The 2026 CYC Scholarship Application is now live!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with you: the 2026 Creative Youth Collective Scholarship Application is live!

The CYC Scholarship will support one outstanding young writer (ages 15–21) with a full, semester-long membership in the Collective for Fall 2026. Three partial scholarships will also be offered to shortlisted applicants. Exceptional writers slightly outside this age range will be considered.

As many of you know, the Creative Youth Collective is not a class or a workshop series. It’s a sustained, individualized mentorship program centered on long-form creative projects, imaginative inquiry, and the slow, serious work of developing a distinctive voice and creative practice. The scholarship is our way of recognizing extraordinary creative commitment and potential in young writers who are ready for that level of depth, rigor, and collaboration.

The scholarship is also part of our broader commitment to widening access to serious creative mentorship and to cultivating a diverse and vibrant community of emerging authors. As the program continues to evolve—particularly with our expansion in 2026 to include older writers—we see the scholarship as a central way of identifying and supporting voices that might not otherwise find their way into a mentorship model like ours.

We would be deeply grateful if you would consider passing this opportunity along to any young writers in your life—or in your wider circles—who you believe would genuinely benefit from this kind of mentorship experience.

Please visit our scholarship page for full details and the application link. Applications must be submitted by March 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST.

We sincerely appreciate your help in spreading the word. Thank you for being an integral part of our community!

Wishing you all the very best for the new year,

Kathryn

Last Chance to Visit Our Exhibition at San Mateo Public Library

Earlier this month, we gathered at the San Mateo Public Library for the Creative Youth Collective Young Authors Showcase—an afternoon of readings, conversation, and celebration highlighting the original writing and creative voices of our current members.

The event was held in conjunction with our exhibition in the Children’s and Teen’s section of the San Mateo Public Library, featuring books by five members of the Collective. The books will be on display through December 31. Stop by if you’re in the area and check out some of our new releases!

Our current exhibition in the Children’s and Teen’s section of the San Mateo Public Library

Visitors browsing books published by members of the Creative Youth Collective at our December 14 Young Authors Showcase

Our authors shared excerpts from their recently published books, reflected on their creative process, and joined together for a thoughtful Q&A with the audience. It was a joyful, moving event, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when young writers are given time, guidance, and a community that takes their work seriously.

Leah sharing an excerpt from her newly published book, Room 7

Amruth sharing an excerpt from his brand new novel, One Day Till Winter

Lara sharing insights during our Q&A with the audience

Thank you so much to Librarian Madison Reece and to the whole team at the San Mateo Public Library for hosting us, and to our families and community for continuing to support these remarkable young authors.

From all of us at the Creative Youth Collective, we wish you a happy and healthy new year!

Warmly,
Kathryn

An Invitation to Our Young Author’s Showcase

In 1929, a young aspiring writer summoned the courage to send his work to the renowned Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Rilke refused to offer a standard critique. Instead, he responded with something far more genuine and generous—a series of luminous letters that gracefully intertwine philosophical reflections on the art of writing with warm encouragement to stay open to life’s mysteries and listen for one’s own unique voice, regardless of external measures of success. What could have been a fleeting, transactional exchange blossomed into a conversation capable of real transformation.

In a striking passage, Rilke writes:

You are so young; you stand before beginnings… Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. … At present you need to live the question.

In 2025, it may be harder than ever for young writers to turn away from the noise that surrounds us and tune into the music of their own voice—to value the slow unfolding of the creative process rather than rushing toward a finished product. Yet it has also never been more necessary. The future depends on young people finding the courage to think, dream, and write from the depth of who they are.

This lies at the heart of the Creative Youth Collective’s mission: to build communities that honor the individuality of each young creator and that foster conversation and collaboration rather than competition.

The Creative Youth Collective’s Young Authors Showcase hosted by the San Mateo Public Library on Sunday, December 14

In this spirit, we are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Young Authors Showcase. Please join us at the San Mateo Public Library this Sunday, December 14 for an afternoon dedicated to supporting and learning from our young writers and visionaries. Five of our most recently published authors will share excerpts from their new books along with insights gleaned along their creative journeys—from idea generation to the moment they held their finished book in their hands.

