<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></title><description><![CDATA[Girls Write Now breaks down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor and train the next generation of writers and leaders for life. ]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org</link><image><url>https://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.png</url><title>Girls Write Now</title><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 12:07:16 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[communications@girlswritenow.org]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[communications@girlswritenow.org]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[communications@girlswritenow.org]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[communications@girlswritenow.org]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[38. Speaking on Growing Older]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Today&#8217;s conversation moves through creativity, time, and what it means to claim your voice no matter your age or where you begin.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/38-speaking-on-growing-older</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/38-speaking-on-growing-older</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:58:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195884027/38724134206eba7d5ba1a832396e5239.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today&#8217;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 &#8220;right time&#8221; 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 <em>The House on Mango Street. </em><br><br>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.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[37. Speaking on Reproductive Justice with Blair Imani]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Have you ever wanted your words to create positive change?]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/37-speaking-on-reproductive-justice</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/37-speaking-on-reproductive-justice</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:03:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194303898/570c34d7c0276283b3068a29a7ab6c25.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever wanted your words to create positive change? Let&#8217;s welcome educator, writer, and creator of the TV show <em>Smarter in Seconds</em>, 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.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[36. Speaking on Standup Comedy]]></title><description><![CDATA[It's April Fool's Day, and we're bringing you a special, silly episode with some very hilarious guests in our lineup!]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/36-speaking-on-standup-comedy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/36-speaking-on-standup-comedy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:01:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192632374/b74e7a56ec8a3ec14209f333088f350f.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It'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.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p><div><hr></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Mentors of Color]]></title><description><![CDATA[Curated by IVEdit Committee; Art Designed by Kathryn Destin]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/celebrating-mentors-of-color</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/celebrating-mentors-of-color</guid><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:01:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RCoc!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd265e1c5-bb42-4ff2-8c72-6ee299dd458c_740x740.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RCoc!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd265e1c5-bb42-4ff2-8c72-6ee299dd458c_740x740.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RCoc!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd265e1c5-bb42-4ff2-8c72-6ee299dd458c_740x740.png 424w, 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h4><strong>Girls Write Now&#8217;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. </strong></h4><h5><em>Want to create and publish stories with Girls Write Now just like these? <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/collaboratory/">Join the Collaboratory!</a></em></h5><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/womens-rage/">Finding Your Inner Rage</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/seema-khan/">Seema Khan</a></h3><p>We women have so much anger that is bottled up inside us that has been restricted. It&#8217;s time to not let society dictate whether or not anger can be a part of our lives.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/womens-rage/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gYe6!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faa76f582-2d47-4b64-8e66-da35dbaae215_800x500.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gYe6!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faa76f582-2d47-4b64-8e66-da35dbaae215_800x500.png 848w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>Empowering HER Story: Bridging the Gap in Female Representation and Empowering Future Generations by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/chloe-lee/">Chloe Lee</a></h3><p>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.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/empowering-her-story-bridging-the-gap-in-female-representation-and-empowering-future-generations/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png" width="750" height="450" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eaR8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7c7bbd0-f4d3-4b53-8ed0-fce34f5a7cad_750x450.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/here-and-there/">Here and There</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/alyssa-yun/">Alyssa Yun</a></h3><p>As an immigrant, you automatically have two homes, or maybe one home and a house. Either way, the question &#8220;where do I find my place and comfort within these homes&#8221; seems to never end.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/here-and-there/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg" width="750" height="450" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fiKp!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcb0ae858-d2b9-4ffe-9982-791468d4a45a_750x450.