<![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]>https://media.girlswritenow.orghttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!novU!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e733737-85eb-47e7-b28c-b1dade51d0ab_1280x1280.pngGirls Write Nowhttps://media.girlswritenow.orgSubstackSun, 23 Aug 2026 05:31:56 GMT<![CDATA[Girls Write Now Mentee Ariel Zhang Wins Lena Dunham’s Famesick Writing Contest!]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/girls-write-now-mentee-ariel-zhanghttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/girls-write-now-mentee-ariel-zhangThu, 20 Aug 2026 19:00:54 GMT

In partnership with Lena Dunham and Random House, Girls Write Now invited our community to write their way to wellness through an initiative combining a writing contest with a philanthropic fund supporting the creativity and wellness of the next generation.

Hundreds of submissions flooded in from our writers ages 14-24, with the pieces judged by authors Sinéad Burke, Hunter Harris, and Jane Pratt, along with the Girls Write Now’s editorial committee.

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We are proud to share the contest winners in Read Me Closely: The Famesick Story Collection with Girls Write Now mentee Ariel Zhang’s poem, “someday i’ll love,” as the grand prize winner. Ariel’s work will be published on Lena’s Substack as well as Girls Write Now Media. Congratulations, Ariel! Stay tuned for an announcement about the honorable mentions!

This writing contest is fueled by The Lena Dunham Fund for Girls Write Now, investing in authors learning the craft of telling the truth about their lives at a moment when more young people than ever are reckoning publicly with mental health, performance, and the cost of being seen. The fund is generously seeded by Lena and amplified by a community of donors who believe young writers deserve the mentorship, platforms, and support to claim their voices. Contributions fund the the Collaboratory, Girls Write Now’s central home where multi-generational writers connect, create, and build community.

Ariel Zhang is a poet from California. As a California Arts Scholar, Ariel has been recognized by The ruth weiss Foundation, YoungArts, and Chapter510. Her work can be found in magazines such as The Louisville Review and Frontier Poetry, and also in the form of street art and story dispensers at community train stations. Ariel is fond of sunsets and warm bagels.

Girls Write Now is doing the essential, joyful work of nurturing the next generation of writers, and of giving them not just the tools, but the permission, to tell the truth about their lives. This organization means so much to me, both personally and creatively.

— Lena Dunham, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Famesick

READ MORE

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]]><![CDATA[Episode 3: Inequality in Education: How Music, Books, and Language Make Community Strong ]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-3-inequality-in-educationhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-3-inequality-in-educationWed, 19 Aug 2026 16:01:53 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino speaks with Lourdes Macias, a rising sophomore college student in New York studying international relations with a particular interest in addressing education inequality, not just in the United States, but in the rest of the world.

Explore how writing shapes ideas, influences society, and creates opportunities in both personal and professional life.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Lead Incubator Mentee Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino
Guest: Lourdes Macias

Producer: Jessica Jagtiani

Editor: Joi Ysabella Carla Salvino, Jessica Jagtiani

Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

]]><![CDATA[Episode 2: Preserving Heritage, Community Spaces & Cultural Stories]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-2-preserving-heritage-communityhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/episode-2-preserving-heritage-communityWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:25:16 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Chelsea speaks with Seri Warden, Senior Director of Preservation Programs at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, about the power of preserving heritage, protecting community spaces, and honoring the stories that shape our collective identity.

Chelsea shares the inspiration behind The Empathy Collective, a digital archive dedicated to cultural exchange, oral histories, and youth storytelling. Together, she and Sari explore how historic preservation extends beyond landmarks to include local restaurants, gathering places, cultural institutions, and the everyday spaces that foster connection, resilience, and belonging.