After the readings, we’ll host a Q&A with all members of the Creative Youth Collective, where attendees are invited to ask for tips, insights, and guidance on writing, revising, and publishing their own stories.

Five of our most recently published books are on display in the Childrens and Teens Section throughout the month of December at the San Mateo Public Library

Creative Youth Collective Young Author Showcase

Sunday, December 14
2:30–3:30 pm
Oak Room, San Mateo Public Library
3rd Ave, Downtown San Mateo

The authors’ books will also be on exhibit from December 1–31 at the San Mateo Public Library in the Children’s and Teens sections—available for browsing, inspiration, and delight!

We hope to see you Sunday!

Warmly,

Kathryn

A New Season of Stories Begins

Creative Youth Collective Fall Launch Party and Zine Making Workshop at the International Library of Young Authors in San Francisco, September 27, 2025

Hi Friends,

We’re back! Last weekend the Creative Youth Collective gathered at the International Library of Young Authors in San Francisco for our Fall Launch Party and Zine-Making Workshop. Our young authors shared glimpses of the projects they’re developing this year and librarian Jade Howe guided us through the hands-on joy of zine making. Before long, the tables were covered with fresh creations — not just from students, but from parents too! It was such a delight to watch ideas spark, pages fill, and laughter ripple through the room.

Let the Zine Making Begin!

Terrance’s first zine, How to Waste Time

Amruth’s first zine, The Smallest Things

 

Creative Youth Collective Shelf Unveiling at the International Library of Young Authors

June 8, 2025

This gathering carried a special resonance. Just a few months ago, all 23 of the Collective’s published titles were officially inducted into the Library’s permanent collection. Returning to that same space — now with so many new books on the horizon — felt like a beautiful full circle moment, a reminder that our authors’ voices are both rooted and reaching forward. Below are a few images from our shelf unveiling in June, all shot by photographer Karina Patel.

Librarian Jade Howe unveiling the Creative Youth Collective Bookshelf at the International Library of Young Authors on June 8, 2025

Millie reading from her brand new collection of short stories, Tuck and Henry Go To…

Leah with her first published story, Room 7

Keira with her beautiful new book of poetry, Word Waterfall

Amar with his brand new novel, The Heist

 

✦ Save the Date ✦

Our next celebration is just around the corner: the Creative Youth Collective Young Author Showcase at the San Mateo Public Library. Join us to hear readings from our newly published authors, followed by a reception.

Saturday, December 14
2:30 – 3:30 PM (reception to follow)
Oak Room, San Mateo Public Library 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402

We would love to see you there!

So many new books are already taking shape this year, and I can’t wait to share them with you soon. Thank you, as always, for championing these remarkable young storytellers.

With gratitude,
Kathryn

You're Invited to our Induction into the International Library of Youth Writing

On Sunday, June 8 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, we’ll gather in San Francisco to celebrate something truly special:

The International Library of Youth Writing will be honoring the authors of the Creative Youth Collective — all 23 of their published titles will be added to the library’s permanent collection!

Here’s how it happened...

Last December, bestselling author Dave Eggers opened the International Library of Youth Writing in San Francisco’s Mission District. Housed at McSweeney’s headquarters on Valencia Street, the library is devoted exclusively to books written by youth ages 6 to 18 from around the world.

When a longtime CYC parent sent me an SF Standard article announcing the opening, I could hardly believe what I was reading—it couldn’t have been more perfect.

For years, I’ve mentored young storytellers—helping them clarify and amplify their voices, celebrating their work in cultural venues across the Bay Area, and encouraging them to embrace their identity as published authors. And now, there’s a space—right here in the Bay Area—that wants to house the very books we’ve been publishing.

In collaboration with the incredibly creative and generous curator of the ILYW (and fellow California College of the Arts alum), Jade Howe, we’ve planned a joyful celebration—and we’d love for you to join us in honoring the power of young storytellers.