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/self-defining-a-strong-black-woman/">Self-Defining a Strong Black Woman</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/madison-aniyah-lawson/">Madison Aniyah Lawson</a></h3><p>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.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/self-defining-a-strong-black-woman/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/el-oceano-mi-amor/">El Oc&#233;ano, Mi Amor</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/jamilah-araf/">Jamilah Araf</a></h3><p>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.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/el-oceano-mi-amor/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0LAW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1e167ba-c9c2-4efb-a267-d4f87ce436e3_750x450.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0LAW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1e167ba-c9c2-4efb-a267-d4f87ce436e3_750x450.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0LAW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1e167ba-c9c2-4efb-a267-d4f87ce436e3_750x450.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0LAW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1e167ba-c9c2-4efb-a267-d4f87ce436e3_750x450.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0LAW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1e167ba-c9c2-4efb-a267-d4f87ce436e3_750x450.png" width="750" height="450" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/mi-dos-casitas/">Mi Dos Casitas</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/jacqueline-bernabe/">Jacqueline Bernabe</a></h3><p>Highlighting the beauty of my two colorful homes.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/mi-dos-casitas/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BP98!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff0eb2a2-ddd9-40f9-98c5-3475e41f7c6f_1170x923.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BP98!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff0eb2a2-ddd9-40f9-98c5-3475e41f7c6f_1170x923.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BP98!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff0eb2a2-ddd9-40f9-98c5-3475e41f7c6f_1170x923.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BP98!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff0eb2a2-ddd9-40f9-98c5-3475e41f7c6f_1170x923.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BP98!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff0eb2a2-ddd9-40f9-98c5-3475e41f7c6f_1170x923.jpeg" width="1170" height="923" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/papi-2/">Papi</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/yesmil-polanco/">Yesmil Polanco</a></h3><p>I forgive you</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/papi-2/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>Dios Te Bendiga by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/izabell-mendez/">Izabell Mendez</a></h3><p>This piece started as many little stories about my grandmother&#8217;s cooking and evolved into a story about my grandmother herself and the moments when we drink hot chocolate together.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/dios-te-bendiga/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png" width="743" height="422" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:422,&quot;width&quot;:743,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:271736,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://girlswritenow.org/media/dios-te-bendiga/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/i/189175547?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C_tP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff84cefe0-ac5b-4071-9267-85dd31daacb9_743x422.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3><a href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/everlasting-color/">Everlasting Color</a> by <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/author/shennel-shantay/">Shenny Shantay</a></h3><p>This piece was written to shed light on creatives. Artists often perceive the world in a unique way that many people don&#8217;t understand, so I wanted to do my best to describe that.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://girlswritenow.org/media/everlasting-color/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png" width="800" height="500" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:500,&quot;width&quot;:800,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:708519,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://girlswritenow.org/media/everlasting-color/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/i/189175547?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AVHO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1826574-ef5b-40c3-95d7-c9902ac70519_800x500.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p><em>Inspired by these creative pieces by our Girls Write Now community, and want to get involved? <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/journeys/">Apply</a> by April 30 to join a Summer Journey as a mentor or a mentee. </em></p><div><hr></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thank you for reading and supporting this Girls Write Now story collection. To receive more collections and posts, consider subscribing:</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[35. Speaking on Breaking the Mainstream]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s Women's History Month, and we&#8217;re celebrating the vital impact of women in media and journalism.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/35-speaking-on-breaking-the-mainstream</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/35-speaking-on-breaking-the-mainstream</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/191379293/51c0258755a6113d036077345e281cb3.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s Women's History Month, and we&#8217;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 &#8220;The #MeToo Memos&#8221; on WNYC&#8217;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.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[34. Speaking on Monsters, Siblings, and Screenwriting]]></title><description><![CDATA[We&#8217;re starting off season four of Speaking in First Draft with our own little writers&#8217; room.