GrubStreet is thrilled to congratulate Karen Wilfrid! Novel Incubator and Essay Incubator graduate and author of the middle grade book Just Lizzie, Karen Wilfrid, had her essay “Come See Me Before You Go,” about losing a student to suicide, published in Electric Literature.

We asked Karen how her time at GrubStreet and in the Novel and Essay Incubators influenced her accomplishment:

"My writing was immeasurably shaped by the Essay and Novel Incubator programs. The community of my instructors and peers helped me to re-envision and improve my work in ways I could not have accomplished on my own. Both programs also helped me enter into the world of publishing--through connections with agents, advice on querying and pitching, and support with the inevitable rejections. I will be forever grateful!"

Are you planning to apply to the 2025–2026 Online Novel Incubator or Essay Incubator? The deadline is July 16th!

Do you have writing news to share? Every Thursday, we spotlight accomplishments from our community in the Spreading the Love newsletter’s “Department of Congratulations.” To be featured, fill out this form. Your news may also be highlighted in a future blog post on our website!