Friends, families, educators, and supporters are warmly invited. Please feel free to forward this to anyone who would enjoy celebrating with us.

Featured Titles Include:

  • Of Bread and Ballistae by William A., age 12 (2025)

  • The Heist by Amar A., age 13 (2025)

  • Word Waterfall by Keira H., age 12 (2025)

  • Loyal to the Last by Rafi P., age 14 (2025)

  • Tuck and Henry Go To... by Millie L., age 11 (2025)

  • Room 7 by Leah M., age 10 (2025)

  • The Imaginary Friend Factory by Aoife M., age 12 (2024)

  • Summertime Sparks! – a magazine by CYC Members & Contributors (2024)

  • Creative Youth Collective 2022–24 Anthology (2024)

  • Of Toast and Trebuchets by William A., age 11 (2024)

  • Cucumbery Corndog, the Injurious by Millie L., age 10 (2024)

  • Farewell by Zoe M., age 11 (2024)

  • Nature by Amruth S., age 12 (2024)

  • Malus Canis by Toby T., age 16 (2024)

  • Namibia by Anna C., age 17 (2023)

  • The Hours by Rose S., age 13 (2023)

  • The Dream Makers by Charlie S., age 13 (2023)

  • The Shadeway, Vol. 1 by VKG, age 14 (2023)

  • Henry’s Pirate Stories by Felix & Emmett L., age 12 (2023)

  • Evolving Memory by Marco C., age 17 (2022)

  • Nightfall in July by Anna C., age 15 (2022)

  • Footsteps to Follow by Charlie S., age 12 (2022)

  • Winter Skies by Anna C., age 16 (2022)

Join Us!

This event is free and open to the public. We’ll celebrate with a shelf unveiling, brief readings, and book signings by the authors.

International Library of Youth Writing
849 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Sunday, June 8 | 2:00–3:30 PM

👉 Click here to RSVP and add to your calendar

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this milestone moment!

Warmly,
Kathryn

Creativity, Community, and a Free Little Library

Reflections from a member of the Creative Youth Collective on how a book transforms a reader, and in doing so, the story itself continues to evolve. SFMOMA, March 2025

One of the greatest joys of this work is the relationships that grow from it. Watching young writers and artists find their voices, chase their passions, and bring their stories into the world is incredible—but what makes it even more meaningful is the way those connections continue long after their projects are finished.

Years ago, I had the privilege of mentoring a young photographer and writer, Anna, from the time she was 10 through her high school years. With the unwavering support of her family, she built a creative practice that wove together storytelling and environmental advocacy. Now, she’s studying photojournalism at the Corcoran School of Art and Design at the George Washington University, continuing to follow that path in ways that feel both inevitable and extraordinary.

A Free Little Library filled with books authored by the Creative Youth Collective!

This week, I was deeply moved to learn that Anna’s family just installed a Free Little Library—and filled it with books from the Creative Youth Collective. To me, it was such a powerful gesture, one that perfectly captures what this work is really about: creativity that builds community, stories that keep traveling, and relationships that last.


It’s a reminder that the story doesn’t end when a book is finished—it grows, it circulates, it finds new hands.

And on that note, I want to leave you with a beautiful thought that a young writer in the Creative Youth Collective shared at our Community Share at SFMOMA earlier this month. In our discussion of A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader—a stunning collection of love letters to books, libraries, and the act of reading—he reflected on how a book transforms a reader, and in doing so, the story itself continues to evolve. Take a listen.

With endless gratitude and boundless hope,
Kathryn

 

Young storytellers, big impact: How we’re giving back

Hi there,

I’m writing to you on this Tuesday morning from western Illinois. The sun is shining, and after the sub-zero cold snap we just suffered through, the crisp 56-degree temperature feels like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s as if the outside world has suddenly reopened for business, and I, for one, am grateful. What a welcome shift after the month we’ve had.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately—whether it’s the weather, the news cycle, or something else—I hear you. I see you. And today, I wanted to share something uplifting (for a change).

