Summer Class 2026: Finding your Voice
Class Description
July 27–31 8:00–9:30 AM PST | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM EST
Open to Writers of All Skill Levels (Recommended Beginner - Intermediate Writers)
What makes a piece of writing unmistakably yours? Finding Your Voice is a week-long creative writing course designed to help writers discover and develop the unique perspective, style, and storytelling approach that sets their work apart.
Through guided writing exercises, mentor texts, group discussions, and creative experimentation, participants will explore the many elements that shape a writer's voice; from personal experiences and interests to tone, word choice, and narrative style. Writers will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, try new forms of expression, and reflect on the stories they are uniquely equipped to tell.
This course is especially valuable for newer writers seeking confidence in their craft, but experienced writers will also benefit from opportunities to refine their style and deepen their understanding of their creative identity. By the end of the week, participants will leave with new pieces of writing, a stronger sense of self as a writer, and practical strategies for continuing to develop their voice long after the course concludes.
Class Summary
Students will examine how writers develop distinctive voices and learn practical techniques for strengthening their own style, perspective, and creative expression. Through experimentation with different forms, genres, and approaches to storytelling, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what makes their writing unique. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of original writing, increased confidence in their creative choices, and a personalized toolkit for continuing to grow as writers.
Topics covered:
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Understanding the elements of a writer's voice
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Tone, style, and word choice
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Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and interests
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Experimenting with different genres and forms
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Developing authenticity and confidence in writing
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Analyzing mentor texts and author techniques
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Revision strategies for strengthening voice
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Building sustainable writing habits and creative practice
Students will participate in instructor-led and supervised lessons with activities during online sessions. They will then have the rest of the day to write at their own pace, applying the skills taught in class to their projects.
Meet Your Instructors
Keiko Rakin is the Founder and CEO of the Young Authors' Alliance (YAA), an international organization empowering youth writers. She is an incoming freshman at Wellesley College studying English & Creative Writing and Peace & Justice Studies, and passionate about storytelling, advocacy, and education. Keiko is in the process of publishing her 450-page fantasy novel and has participated in programs including WriteGirl, Write The World, UCLA Writers' Extension, Idyllwild Arts, and the Telluride Association Summer Seminar. She has also taught three previous YAA summer programs: Introduction to Creative Writing, Speculative Fiction, and Writing for Social Justice. Through her work as a writer, educator, and nonprofit leader, Keiko is dedicated to helping young people find their voice and share their stories with the world.
Angelina Yip is a student leader and award-winning public speaker passionate about youth empowerment through storytelling. She serves as President of PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students) and as a Student Board Member for the Alhambra Unified School District, where she advocates for student voice, inclusion, and wellness. Angelina has earned numerous public speaking awards at both the local and state levels, including first-place finishes in FBLA competitions and the Lions Student Speaker Contest. She is also a participant in USC Annenberg’s Youth Academy, where she studies communication, journalism, and media literacy. As a co-teacher for Young Authors Alliance’s Finding Your Voice class, she is excited to share her experience and help students become confident, authentic, and impactful communicators.