From community-driven preservation efforts to climate resilience and the role of storytelling in safeguarding history, this conversation highlights how individuals of all ages can help protect the places and stories that matter most.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Lead Incubator Mentee Chelsea Zhu

Guest: Seri Worden, Senior Director of Preservation Programs, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Producer: Jessica Jagtiani

Editor: Jessica Jagtiani

Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

]]><![CDATA[Become a Girls Write Now Mentor or Mentee this Fall]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/become-a-girls-write-now-mentor-orhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/become-a-girls-write-now-mentor-orTue, 11 Aug 2026 22:01:42 GMTThe Girls Write Now Collaboratory is your home for multigenerational connection, storytelling, and community. In our three-month-long Journeys, mentors and their mentees explore chosen topics side-by-side. Develop your creative, academic, or professional projects across a wide range of genres and media, and get the personalized support you need to reach your goals.

From November 2026 through January 2027, embark on the Journey of a lifetime that fits your schedule and feeds your soul.

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APPLY BY AUG 31

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Each Journey can accommodate a limited number of mentors and mentees, so apply early to secure your spot in the Journey of your choice!

Journeys Like These & Many More:

Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity: Mentors and mentees will explore the natural world through the complementary lenses of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Deepen your observational and creative skills, expand your interdisciplinary thinking, and cultivate your ability to translate scientific understanding into meaningful art.

Hooked on Fiction: Story Structures for Plotters, Pantsers, & Plantsers: In this Journey, mentees and mentors will dive into all things story structure. Whether you are working on something in progress or developing something new, you will explore how to achieve a compelling beginning, middle, and end that is both character-driven and engaging. If you have ever written yourself into a corner and didn’t know what happens next, this Journey is for you.

Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion: Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, mentors and mentees will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. You’ll strengthen your ability to communicate ideas clearly, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and apply critical thinking across academic, professional, and civic contexts.

Dark Tales: A Horror Book Club: Step into the shadows of horror and explore what makes a story truly unsettling. Through three monthly book club meetings, mentors and mentees will engage in close readings and lively discussions of selected horror works, examining how authors build suspense, create atmosphere, evoke fear, and use the genre to explore deeper social, psychological, and cultural themes.

Inside Book Publishing: This Journey is for mentees who are serious about a career in publishing and mentors who either want to enter the field themselves or are experienced publishing professionals eager to share their expertise. Pairs in this Journey will explore the various roles at publishing companies and literary agencies and the nuts and bolts of the work they do.

Building Buzz: Publicity in the Publishing Industry: In this Journey, mentees and mentors will explore how books are marketed, discovered, and reach bestseller lists in the digital age. The experience examines how publicity campaigns are built—how publicists secure media coverage, interviews, reviews, and events to build visibility—alongside how authors cultivate authentic online presences and how trends shape reader engagement.


Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Episode 1: On Environmental Advocacy through Creative Expression & Community Action]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/1-on-environmental-advocacy-throughhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/1-on-environmental-advocacy-throughTue, 11 Aug 2026 17:02:39 GMTIn this episode of The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change, Lead Incubator Mentee Robyn Lam speaks with Girls Write Now mentor Melody Rose Serra about environmental advocacy, creative expression, and the importance of community-centered action. Together, they reflect on the personal experiences that shaped their passion for protecting the environment and discuss how writing, art, and storytelling can inspire meaningful change.

From restoring a neglected school garden to building creative spaces for youth voices, this conversation explores how young people can lead through curiosity, collaboration, and advocacy.

The Vision Lab: Youth Voices for Change is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Robyn Lam
Guest: Melody Rose Serra, artist, educator, & GWN mentor
Producer: Jessica Jagtiani
Editor: Jessica Jagtiani
Intro/Outro: Christine Obiamalu

]]><![CDATA[44. Speaking on Student Journalism in NYC's Public Schools]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/44-speaking-on-student-journalismhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/44-speaking-on-student-journalismWed, 29 Jul 2026 16:02:42 GMTIn this season finale of Speaking in First Draft, we dive into the world of student journalism with inspiring guests from the P.S. Weekly Podcast. Created by The Bell, a nonprofit committed to empowering students to become journalists and preserve independent media, P.S. Weekly explores pressing issues facing students and teachers in New York City schools.