Creative Youth Collective Scholarship award winner, Zoe, and her first novel, Farewell

Lately, it feels like we’re constantly reminded of how a select few can negatively impact so many. But this morning, I thought you might appreciate a story about young authors using their voices to make small, heartfelt changes—ones that add up to something big. They’re not doing it for applause or the chance to go viral. They do it because they care.

So who are these young changemakers?

They’re members of the Creative Youth Collective. Each time our young authors publish a book, they have the opportunity to select a nonprofit to receive their royalties. At the end of the year, we match their donations—just because we think it’s awesome that they care enough to give back.

Last December, Zoe donated her royalties from her first novel, Farewell, to The Epilepsy Foundation in honor of her auntie. William directed his to the Creative Youth Collective scholarship fund to help other kids access the mentorship that supported him through his first book, Of Toast and Trebuchets. And Aoife, our newest published author, is giving her royalties from The Imaginary Friend Factory to REACH Siem Reap, a Cambodian-Australian nonprofit that supports children and families out of poverty.

At the Creative Youth Collective, we believe storytelling helps young people process their emotions, build empathy, and imagine new futures. And when they use their creativity to support causes they care about, they’re shaping a better future—for all of us.

If you’d like to support our young authors’ visions, consider purchasing one of their books. And if you know a young storyteller ready to share their voice and make a difference, reach out—summer enrollment opens March 7th! Space is very limited, so don’t wait.

Thank you for being part of our community. Now more than ever, we need each other, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Warmly,
Kathryn

Exploring Storytelling through Polaroids: Highlights from our Nueva Workshop

When I was in high school, I was completely obsessed with photography—so much so that I switched schools just for access to a darkroom. Learning to operate a manual camera, process my own film, and make prints in that quiet, red-lit space changed the way I saw the world. Photography became more than a way to document my experiences—it became my language.

In college, I was (of course) a photography major, drawn to alternative processes that blurred the line between image-making and memory. I mixed my own light-sensitive emulsions, experimented with unconventional materials, and even printed photographs on handmade paper. I loved the precision of photography, but even more, I loved the imperfections—the way an image could carry the texture of time, feeling, and experience.

My love of storytelling through images has only grown over the years, which is why I was so excited to share a unique photographic process with a new generation of creators. This month, we partnered with The Nueva School to lead a workshop on storytelling through Polaroid emulsion lifts.

In this hands-on session, upper school students transformed digital images from their phones into one-of-a-kind analog photographs—ones that didn’t just capture a moment, but conveyed the feeling of a memory.

We had the best time experimenting, learning, and embracing the beauty of imperfection. The process required patience and precision, but also a willingness to let go—because, as participants quickly discovered, the unexpected is where the magic happens.

Here’s what we did:

📸 Selected meaningful images from our phones
📸 Created Polaroid photographs using the Polaroid Lab
📸 Gently lifted the delicate emulsion layer from the Polaroid frame
📸 Transferred the emulsion onto watercolor paper using water and paintbrushes

The result? Stunning, ethereal images—each telling a story in a single frame.

“A unique art form that was super fun and meditative to explore. Kathryn was also a great facilitator, would highly recommend!”
— Upper School student, The Nueva School


Workshops like this highlight the many ways we approach storytelling at The CCC Project. We’re excited to offer more opportunities like this in the future—so if you’re interested in exploring a process like this one, let us know!

A huge thank-you to the Nueva community for welcoming us in. We left feeling so inspired by these young storytellers and can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next.

In other news..

📚 Have you checked out our books at the San Mateo Public Library? Huge congratulations to Creative Youth Collective authors Millie, Zoe, Amruth, and William for having your stories added to the collection!

✍️ The Creative Youth Collective spring semester is now in full swing—stay tuned for more updates from the next generation of storytellers.

☀️ And don’t forget—our summer enrollment opens March 7, 2025. Get in touch now to join our waiting list!

