Speaking in First Draft

In this episode, we’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 The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living. 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!

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

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

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

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.

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 https://girlswritenow.org/event/june20salon/.

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

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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!

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

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 Beyoncé 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.

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

For our third and final part in our series on writing as activism, host Kathryn Destin speaks with GWN Teaching Artist Anna Lapera, Mentor alum Amira Pierce, and current mentee Maya about campus activism. With rising student movements and Gen-Z activism in response to repression from the institutions that are supposed to protect them, our episode guests share their experiences and perspectives on what is truly a historic moment for our country. The conversation discusses a variety of topics from overcoming university censorship, to using writing to raise awareness, to building true community rooted in solidarity. A special thank you to Anna, Amira, and Maya for your bravery and courage in the face of it all.

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

In part two of our three part series on writing as activism, we're discussing environmental justice. In the last year, many of our GWN community members were impacted by climate disasters from hurricanes to fires to droughts, and more. So, in the face of this new reality, we're trying something new for this episode. Instead of an interview, you'll listen to pieces from community members Robyn Lam, Rosalie Turner, and Jordan Gass-Poore creatively discussing the crisis that impacts us all.

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

In these tumultuous times, we often turn to art as a guide to true north. GWN's Kathryn Destin moderates a conversation with mentees Ayah Al-Masyabi and Allison Su. In this first episode of our three part series on writing as activism, you’ll hear a beautiful conversation about writing as resistance, surviving the overwhelming news cycle, and staying steadfast in your activism. You'll leave the episode with a longer TBR list and a few action items to begin your own form of resistance.

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

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

Have you ever been told, "Okay, now explain it to me like I'm 5 years old," and then realized that prompt is much harder than you thought it would be? This week, we're learning about children's book writing from authors and mentor alum Linda Marshall, Ashna Shah, and Candice Jalili. In this thoughtful and enlightening conversation, our guests go through the many steps of children's book writing from brainstorming to collaborating with illustrators. You might even learn a thing or two as they share how they creatively explain challenging topics like the AI revolution and political instability to our world's most impressionable minds. 

Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now

Host: Kathryn Destin

Producers: Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra

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

Music by Jaya Rao-Herel

Our first episode of Speaking in First Draft Season 3 features a lovely and profound conversation between our very poetic Community Coordinators Sally Familia (they/them) and Azia Armstead (she/her). Together they explore Sally's new chapbook "Leaving, Then Coming Back", which discusses themes of departure, return, transformation, and so much more. Expect to learn this episode what Sally and Azia think about the concept of home, choosing joy and hope, and honoring the voices of our past selves.