Today's guests have investigated in their own podcast episodes a variety of these specific issues, from why AP Calculus is valuable to the curriculum, the shortcomings of the school bus system for disabled students, and the lasting impacts of the rise of school mergers. So, please welcome high school student journalists Noa Salas Adam, Mateo Tang O’Reilly, and Rayleen Laloi, as well as The Bell Staff members Sabrina DuQuesnay and Mira Gordon.

Listen to these brilliant students chat with Girls Write Now Mentor Ana Yglesias about how they found their journalistic voices through research and podcast development.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[43. Speaking on Trans Connection, Community, and Celebration]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/43-speaking-on-trans-connection-community-and-celebrationhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/43-speaking-on-trans-connection-community-and-celebrationWed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:31 GMTIn collaboration with Born This Way Foundation’s Channel Kindness youth storytelling platform, Speaking in First Draft is excited to feature two powerful and emotive writers, Lisa Laman and Parker Ramey. Lisa reads her own work, while Parker's piece finds its voice through the loving presence of their partner, reminding us that some stories are not only told, they are carried. Get ready to hear these writers tell stories about their experiences as trans people navigating identity, connection, and the world.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[42. Speaking on Love, Lesbianism, and Liberation]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/42-speaking-on-love-lesbianism-and-liberationhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/42-speaking-on-love-lesbianism-and-liberationThu, 25 Jun 2026 03:52:05 GMTOur Pride Month celebrations continue! This week, we are extremely excited to welcome photographer and activist Lola Flash, storyteller and writer Laura Hemingway, writer and tennis player Emilia Monell, and poet and mentee Zai Rivera. In conversation with GWN mentee Kama Barry, our guests leave no stone unturned when it comes to discussing the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender. You won’t want to miss this rich, intergenerational conversation about how navigating queerness has morphed over time amidst the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[41. Speaking on Queer Love and Second Chances with Georgia Clark]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/41-speaking-on-queer-love-and-second-chanceshttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/41-speaking-on-queer-love-and-second-chancesWed, 10 Jun 2026 16:01:15 GMTLet’s welcome novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Georgia Clark! Georgia is a romance writer whose stories widely and deeply capture audiences with the humanness of her queer characters. She is joined by Girls Write Now Teacher-In-Residence Kayla Dudley to discuss technicality and vulnerability in her newest novel, Play It Again. From her ensemble casts to writing across timelines, listen in to learn about this heartwarming story of first love, second chances, and the magic of finding your way back to the stage—and to the ones who knew you best.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[40. Speaking on Creative Burnout]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/40-speaking-on-creative-burnouthttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/40-speaking-on-creative-burnoutWed, 27 May 2026 16:01:06 GMTAs we come to a close on Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we figured it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room - burnout. Unfortunately, it's something way too many of us creatives are all too familiar with, especially these days. To lead this much-needed conversation, mentee Ruby Nicholson speaks with fellow mentee Kayla Hunt and licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kristie Norwood on maintaining wellness. From managing chaotic emotions to overwhelming social media feeds, this episode is a great reminder of how important it is for us creatives to know when we must choose ourselves.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[39. Speaking on Climate, Conflict, and Coverage]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/39-speaking-on-climate-conflict-and-coveragehttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/39-speaking-on-climate-conflict-and-coverageWed, 13 May 2026 15:59:13 GMTThis week, we’re diving into the intersections of journalism, climate change, and the realities of war. Heavy? We know. In the face of the many tumultuous circumstances we are all navigating across the globe, we at Speaking in First Draft hope to foster the hard conversations that are often few and far between. Prepare to hear from astute journalists Christabel Nsiah-Buadi and Jordan Gass-Poore, who draw on their many years of experience speaking with and reporting on the communities impacted by war and the climate crisis. Please also welcome Girls Write Now mentee and recent Barnard College grad Allison Su, who leads this truly riveting and timely conversation.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[38. Speaking on Growing Older]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/38-speaking-on-growing-olderhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/38-speaking-on-growing-olderWed, 29 Apr 2026 15:58:08 GMTToday’s conversation moves through creativity, time, and what it means to claim your voice no matter your age or where you begin. Let us welcome mentee Jayla Hall Cabrera, who published a book in their senior year of high school, proving that there are no rules, no boundaries, and no “right time” to put something out into the world. In conversation with mentee Sanjana Rajesh, they reflect on themes of death, choice, and the fleeting nature of time, inspired by the vignette-style storytelling in The House on Mango Street.