With endless inspiration,
Kathryn

A Year of Collaboration

What an incredible year it’s been at The CCC Project! We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many of our heroes and elevating the voices of our young authors like never before. As we wrap up 2024, I’m thrilled to share not one, but two exciting announcements!

The San Mateo Public Library acquired FOUR of our new books, and they’re now available for check out!

Grab your SMCL library card and head to the main branch in downtown San Mateo to check out William’s, Millie’s, Amruth’s, and Zoe’s beautiful new books—if you can find them! Click on the book cover to check their availability. These books have been incredibly popular since hitting the shelves!

 

And if that wasn’t enough…

 

William Abdey’s Of Toast and Trebuchets featured as “Book of the Week” at the brand new International Library of Youth Writing in San Francisco!

This month, bestselling author Dave Eggers opened the International Library of Youth Writing in San Francisco's Mission District. Housed at McSweeney's headquarters on Valencia Street, the library is dedicated exclusively to books authored by young writers aged 6 to 18 from around the globe.

If you're in the area, stop by, sink into one of the cozy couches, and dive into a rollicking tale of toast toppings, Tasmanian Devils, and medieval weaponry!

Congratulations, William—we couldn't be prouder!

 

A heartfelt thank you to all our collaborators who have helped amplify the voices of our young authors this year. None of this would be possible without your incredible support. A special shout out to Maya Sissoko of Whole Child Education, Amy Lange at SFMoMA, New York Times bestselling author Brad Montague, Donna and Kurt Calia, the Abdey family, the Lynch family, Jim and Diane Arnone, Kim Anno at Wild Projects, all 47 of Zoe’s Kickstarter backers, Aer Parris and the team at Blurb, Madison Reese at San Mateo Public Library, Jade Howe at the International Library of Youth Writing, and of course, the heroically supportive parents of all of our members. Your partnership in our mission humbles and inspires us.

 

Highlights of 2024!

From all of us at The CCC Project, we wish you a joyous holiday season!

Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers

After earning my MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Practice from California College of the Arts, I launched The CCC Project to empower youth through creativity, publishing, and activism. Before my time at CCA, I spent years leading youth mentorship programs across the San Francisco Bay Area, NYC, Upstate New York, and Berlin, developing a playful, collaborative approach to teaching media arts and creative writing.

In 2016, I officially founded The CCC Project to work closely with young writers and photographers bursting with brilliant ideas but needing guidance to bring them to life. The three C’s—creativity, curiosity, and community—are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we develop compelling stories, share them widely to inspire other young creators, and donate book royalties to organizations creating the kind of positive change we believe in.

As I worked with these talented young creators, I noticed a common thread: their passion for storytelling transcended their diverse backgrounds. In 2022, I expanded our mission by launching The Creative Youth Collective—a vibrant, supportive community where members share their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Alongside one-on-one mentorship, these group sessions have become a hub for creativity and connection.

This year, a standout achievement was the creation of our 2022–2024 Creative Youth Collective Anthology. It’s a celebration of the unique voices that have shaped our program over the past two years. Each young writer and photographer selected their most meaningful pieces, and we worked together to balance written and visual elements, ensuring every contribution shone individually while building a cohesive, inspiring whole.

Photographs and text by Creative Youth Collective Scholarship Awardee, Anna Calia

Proceeds from the Anthology directly fund our scholarship program. In 2024, we’ve proudly awarded over $13,000 in scholarships to help young authors realize their creative dreams.

This Giving Tuesday, you can support the next generation of storytellers by purchasing a copy of our Anthology or making a tax-deductible donation to our scholarship program through our website. Every contribution helps us nurture more creative voices and amplify their impact.

Thank you for believing in the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Warmly,

Kathryn Ian Gentzke

Founder & Director

Absurd Amounts of Love

Our friend Brad Montague shared this post on Instagram this morning, and to me, it just felt like a reminder I needed to hear on a morning like this one.

