Candy Stars
I hold my secrets in the shape of stars,
constellation-clustered candy like flaming balls of gas.
Sometimes they have five points.
Sometimes six.
Always, they burn
in that space inside your head
Young Writers Project
The Daily Read
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The LGBTQ+ Center
I went to the LGBTQ+ youth center for the first time.
For a year
I stared at the website,
wanting nothing more than to go.
When I finally went, on a Wednesday,
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Parenting Lessons
always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger
never have your wallet visible
don't listen to music in public
everyone's a stranger
you're our child; don't scare us.
Gallery
Spotlight
Teenager: A YWP Writing & Art Contest
In writing or visual art, respond to the challenge: What does it mean to be a teenager in America in 2025?
Challenges
Writing
Deadline
Desk
Imagine you are floating above your body, looking down on yourself drawing in response to this prompt. Sketch the view of yourself bent in concentration over your desk, pen in hand, materials spread out.
Writing
Deadline
Meliorism
A meliorist is one who believes that the world is on a steady path toward improvement and that humans can aid in its positive evolution. Are you a meliorist? If not, or your feelings are complicated, do you believe we have the power to change?
Writing
Deadline
Bears
The bears came out of hibernation early that spring. Little did everyone know they were actually an omen…
Writing
Deadline
Winter Tales
Tell a winter story in short descriptive or narrative poetry or prose. The best will be selected for presentation by Vermont Stage performers at the annual Winter Tales production in Burlington in December 2025!
Visual Art
Deadline
Teenager: In Visual Art
What does it mean to be a teenager in America in 2025? Responses can be abstract, literal, symbolic, interpretive, realistic – whatever best conveys your message.
Writing
Deadline
Teenager: In Writing
What does it mean to be a teenager in America in 2025? How would you describe your daily life? When and where do you most feel like your true self? Where do you find inspiration? What keeps you awake at night? What brings you joy?
News & Events
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Book Review: "Autobiography of Red" by Anne Carson
Iris Robert, YWP alumna, intern, and book lover, shares some of her recent finds with us. For February, Iris, eyesofIris on YWP, reviews "Autobiography of Red" by Anne Carson.
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Find the Wonder of Writing in this Workshop Series
YWP intern Alex Bregy shares his passion for writing in these informative online workshops.
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Photo Workshop: Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a foundational principle in photography and other visual arts that helps create balanced and visually engaging compositions. Join YWP Alumni Advisor Kevin Huang for this online workshop.