We will also get to hear about the creative process itself: what it means to let a project or collection expand into what it wants to be, to pivot, to experiment, and to embrace change rather than resist it. Listen in for a thoughtful, reflective conversation about storytelling, growth, and the courage to create on your own terms.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[37. Speaking on Reproductive Justice with Blair Imani]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/37-speaking-on-reproductive-justicehttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/37-speaking-on-reproductive-justiceWed, 15 Apr 2026 16:03:01 GMTHave you ever wanted your words to create positive change? Let’s welcome educator, writer, and creator of the TV show Smarter in Seconds, Blair Imani Ali! In conversation with Girls Write Now mentee Deb Coffy, they discuss their lively experiences as activists and organizers for reproductive justice, and its deep intersections across race and racism, and sociopolitical issues. From the importance of education to accessibility and intergenerationality, our guests explore just how much power you have when you use your voice.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[36. Speaking on Standup Comedy]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/36-speaking-on-standup-comedyhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/36-speaking-on-standup-comedyWed, 01 Apr 2026 16:01:41 GMTIt's April Fool's Day, and we're bringing you a special, silly episode with some very hilarious guests in our lineup! Featuring standup comedians Hollie Harper and Lai Lai Liu and cartoonist Emily Flake, this episode is all about navigating the many shapes and forms of comedy. This conversation is led by Girls Write Now Mentee Zabe Renee, a participant in our Power of Punchlines learning Journey who is currently developing their own stand-up set! So, tune in to get your week's dosage of laughter and advice from the folks who've made it their job to help you smile just a bit more.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[Celebrating Mentors of Color]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/celebrating-mentors-of-colorhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/celebrating-mentors-of-colorSun, 22 Mar 2026 16:01:11 GMT

Girls Write Now’s superpower is the diversity of people who make up the rich fabric of our community. This collection is dedicated to the amazing mentees and mentors of color within the Collaboratory who have shared their experiences and creativity.

Want to create and publish stories with Girls Write Now just like these? Join the Collaboratory!

Finding Your Inner Rage by Seema Khan

We women have so much anger that is bottled up inside us that has been restricted. It’s time to not let society dictate whether or not anger can be a part of our lives.

I Was Made to Be Big Before I Was Allowed to Be Small by Veony Marie Artis

An essay by Veony Marie Artis, an honorable mention in the 2025 Writing for Life Contest in the age 16-19 category.

Empowering HER Story: Bridging the Gap in Female Representation and Empowering Future Generations by Chloe Lee

Every young girl should be able to grow up with a diverse set of role models, empowering them to understand that they can do anything.

Here and There by Alyssa Yun

As an immigrant, you automatically have two homes, or maybe one home and a house. Either way, the question “where do I find my place and comfort within these homes” seems to never end.

Self-Defining a Strong Black Woman by Madison Aniyah Lawson

In this essay, I discuss my personal journey with the Strong Black Woman schema and how basing my self-worth on what I could accomplish was detrimental to my personal development.

El Océano, Mi Amor by Jamilah Araf

Every young girl should be able to grow up with a diverse set of role models, empowering them to understand that they can do anything.

Mi Dos Casitas by Jacqueline Bernabe

Highlighting the beauty of my two colorful homes.

Papi by Yesmil Polanco

I forgive you

Dios Te Bendiga by Izabell Mendez

This piece started as many little stories about my grandmother’s cooking and evolved into a story about my grandmother herself and the moments when we drink hot chocolate together.

Everlasting Color by Shenny Shantay

This piece was written to shed light on creatives. Artists often perceive the world in a unique way that many people don’t understand, so I wanted to do my best to describe that.

Inspired by these creative pieces by our Girls Write Now community, and want to get involved? Apply by April 30 to join a Summer Journey as a mentor or a mentee.