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/34-speaking-on-monsters-siblings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/34-speaking-on-monsters-siblings</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:57:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/189892857/652a745c1a62894aa1e899bf58a21424.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re starting off season four of Speaking in First Draft with our own little writers&#8217; room. We'll hear a short excerpt from mentee Genesis Juarez&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Speaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially from those whose stories are suppressed.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-3</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-3</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:16:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/178815669/745917344ea46fb8c13e0c4cd6ef6035.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Speaking 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&#8217;re handing our GWN community members the mic. We received so many wonderful stories for this originally planned two-part episode that we&#8217;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.</p><p>The episode features the following guests and their original pieces:</p><ol><li><p>Shannon O&#8217;Neill: From Saleh to O&#8217;Neill: A Century of Identity in Dearborn, Michigan</p></li><li><p>Cruz: &#8220;They Called Me Blasphemy, I Called It Poetry&#8221;</p></li><li><p>Daniel Q&#8217;illaw: Reflections on Immigrant Grief</p></li><li><p>Estefania Mena: &#8220;The Love that Brought Me Here&#8221;</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Speaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially those whose stories are suppressed.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:51:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/178197722/56a3fbd26e70e2639b66b77ea3aaeee6.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Speaking 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&#8217;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.</p><p>The episode features the following guests and their original pieces:</p><ol><li><p>Faiza Chowdhury: &#8220;A Bloodline&#8217;s End&#8221;</p></li><li><p>Christine Obiamalu: Reflections on Coming to America </p></li><li><p>Nathan: What the Heck Am I Doing Here?</p></li><li><p>Sally Familia: &#8220;The Ritual Down the Block&#8220;</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on the Stories in Our Suitcases Pt. 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Speaking in First Draft is dedicated to elevating a range of creative voices and experiences, especially those whose stories are suppressed.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-the-stories-in-our-suitcases-1</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:02:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/177529432/e46aea18506469c0ff89ed39ffac2369.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Speaking 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&#8217;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.</p><p>The episode features the following guests and their original pieces: </p><ol><li><p>Melania Luisa Marte: &#8220;Coming To America in III Parts&#8221; and &#8220;A Newlywed American Portrait&#8221;</p></li><li><p>Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond: An excerpt from <em>My Parents&#8217; Marriage</em></p></li><li><p>Edafe Okporo: An excerpt from <em>ASYLUM, A Memoir &amp; Manifesto</em></p></li><li><p>Vera Sirota: &#8220;Ode to Councilwoman Mary &#8216;Marusia&#8217; Beck&#8221;</p></li><li><p>Libsett Rodriguez: &#8220;&#191;Porqu&#233; no los dos?&#8221;"</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on Red Birds and Grief]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Let&#8217;s welcome first-time author Diandra Ford-Wing behind the book "Red Bird," detailing her experience with profound loss and grief.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-red-birds-and-grief</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-red-birds-and-grief</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:01:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/176873199/c54bb26566b68b061f7653762f3f5715.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Back with another riveting episode for this bonus season, let&#8217;s welcome first-time author Diandra Ford-Wing! In conversation with Girls Write Now&#8217;s Creative Marketing Director, Chelle Carter-Willson, they discuss Diandra&#8217;s debut novel - &#8220;Red Bird&#8221;. In this story, Diandra details the tremendous pain she underwent after losing two of the most important women in her life. From nature, spirituality, to healing, our guests leave no leaf unturned in this beautiful reflection on the mental beast that is grief.</p><p>&#8212;</p><p>TW: References to sexual assault, death, and suicide</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on Becoming Wicked with Winnie Holzman]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Together, Winnie and host Kathryn get real about process, influences, and legacy when it comes to creating the cultural sensation Wicked. Get behind-the-scenes stories of the development and &#8220;betterizing&#8221; of Wicked, and what we can continue to learn from it in our ever-so-complicated, but beautiful world.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-becoming-wicked-winnie-holzman</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-becoming-wicked-winnie-holzman</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:01:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/175532867/e58ae3486090680e4642afe92dff1a01.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re <em>obsessulated</em> with our next bonus season guest, Winnie Holzman, writer and co-creator of Wicked the <a href="https://wickedthemusical.com/">musical</a> and <a href="https://www.wickedmovie.com/">films</a>. Together, Winnie and host Kathryn get real about process, influences, and legacy when it comes to creating a cultural sensation. Prepare to hear some behind-the-scenes stories of the development and &#8220;betterizing&#8221; of Wicked, and what we can continue to learn from it in our ever-so-complicated, but beautiful world.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Kenna McCaferty, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on Black Literary Legacies with Dana A Williams]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Let us welcome Howard University&#8217;s esteemed professor and scholar of African-American literature Dana A.