Young Writers' Workshop
What do we do?
We learn and grow together in our writing as we explore new techniques and fun ways to advance our storytelling.
We learn how to map out our stories, how to build fantasy maps, how to get to know your characters, and much more!
Where are we?
Right now, we meet after school at an elementary school, but we hope to grow beyond that. For privacy reasons, I cannot be more specific.
Hopefully, if time and resources allow, we can find a central location where more people can find us.
Run by Volunteers
We are here for young writers. All money raised for the program goes into materials and resources for the group. Everyone who contributes is a volunteer. They volunteer their time and knowledge for the sole purpose of raising a new generation of creative writers. We are excited to share our knowledge with aspiring young writers. We aim to build a community of young people excited about storytelling who can learn as early as possible that they are not alone.
Fundraising Anthology
Soon to be Released!
This year's 2026 Fundraising Anthology, Twisted Tales, is set to be released by the end of April!
Sign up for the announcement through my Contact page so you can get your copy as soon as it's out!
All proceeds go back into the program.
Origin Story...
I started this non-profit program in March 2025 at a local elementary school. I knew the principal so I sent him a message about my idea to create a program for storytellers.
Merely 2 days later, he responded to ask if we could meet and talk about it! By the next week, it had started.
I had expected only about 5 or, optimistically, 10 kids to trickle in out of curiosity. I started with 35 kids on fire for learning how to craft a story! It was incredible.
The numbers fluctuate, of course, but the heart of the group does not. It's amazing how kids will rise to the challenge if you point them in the right direction.
Just like I see pieces of myself in my characters, I also see my kid self in these students. They have so much to give, so many stories and characters and conflicts in their heads, they just need help expressing them.
As I look at their eager faces, I remember who I was back then, what I wish I had... a guide. I did not know it at the time, but once I had the chance to learn from my own mentors in the field of writing (I'm looking at you, Dabble), I knew what I had missed all those years ago. I knew the role God had laid out for me.
So, now, I plot along (pun intended) and teach everything I learn. I got my Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now, I must do the best I can to be theirs... just without the epic death scene... I hope.
There will always be more to learn in the realm of creating new worlds, new stories from nothing, but now, we can learn it together.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways you can contribute to this program.
1. Volunteer your time as a speaker.
If you have expertise in the field of writing and you feel compelled to share that knowledge with kids between the ages of 9 and 15, please Contact Me so we can work on a plan to do just that.
2. Donate materials or money for materials.
We are still working on the best way to go about this one, but we are completely open to it. If you would like to donate anything to the program, such as instructional booklets, paper, pencils, pens, binders, etc, please Contact Me with your idea and together we will make it happen.
3. Contribute/Buy our Annual Fundraising Anthology!
Every year, we will be announcing a new Anthology project. It will be a collection of stories from various authors all around the world as well as the students in the program. The students will be encouraged to enter a story, but it is not mandatory. All proceeds from the anthology will go back into the program. All authors retain the copyright to their own work, which means we will need expressed permission to print the story in the anthology for as long as it is in print.
Find more details about the Anthology below.
4. Support us
The biggest way you can make an impact is to support young writers in your life. Encourage them. Let them know that you are behind them in their passion. Too often, writers are told that writing is not a career, but merely a hobby. It can be both. If someone wishes to turn a "hobby" into a career, they can. It takes a lot of work and even more perseverance, but it CAN be done.
Please support and encourage the young writers exploring their talents. Let them know that they have your support to chase their passion in storytelling
The art of storytelling is an incredible gift. It is our job to let the new generations know that.
Annual Fundraising Anthology
A collection of stories written by various authors, both young and experienced, all centered around a theme.
Every year, we will announce the theme of the upcoming Anthology around September. The deadline for submissions will be sent out in the newsletter along with any updates. You can sign up for them below.
The audience is ages 8-12 years old (3rd through 8th graders, for those in the U.S.). All entries are reviewed before they are accepted. If any of the themes or subjects in the story are deemed too mature, the author will be contacted about optional changes. We cannot guarantee that every entry will be entered into the published work, but we appreciate every contribution.
All authors retain their own copyrights to their work. This means that you may use it for other purposes if you wish. All we need from you is expressed permission to print your story for as long as the anthology is in print. We will never share your writing without direct permission. Every author will get full credit and acknowledged in the book by either their pen name or their real name, depending on the author's preference.
We do not use AI in the anthology. Any entries that utilize AI in any way, shape, or form, will be automatically refused and disqualified. We are looking for real creativity, real work, real writers. Yes, we can tell when it is made by AI. Real writing holds the depth of a person's soul within the pages. Computer programs do not have a soul. Anyone who has read a real person's stories can tell the difference.
All artwork in the anthology will be made by real people as well, either students or authors. Artists will also retain all rights to their own work. They will receive full credit for their work, notated with their name or artist handle, depending on their preference.
This anthology is designed to give young writers a chance to be in print. There's no way to describe what it is like seeing something you created end up on something official. You get to feel official, real, like your passion is a valid choice. This anthology is here to build confidence and give young writers publishing experience. Once published, they are officially an author and can say so with pride.
We decided to use this collection of stories to raise money for the program. All the money goes toward teaching materials and rewards for the students. Every bit helps.
Please contact me with any questions regarding the Anthology.
ALL money raised with the anthology will go directly back into the program for the kids.
New Anthology Available Soon