Today’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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org