now Mentor Alum

Acclaimed children’s author and Girls Write Now mentor alum Nana Brew-Hammond makes her highly anticipated return with this soaring and profound story about love and understanding told through three generations of one Ghanian family. Determined to avoid the pain and instability of her parents’ turbulent, confusing marriage, Kokui marries a man far different from her loving, philandering, self-made father—and tries to be a different kind of wife from her mother.

WRITE WITH US

Prompt of the Week

By Cassidy Duncan,
Girls Write Now Intern

"Reflect on what you want to do with what Mary Oliver calls your 'one wild and precious life.' If there is resistance or something in your way, what is one small thing you can do each day to move closer to this life?"

Cassidy Duncan is a mentee alum and intern at Girls Write Now who specializes in video production.

JOURNEY WORKSHOP

Personal Statement Workshop with Susanna Horng

Thursday, July 17, 3:30-6 PM ET, Virtual

Come join us for a fun, hands-on workshop all about the personal statement. Whether you’re applying to college, scholarships, or fellowships, this session will help you tell your story in a way that really stands out. We’ll talk about what makes the personal statement different from other essays and show you a fresh, creative way to approach it. You’ll brainstorm opening lines to help find your topic, start drafting your statement, and get helpful feedback through active listening. We’ll also go over some key do’s and don’ts, and look at real examples to see what works.

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

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Did June Fill You With Pride?

Wednesday, July 23, 7-8:30 PM ET, Virtual

Though Pride Month may be winding down, Girls Write Now remains committed to supporting and empowering our LGBTQIA+ community members. In the face of repression and constant uncertainty, it’s important that we process all that is going through our minds. Join us for a rich conversation on where we are and what we can do to get to where we’re going. 

Open to all mentors, mentees, staff, and members

CAREER CHAT

A Word from Our Sponsors: A TV Industry Career Chat

Tuesday, July 29, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual

This Chat will explore the possible pathways to break into the TV industry. Here is your chance to ask all of your burning questions with a panel that covers everything from writing to acting to producing and more! Hear from writer/director Shaz Bennett (Queen Sugar), actress/director Milena Govich (Law & Order), sound recordist Lily Van Leeuwen (The Stroll), and more!

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

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY

Riley's Way Foundation

Leadership Development Retreat

This Youth Leadership Retreat takes place from September 19 to 21, 2025, at Timber Lake West Camp in Roscoe, NY. The Retreat brings together 120+ high school students (ages 15–18) from across the U.S. for a weekend focused on kind leadership, empathy, connection, and personal growth. The experience is free for all participants. Riley’s Way covers travel, food, and lodging. No prior leadership experience is required, just a passion for making the world a better and kinder place.

If you are a mentee interested in applying, email Jesse Jagtiani at community@girlswritenow.org.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

National Book Foundation

Fall Internship

The National Book Foundation (NBF), presenter of the National Book Awards, offers internship opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate students looking to learn and develop skills at an established and active literary arts non-profit. Over the course of a semester or a summer term, interns do meaningful work for NBF supporting the National Book Awards, our educational and public programming, communications & social media efforts, and non-profit operations and administration.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY

Dramatic Question Theatre

New Play Development Programs

Dramatic Question Theatre is now accepting applications for their three play development programs which support the development of work by BIPoC and Female-identifying playwrights: American Woman, Classics in Color, and Playtime. These free programs help writers hone their craft through sessions with acclaimed playwrights. 

Applications due: September 2, 2025