When so much is uncertain, sometimes it helps to remember what we know is true. I’ve dedicated an enormous part of my life to mentoring young writers and artists—one at a time—because I believe their ideas matter. And I know that when they gain confidence in their voice and they share their stories, others are inspired to follow their lead and do the same. Generosity snowballs, and so does creativity. That’s how we build a future that we can all thrive in. It’s slow but meaningful work, one relationship at a time, one story at a time.

The one thing I can promise amidst all of this uncertainty is that I — and so many others — will continue to work tirelessly to create a future that we’re proud to be a part of. That will not change.

Above are a few images from our Youth Author Showcase at the San Mateo Public Library on October 19th. We had the best time. Thank you again to Children and Teens Librarian Madison Reece for so generously hosting us, and giving our young authors the most incredible platform to share their stories.

With absurd amounts of love and unfathomable hope,

Kathryn

Behind the Book: An Exclusive Interview with Blurb!

I’m so grateful to have had the chance to talk with Blurb Books about the incredible work happening here at The CCC Project. In this interview, I share how our young authors are using their creativity to inspire change and make a difference through storytelling.

If you’re curious about how the Creative Youth Collective empowers youth through creative writing and photography, take a look!

Read the interview

Meet the next generation of storytellers

We hope you’ll join us for a fun and inspiring afternoon this Saturday at the San Mateo Public Library as four members of the Creative Youth Collective share sneak peeks from their debut books—full of humor, heart, and powerful themes.

Our friends and collaborators at Whole Child Education will join us in sharing their stories and participating in the Q&A with our featured authors. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all aspiring young writers in the area to connect, get inspired, and ask questions!

Curious to learn more about our presenters? Check out a tiny introduction to each of our young authors and their stories below.

The Youth Author Showcase will be an inspiring event for families, young writers, and anyone passionate about storytelling and publishing.

Presented by the San Mateo Public Library, The CCC Project, and Whole Child Education.

📅 When: Saturday, October 19th
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Where: The Oak Room at San Mateo Public Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the boundless creativity of our young authors and artists.

San Mateo Public Library features recently published books by the Creative Youth Collective this month!

And don’t forget, from October 1st to 31st, the San Mateo Public Library is proudly showcasing four of our newest books in their children and teen section:

Our talented young authors have worked so hard, and we’re thrilled for you to experience their books firsthand!

We can’t wait to see you at the library!

Warmly,

Kathryn

Introducing Summertime Sparks! A Celebration of Youth Creativity in Writing and Photography

The CCC Project is thrilled to announce the release of Summertime Sparks!, a brand-new magazine showcasing the imaginative writing and stunning photography of tweens and teens participating in the Creative Youth Collective this summer. This special publication also features inspiring poetry, prose, and visual art from our extended community, created in response to the Summertime Sparks creative prompt series.

This vibrant magazine embodies the core values of the Creative Youth Collective—creativity, curiosity, and community. These young creators spent their summer exploring their imaginations and developing their unique voices. Now, we couldn’t be prouder to share their work with the world and celebrate it in this beautiful publication.

Celebrating Youth Creativity Featuring contributions from talented young authors and photographers, such as 14-year-old fiction writer Alex and 13-year-old budding darkroom photographer Catriona, Summertime Sparks 2024 is filled with heartfelt stories, thought-provoking poetry, and powerful photography. These pieces demonstrate the deep emotions, unique perspectives, and limitless imagination of young people when given the space to create.

Each purchase of this magazine supports the Creative Youth Collective Scholarship Program, directly funding future opportunities for more young artists and writers to develop their skills and share their work. Since 2022, the program has awarded over $17,000 in scholarships, ensuring that creativity and self-expression are accessible to all.

A Warm Invitation to Join Us We invite parents, families, and the broader community to support these young creators by purchasing a copy of Summertime Sparks! Every page is filled with passion, imagination, and the collaborative spirit that makes our collective so special.

 

To view the digital magazine in full or to purchase a physical copy of Summertime Sparks!, please visit our bookstore.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the boundless creativity of our young authors and artists!

