SPEAKING IN FIRST DRAFT PODCAST

Speaking on Defying Death with Rachel Bloom

Kicking Off Our Bonus Season

Surprise! We have a special bonus season of Speaking in First Draft, Girls Write Now's premier podcast. Our first guest is the comedic genius, Rachel Bloom, who we are honoring this year. In the episode, mentee Inica talks to Rachel about defying death through laughter, finding people who support your vision, and what the future of comedy looks like in our screen-captivated world.

NEWS & PRESS

Staying Sane & Inspiring Growth at LitNYS

Finding Community within the Literary World

“Patience and fortitude undergird what is also our rage and active resistance. We are writers we can handle paradoxes." These were the opening remarks from New York State Poet Laureate Patricia Spears Jones at the annual LitNYS convening. Girls Write Now's Executive Director Maya Nussbaum and Director of Special Initiatives Molly McDermott brainstormed action steps with other nonprofit organizations in the final panel and clinic, Building Capacity: The Road to Strategic Growth.

WRITE WITH US

Prompt of the Week

By Vasvi Kejriwal, Community Studio Facilitator

Food, when we engage with it, is tied to memory, family, history, and tradition. Each food item holds the history of a family member. Instead of using a dish as the starting point, start with a meaningful human relationship. Think back to this person and ask yourself: which dish immediately comes to mind? Is there a memory? Is there a color or location or sound? Write a poem about how this dish reminds you of them and why.

Fill your cup at Poetry as Nourishment: Writing Food and Eating Poems, a Community Studio led by Vasvi Kejriwal.

READ WITH US

Vanishing Daughters

 By Cynthia Pelayo

Girls Write Now Teaching Artist Cynthia Pelayo is the first Latina in history to win a Bram Stoker Award. Her latest novel Vanishing Daughters is a psychological thriller. A serial killer has claimed the lives of fifty-one women in the Chicago area. When Bri starts researching the murders, she meets a stranger who tells her there’s more to her sleepless nights than bad dreams―they hold the key to putting ghosts to rest and stopping a killer. But the killer has caught on and is closing in, and if Bri doesn’t answer the call of the dead soon, she’ll be walking among them.

COMMUNITY STUDIOS

Studios Starting Now!

September 15-25, Various Times, Virtual

We have 15 new Community Studios to keep your creative juices flowing all fall long. This month, join studios designed and led by mentors and mentees in the Teach GWN Journey. Topics include using social media for advocacy, preparing college essays and MFA portfolios, exploring food in poetry, and so much more! Find the full list of Community Studios in your Portal accounts. 

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

SPECIAL EVENT

Open Mic: A Creative Showcase

Thursday, September 25, 5-6 PM ET, Virtual

Join us for an evening of creativity, expression, and community! This Open Mic is a space to connect with other artists and creators through poetry, song, and overall storytelling. Whether you want to perform a piece you’ve written, something you love (but didn’t write), or just soak it all in, you’re welcome here. We’ll kick things off with some writing prompts then begin the open mic. Each performer will have three minutes to share!

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

SPECIAL EVENT

Let Me Finish! Girls Write Now Voices of Comedy

Saturday, September 27, 4:30-6 PM ET,
Girls Write Now Office
247 W 37th Street, Suite 10

We could all use some socially-conscious comedy right now! Come to the culminating event in our Collaboratory Journey—Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change—where mentees and mentors have been exploring stand-up as a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression, and social impact. After the show, stick around to mingle and celebrate! Hosted by Girls Write Now Teaching Artist and Stand Up! Girls board member Hollie Harper, the evening will also feature performances by New York City-based female stand-up comedians.

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

COMMUNITY STUDIO

Bay Area Pottery Painting Studio

Saturday, September 27, 7-9 PM PT,
All Fired Up
344 Lorton Avenue Burlingame, CA

Tap into your inner artist at an in-person Pottery Painting Studio, open to all Bay Area Girls Write Now community members! Kayla Martinez, a mentee alum who'll be joining our staff as an intern, will lead you in painting your own pottery piece while connecting with other creatives from across the Bay Area. This is a fun, relaxed way to explore your artistic side, meet fellow Girls Write Now community members, and enjoy a creative evening together.

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

COLLEGE CHAT

Polishing Your Personal Statement with MacMillan

Tuesday, September 30, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual

Bring your personal statement (650 words max) to be workshopped and revised by Macmillan employees, who will be your Mentors for the Day. This event is a unique opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your writing from professionals in the publishing industry. Whether you’re in the process of applying to college, graduate school, or scholarships—or simply looking to strengthen your personal storytelling skills—this session is designed to help you craft a compelling and polished personal statement.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. Become a member to access registration. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Vogue UK

Beauty & Wellness Director

British Vogue is seeking a Beauty & Wellness Director to lead its team and shape the brand’s editorial voice across all platforms. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership in beauty and wellness, along with the editorial expertise to drive a modern, thoughtful content strategy that aligns with British Vogue’s unique perspective. This role requires strong editorial judgment, a deep understanding of the evolving beauty landscape, and the ability to manage and inspire a high-performing team.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY

SEO Law

Catalyst Program

Catalyst is SEO's free, virtual pre-law program that provides resources and structured guidance throughout the law school application process. Components of the program include a customized LSAT preparation course, workshops to strengthen law school application materials, mentoring from practicing attorneys, and more!

Deadline: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:59pm ET

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Book of the Month

Allurial Marketing & Editorial Coordinator 

The Marketing & Editorial Coordinator role is designed for early-career professionals who are hungry to grow in the worlds of digital marketing, e-commerce, and publishing. You will gain accelerated responsibility and hands-on exposure to growth marketing, retention, social media, influencer partnerships, and editorial. It’s an opportunity to sit at the intersection of creativity, data, editorial, and marketing.