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-black-literary-legacies-dana-a-williams</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-black-literary-legacies-dana-a-williams</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:00:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/175121188/f7a9a85e4627abf5669b6bc1f9b899a8.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let us welcome Howard University&#8217;s esteemed professor and scholar of African-American literature Dana A. Williams! She is joined by Community Coordinator Annaya Baynes to discuss her newest book, <em><a href="http://harpercollins.com/products/toni-at-random-dana-a-williams">Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer&#8217;s Legendary Editorship</a></em>. In this biography of the brilliant novelist and activist Toni Morrison, Dana recounts Morrison&#8217;s legacy, close mentorship, and tenure as an editor at Penguin Random House. Listen in to this rich conversation between the two HBCU graduates as they discuss how vital it is to honor Black storytelling, mentorship, and art now more than ever.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Kenna McCaferty, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on Making Do in the Kitchen and in Life with Chef Kardea Brown]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Today, we are thrilled to welcome the talented chef and author, Food Network Star Kardea Brown Smith.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-making-do-kardea-brown</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/bonus-speaking-on-making-do-kardea-brown</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:01:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/174489752/79c25591d07c5107b761f830f60e56bc.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, we are thrilled to welcome the talented chef and author, Food Network Star Kardea Brown Smith. Host Kathryn, had the privilege of speaking with Chef Kardea about her new cookbook <em><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/make-do-with-what-you-have-kardea-brown?variant=43739769733154">Make Do with What You Have</a>. </em>Set to launch later this year, Kardea shares 100 delicious new and accessible recipes rooted in the legacy of her family and hometown of the Gullah Geechee Sea Islands off South Carolina&#8217;s coast. We dive into rich topics such as gaining strength from &#8220;struggle&#8221; meals, the historical impact of race on the culinary industry, and how to manifest your dreams through writing.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Kenna McCaferty, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BONUS: Speaking on Defying Death with Rachel Bloom]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Speaking in First Draft returns for a special bonus season celebrating some of our newest additions to the Girls Write Now community.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/speaking-on-defying-death</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/speaking-on-defying-death</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:20:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/173918221/1a8e2e60ebcaad26b5cb1d0b3b4ac97a.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Speaking in First Draft returns for a special bonus season celebrating some of our newest additions to the Girls Write Now community. We are thrilled to highlight some of the remarkable voices we&#8217;ll honor at our Girls Write Now Awards this fall, so make sure ot stay tuned! This season, we&#8217;ll talk about a diversity of topics through creative writing and artistic lenses, from sharing culture through cooking to processing grief to navigating the immigrant experience, and so much more. Thank you for listening!</p><p>Today's special episode features comedic actress and writer, and one of our awardees for 2025, Rachel Bloom. In conversation with mentee Inica Kotasthane, they discuss how they defy death! In promotion of Rachel's latest Netflix special, <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81746515">Death, Let Me Do My Special</a>, they reflect on using stand-up comedy to process the trauma from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we can&#8217;t guarantee you the cheat code to avoid death entirely, you&#8217;ll surely learn all the ways Rachel and Inica have learned to laugh and love through tremendous loss.</p><div><hr></div><p>Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Vahni Kurra, and Kenna McCaferty</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[33. Speaking on Advocacy as a Two Way Street]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | For our final episode of season 3, we're joined by GWN mentee alum Romaissaa Benzizoune and our Community Coordinator Kenna McCaferty to dive into the world of advocacy journalism.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/33-speaking-on-advocating-for-yourself</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/33-speaking-on-advocating-for-yourself</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:01:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/169005353/34ed865f430853c9c4f2d8897aad7ce4.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For our final episode of season 3, we're joined by GWN mentee alum Romaissaa Benzizoune and our Community Coordinator Kenna McCaferty to dive into the world of advocacy journalism. Romaissaa, a passionate writer, editor, and aficionado of culture and opinion writing, gives an honest and personal insight into the current state of digital and print media. Things aren't like they used to be and it is felt across the industry. If you're interested in learning more about the ups and downs of pursuing journalism, finding purpose in creative essay writing, and learning to adapt to this ever changing industry, then this is the episode for you.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p><div><hr></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[32. Speaking on Shifting from Chasing to Living: The Ambition Trap]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | In this episode, we&#8217;re diving into how writing can help you step into your zone of genius, why we often self-sabotage to restore a sense of safety, and how your relationship with ambition shapes the life you are building.