Exciting News: The Creative Youth Collective Teams Up with San Mateo Public Library!

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between the Creative Youth Collective and the San Mateo Public Library this October!

What’s Happening at the San Mateo Public Library
From October 1st to 31st, the San Mateo Public Library will proudly showcase four of our newest books in their children and teen section:

These talented young authors have worked so hard, and we can’t wait for you to experience their books firsthand!

Join Us for a Special Youth Author Showcase
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19th, from 3-4 PM in the Oak Room at the San Mateo Public Library! Our featured authors will read brief excerpts from their books and share insights into their creative process. It’s a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young writers to connect, get inspired, and ask questions!

How You Can Get Involved

  • Visit the children’s and teen sections of the San Mateo Public Library between October 1-31 to check out these incredible books.

  • Come to the Youth Author Showcase on October 19th! We’ll be sharing more event details soon.

We’re so grateful to the San Mateo Public Library, and especially to the superstar librarian Madison Reece, for giving our young authors a platform to shine and share their stories with the community. We hope their work will inspire other young readers to explore their creative voices, and even publish their own stories.

Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you at the library!

Know someone who would love this event? Forward this email and invite them to join the celebration!

The Story of Bunny & Summertime Sparks Dispatch #3!

First, I’d just like to say thank you for being a part of our community. I’m genuinely grateful to share this journey with you. Together we’re building a space where youth can develop their unique creative voice and truly thrive.

Secondly, I’d like to thank all of our Summertime Sparks participants. I feel so honored to have the opportunity to see what’s lighting you up this summer, and I’m thrilled to witness all the ways that you’re showing up for your creative practices. Thank you for sharing your work with us! 

 

Special Summertime Sparks Shoutout to Lara K., age 10 — author and illustrator of The Story of Bunny! 

Lara, I’m blown away by The Story of Bunny!

I love how you took us along on Bunny's whole journey—from her (literal) origin story to the moment when she finds a home in the world. We may be members of a different family of mammals, but I think so many of us would find it relatable. Who hasn't felt like Bunny at times, wondering if they're special enough or if they fit in?

When Bunny figured out what she was meant for, it gave me chills! You nailed it—being there for cuddles, comfort, and friendship is beyond important. 

And that ending! "She's special because she's BUNNY." Embracing who we are and learning that we are intrinsically valuable is such a powerful experience. I know a lot of people, kids and grownups alike, who could learn from Bunny's story. 

Your drawings are awesome, too; they’re so expressive and really bring Bunny to life! 

Lara, you should feel super proud. You're writing stories with real depth and heart. And just like Bunny, your stories can reach out to someone and give them comfort. In a sense, stories too can offer readers a special type of friendship, a camaraderie of sorts. So keep writing, keep drawing, and keep sharing your ideas with the world. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

 And taking a page out of Bunny’s story, if you will, our final Summertime Sparks Dispatch is all about embracing who we are and sharing our unique creative voices with the world. So without further ado, I bring you…

 

Summertime Sparks Dispatch #3:

Show us your world!

Look, I know it's scary to put your work out there. But trust me: we need your voice! Your weird, wonderful, unique way of seeing the world? That's gold.

So what if your first draft is messy or your art style isn't quite there yet? That's how everyone starts. And the greats you admire? They were beginners once, too.

Don't obsess over being perfect. Just create.

Write the story that’s burning inside you.

Paint those wild ideas in your head.

Share that poem you're not sure anyone will get.

Because here's the thing: your experiences, your imagination, and your particular brand of creativity matter. It’s exactly what someone out there needs to see or read.

So go for it. Be brave. Show us your world!

Prompt

For our third and final Summertime Sparks dispatch, we’re calling on you—the storytellers of the future—to share your creative work with us. All themes and genres are welcome. It doesn’t matter if you identify as a poet, painter, photographer, or something else entirely. The only requirement is that the work is your own and that you love it.

Click on the button below and send us your sparks by August 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST to be featured in our next newsletter, and published in our Summertime Sparks Anthology.