Thank you for reading and supporting this Girls Write Now story collection. To receive more collections and posts, consider subscribing:

]]><![CDATA[35. Speaking on Breaking the Mainstream]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/35-speaking-on-breaking-the-mainstreamhttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/35-speaking-on-breaking-the-mainstreamWed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:58 GMTIt’s Women's History Month, and we’re celebrating the vital impact of women in media and journalism. Let us welcome esteemed journalists Versha Sharma (Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue), Koa Beck (Former Editor-in-Chief of Jezebel and the co-host of “The #MeToo Memos” on WNYC’s The Takeaway), and Marina Fang (Former Senior Culture reporter at HuffPost). In conversation with Keitanya Klien, writer and former Girls Write Now mentee, they discuss their rich, generational experiences as women of color in the industry and share advice on how they built their careers. Listen to this honest, inspiring conversation about navigating the ever-changing media and journalism landscape, the importance of elevating marginalized voices, and the urgency of sharing your own story.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[34. Speaking on Monsters, Siblings, and Screenwriting]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/34-speaking-on-monsters-siblingshttps://media.girlswritenow.org/p/34-speaking-on-monsters-siblingsWed, 04 Mar 2026 16:57:23 GMTWe’re starting off season four of Speaking in First Draft with our own little writers’ room. We'll hear a short excerpt from mentee Genesis Juarez’s new dystopian project, which explores all things monsters and siblings. She is joined by GWN mentors Marya Cohn and Liza Wyles, who have worked in the film/TV industry for several years, writing, directing, and producing. You’ll be sure to enjoy this classic Speaking in First Draft episode featuring helpful screenwriting tips and some encouragement on how to navigate the ever-changing industry.

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 3]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-3https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-3Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:16:23 GMTSpeaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially from those whose stories are suppressed. In light of nationwide xenophobic attacks targeting immigrants, we’re handing our GWN community members the mic. We received so many wonderful stories for this originally planned two-part episode that we’re extending it to give you a third and final part. So, get ready to hear captivating stories from places such as Venezuela, Guatemala, and Lebanon. These community voices are invaluable and must be protected; we are honored to share their stories with you.

The episode features the following guests and their original pieces:

  1. Shannon O’Neill: From Saleh to O’Neill: A Century of Identity in Dearborn, Michigan

  2. Cruz: “They Called Me Blasphemy, I Called It Poetry”

  3. Daniel Q’illaw: Reflections on Immigrant Grief

  4. Estefania Mena: “The Love that Brought Me Here”

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 2]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-2https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-2Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:51:29 GMTSpeaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially those whose stories are suppressed. In light of nationwide xenophobic attacks targeting immigrants, we’re handing our GWN community members the mic. Get ready to hear captivating stories from Singapore, Bangladesh, and beyond. These community voices are invaluable and must be protected; we are honored to share their stories with you.

The episode features the following guests and their original pieces:

  1. Faiza Chowdhury: “A Bloodline’s End”

  2. Christine Obiamalu: Reflections on Coming to America

  3. Nathan: What the Heck Am I Doing Here?

  4. Sally Familia: “The Ritual Down the Block“

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

]]><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 1]]>https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-1https://media.girlswritenow.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-1Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:02:39 GMTSpeaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially those whose stories are suppressed. In light of nationwide xenophobic attacks targeting immigrants, we’re handing our Girls Write Now community members the mic. Get ready to hear captivating stories from Nigeria, Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, and other parts of the world. These community voices are invaluable and must be protected; we are honored to share their stories with you.

The episode features the following guests and their original pieces:

  1. Melania Luisa Marte: “Coming To America in III Parts” and “A Newlywed American Portrait”

  2. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond: An excerpt from My Parents’ Marriage

  3. Edafe Okporo: An excerpt from ASYLUM, A Memoir & Manifesto

  4. Vera Sirota: “Ode to Councilwoman Mary ‘Marusia’ Beck”

  5. Libsett Rodriguez: “¿Porqué no los dos?”"

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra

Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

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