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/32-speaking-on-shifting-from-chasing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/32-speaking-on-shifting-from-chasing</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:02:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/167878486/1c0d5594492059f25bc85079473c4fa2.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we&#8217;re diving into how writing can help you step into your zone of genius, why we often self-sabotage to restore a sense of safety, and how your relationship with ambition shapes the life you are building. We're joined by Vahni Kurra, our Marketing and Communications Manager and Amina AlTai, leadership coach, chronic illness advocate, and author of <em>The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living</em>. Together, they talk about the generational shift in ambition and why, even if a book has already been written, no one can share your story quite like you can!</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[31. Speaking on Demystifying Racial Identity]]></title><description><![CDATA[Race and identity lie at the bedrock of the US.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/speaking-on-demystifying-racial-identity</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/speaking-on-demystifying-racial-identity</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:24:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/166821805/0e7a709283c60457b808c75c2e2866c5.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <em>Swirl Girl: Coming of Race in the USA.</em> 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 <em>Sinners</em>!</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[30. Speaking on Skating to Liberation with Arriel Vinson]]></title><description><![CDATA[On first crushes, writing a novel-in-verse, and the revolutionary acts of Black roller skaters]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/30-speaking-on-skating-to-liberation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/30-speaking-on-skating-to-liberation</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:07:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/165721643/d39f8105dcefda76edb875fb5acbed71.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we're taking a poetic trip to the roller rink with Arriel Vinson, a Girls Write Now mentor alum and debut author of Under the Neon Lights. In her discussion with mentee Maryam Oguntola, Arriel explores the connection between Black liberation and roller skating, and how it inspired her novel-in-verse. From talking about Midwestern hometowns to revolutionary protest, first crushes to developing a poetic style, this conversation will make you want to grab your skates and find your own place of communal joy.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BBez!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F70b080fa-bf8c-4b33-9f18-5b38a5085337_1080x839.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BBez!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F70b080fa-bf8c-4b33-9f18-5b38a5085337_1080x839.png 424w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>If you want the chance to meet Arriel and do some writing in community, come to our Friday Night Salon on June 20th at 6 PM ET! The event is hybrid, so you can join us at the Girls Write Now headquarters in Manhattan or online. You can register at <a href="https://girlswritenow.org/event/june20salon/">https://girlswritenow.org/event/june20salon/</a>.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/30-speaking-on-skating-to-liberation?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/30-speaking-on-skating-to-liberation?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, Vahni Kurra, and Annaya Baynes</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for listening! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[29. Speaking On Putting Yourself on Paper]]></title><description><![CDATA[The path to a writing career isn't always straight, as you'll learn in this episode.]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/29-speaking-on-putting-yourself-on</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/29-speaking-on-putting-yourself-on</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 16:02:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/164592112/09316d595a77e56bbb0bcc422612d6d4.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The path to a writing career isn't always straight, as you'll learn in this episode. Girls Write Now pair Summer Boxer and Hanna Neier chat about Hanna's start in law, what brought them to GWN, and writing historical fiction. Summer and Hanna give advice for writers who are just beginning. Start the episode for thoughts on writing historical fiction and stay for the positive energy of this amazing pair!</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[28. Speaking On the Muse Behind Music Journalism ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Have you ever felt like the less an artist gives, the more powerful their message becomes?]]></description><link>https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/28-speaking-on-the-muse-behind-the</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org/p/28-speaking-on-the-muse-behind-the</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Girls Write Now]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 16:02:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/163560170/39a7c7c8335eaea8455afb4b7692de52.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever felt like the less an artist gives, the more powerful their message becomes? This week, we're diving into the world of music journalism with Mentor Ana Yglesias and Mentor Sidney Madden, a music journalist who knows what it means to protect the sacredness of the craft. Together, they unpack what makes a great story pitch, how editors shape the writing process, and why artists like Beyonc&#233; inspire them to hone their voices with purpose. From gender dynamics in the industry to finding inspiration in unexpected places, this conversation is a deep look into the storytelling behind the music.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Speaking in First Draft</strong> is a production by <strong>Girls Write Now</strong>.</p><p>Host: Kathryn Destin</p><p>Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Editors: Annaya Baynes, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra</p><p>Music by Jaya Rao-Herel</p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>