Dear Future Interns,
If this were in-person, I’d shake your hand or probably give a little wave if you were really against physical contact. Although, I am a handshaker, so I guess I’d actually force you to do it. Just not in a mean way, of course. Sort of like in a firm, welcoming, friendly way to put you at ease.

oh. Great. Now it’s turned awkward.
All of that would be in my head as I greeted you and told you with, “Hi! I’m Georgette. I interned at Gotham Writers for Fall 2013. Nice to meet you.”
And now you think I’m crazy.
And that’s fine too, because that tends to happen.
But congratulations! You’re the new interns at Gotham Writers Workshop! You’re here at a great time, because the company’s going through this massive evolution with changes galore, and I am kind of jealous with how much of the final product you’ll get to see. Please take lots of pictures.
As welcoming and as friendly everyone is at the Gotham offices, I figured I’d try to greet you to the Intern Desk–or desks? I’m not sure if that’s part of the changes–and help you make your first days feel right at home. Imani, Devin, and I shared a desk, which I think broke the ice much faster for us, especially since I found out that Imani loves the same cartoons as I do and that Devin will talk me out of over thoughts.
Imani and Devin just say, “Hi.”
While we know your experience will be much different from ours or even from the interns before us, we figured we’d give you a few highlights or tips from our perspective.
Never Hesitate to Ask
Georgette: Even if it’s “how was your weekend?” or “do you know the way to San Jose?” I think you should never be afraid to ask a question, and you will have lots of them. Maybe not San Jose exactly, but there will be that point where you have absolutely no idea of how to respond and your jerk reaction will be pretending to know. Don’t pretend to know. Someone who knows is nearby, so you should ask.
Devin: There will be a moment when you pick up the phone and something on the other end (most likely a person) says something you do not understand- maybe a question you don’t have the answer to, or just a string of sounds you can’t comprehend. It’s ok, just swing your chair around and ask Street, Britt, and Dana, and take a deep breath. I’m still doing this and it’s my last week, so chill.
Imani: “What’s to eat around here?” is an ever pressing question seeing there are many choices in the area. I personally couldn’t make up my mind and opted for packed lunch and $1 pizza. Almost three months later, I finally tried Tabata 2 a couple doors down from the office. I say this to say, be fearless in your search of delicious eats!
Find out the Dates for People’s Birthdays

Georgette: Apparently, we missed Devin’s, mine, and almost Imani’s birthdays during this. By “almost” missing Imani’s, I mean that we purchased the cupcakes, but I almost forgot to give them to her.
Devin: I hate birthdays.
Imani: I admire Devin’s honesty.
Georgette: Whatever. You guys like cupcakes.
Take a Supa Cool Class
Georgette: I ended up taking stand-up comedy, when I initially wanted to take a Blogging or Humor. Devin won rock-paper-scissors, so I ended up in Stand-Up class. And I enjoyed it because it was something new and just plain different than the type of writing I normally take.
Granted, it was uncomfortable, but I am pretty excited, nervous, confused, happy, hungry about the show.
Devin: Fiction! Take fiction! I would probably die if I took stand-up comedy, so I went with fiction. I love reading fiction, but had never taken a writing workshop specific to it. My class is awesome, and I’m learning a lot of techniques and ideas that can be transferred to any area of writing.
Imani: If you have a hectic schedule, online classes will be your best friend.
Take One-Days
Devin: I took article writing, how to blog, and children’s book writing. One-days are great for learning about a genre you know absolutely nothing about, and you get to meet more Gotham teachers, which is always fun.
Georgette: I really enjoyed the one-days. It was my way of taking all the classes I wanted.
Imani: I took Children’s Book Writing which gave me some valuable insights and thoughtful writing prompts, which also worked out well for some fiction pieces I’ve been working on. Had my schedule allowed, I would’ve loved to take more. I hope you guys have the time to partake.
Do a Write-in
Devin: Write and eat. It’s great.
Georgette: Cheese and meeting other writers is always interesting.
Imani: Talking to people isn’t so bad and yeah, eat.
Have a Google Doc Battle
Devin: If you’re feeling daring.
Georgette: If it’s quiet in the office and is so intense and you don’t want to break it with a sneeze, this is the easiest form of communication with your fellow interns.
Imani: Ah, the good ole days.
If You Have an Idea, Try It

like any idea
Georgette: I really liked creating new ads and fliers and filming videos. I also really enjoyed writing for the blog. It would be something we just wanted to try and then we’d do it and just see, but I always liked the results. I was really impressed with our work.
Devin: Yeah, we’re pretty impressive. Good luck living up to us.
Go to the Little Pie Company
Georgette: Because nothing says victory like an entire personal banana cream pie after a day at the internship.