The Young Authors Collective (YAC) is an inclusive, welcoming space where teen writers ages 14-18 create long-lasting friendships, connect with a larger literary community, and develop writing skills.
We are holding an info session for the YAC — Rainbow Cohort on January 24, 2023 from 5:00-6:00 PM MDT.
Members of YAC build their craft by workshopping (giving and receiving feedback) their writing, engaging in interactive skill-building sessions, and learning how to "read as a writer." YAC also focuses on reading marginalized and traditionally underrepresented writers, to expand our collective notion of the literary canon.
Lighthouse currently offers three cohorts:
- Young Authors Collective — Colorado
- Young Authors Collective — Online
- Young Authors Collective — Rainbow
Each YAC cohort is made up of 12 writers who meet weekly; interested teens must complete an application. Writers are welcome to join more than one cohort if space is available. Once accepted into YAC, writers can apply for partial or full tuition assistance through a simple online form.
YAC – Colorado
YAC – Colorado meets in person at Lighthouse Writers Workshop (Denver) each Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 PM MDT from September to May. Our Colorado cohort is a great option for writers ages 14-18 who want to build in-person connections with peers as well as participate in occasional special projects and/or events with the Lighthouse staff and community. Past YAC – Colorado cohorts have been known for their loud laughter and love of snacks.
“I learned so much, not just about writing, but about myself. I went in as a little freshman, the self-proclaimed ‘innocent one,’ and ended with my nickname being Malicious Macy. The community I was a part of was close-knit, and from the minute I arrived, I felt welcome. And of course, my writing grew exponentially better.” – Macy G.
YAC – Online
YAC – Online (formerly the Remote Writing Cohort) meets via Zoom each Thursday from 4:00-6:00 PM MDT September to May. This group offers teens ages 14-18 an opportunity to connect with fellow writers across the United States and around the globe. Members enjoy connecting with each other through video/audio and an active chat as well as supporting each other on individual writing goals. YAC – Online is known for its ability to pen powerful puns, flex around tech issues and jokester siblings, and zoom in from wherever they may be on a given week.
“Young Authors Collective—Online is a welcoming place for all young writers who feel excited (or nervous) about sharing their writing with others. This community is also a place for questions, advice, humor, and building confidence!” Alex B.
YAC — Rainbow
YAC – Rainbow meets via zoom each Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 PM MDT . The Rainbow YAC cohort for teen writers ages 14-18 is for those who identify as LGBTQIAP+ or as an ally! Applications open January 24, 2023.
As part of YAC – Rainbow, we’ll explore examples by our elder “queeroes” and “transcestors” to find inspiration for new works of our own. In fact, all examples in these sessions—such as short stories, novel or memoir excerpts, and writing prompts—will be from writers and artists who identify as queer and/or trans. Members can also expect to learn about LGBTQIAP+ authors whose voices have been historically marginalized or silenced because of their multiple identities, such as being Black and queer. This is a safe, confidential, and brave space where you can share your words without feeling like you have to explain your identities.
Apply to YAC – Rainbow to join a joy-filled writing community.
To learn more about YAC — Rainbow, sign up for our info session on January 24, 2023 from 5:00-6:00 PM.