 
Share Your spark!

P.S. Don’t forget, two members of the Creative Youth Collective are leading very important fundraisers right now, and there’s still time to contribute! Zoe is over halfway to making her fundraising goal to write the sequel to her novel, Farewell, and Amar is making record progress in his Read-a-Thon fundraiser, too! Please consider contributing whatever you can and sharing their campaigns with others who might be interested in supporting two young writers’ dreams.

Creative Youth Collective Members Spotlight: Amar & Zoe

In celebration of our second Summertime Sparks dispatch focusing on The Hero’s Journey, we’re featuring two of our own heroes this week. As you know, the Creative Youth Collective is committed to fostering youth activism through the creative process. And we couldn’t be prouder to support two members of the Collective, Amar and Zoe, as they spend their summer fundraising for causes close to their hearts.

Creative Youth Collective members, Amar and Amruth, both age 12, at our Community Celebration in Palo Alto, CA. May 2024

This is Amar, age 12, sharing an excerpt from his forthcoming novel, The Heist! His story is an inspiring and epic adventure led by a 7th grade boy and his three best friends. Together they go on a mission to reclaim his family’s ancestral artifact. Not only is Amar a Creative Youth Collective scholarship awardee and an incredible writer, he’s also an avid literacy activist! This week, he launched The 2024 Bay Area Bookwork Summer Read-a-Thon as a fundraiser for Project Read Redwood City. You’re invited to participate in Amar’s Read-a-Thon and follow along on his Instagram account, @thebayareabookworm.

And this is Zoe, age 11. Zoe is a member of the Creative Youth Collective, and an outstanding writer with a huge vision for her work. This past spring, she was also awarded a Creative Youth Collective Scholarship, and within 4 short months, she drafted, edited, and published the first book in her series entitled, Farewell. In the future, Zoe dreams of turning Farewell into a TV series and eventually a movie. Her time in the Creative Youth Collective has meant so much to her that she launched a Kickstarter campaign this week to support her second year in our program. She’s determined to write the sequel, and I know she’ll achieve her goal.

Any support you can offer, whether that’s a donation of any amount, a share, like, or follow, would mean the world to Zoe. Everything helps! If you have any questions or want to know more about Farewell or the Creative Youth Collective scholarship, please ask. We’d love to hear from you.

Follow Zoe on Instagram to keep up with her campaign @itszoe.spice.

Thanks for celebrating a few of our heroes with us! Don’t forget to share our Summertime Sparks series with a tween or teen who could use a little help staying in their creative flow this summer. Our second dispatch is all about the Hero’s Journey, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get started. Share your sparks by Friday, July 26th at 11:59 pm PST for a chance to get featured in our next newsletter, and published in our next anthology!

Share your spark

Summertime Sparks Dispatch #2: The Hero’s Journey

Do you know what the opposite of anxiety is?

Hint: It isn’t calm.

It’s actually creativity! According to Harvard-trained sociologist and New York Times bestselling author Martha Beck, when we are deeply focused on creative problem-solving, it becomes impossible for our brain to be anxious. And I think it's safe to say that we could all use a little less anxiety in our lives. But how do we start living more creatively? Well, according to Dr. Beck, one sure way to spark creativity is to learn how to be curious.

Here at The CCC Project, we couldn’t agree more with Dr. Beck. In fact, the three C’s in our name stand for creativity, curiosity, and community, because we know that supporting tweens and teens as they develop these core values supports them in turn as they express their unique identities and begin to live their fullest, most engaged lives. 

Creative Youth Collective member, Zoe, age 11, sharing an excerpt from her novel, Farewell

And that’s why we’ve created our Summertime Sparks series. Our goal is to help alleviate some of the anxiety teens and tweens are feeling this summer by sending out an inspirational spark every other week. We want to keep teens and tweens engaged in their own creative practice, whether that’s poetry, prose, photography, or visual art.

So please share this series with a young person in your life who could use an extra spark; or if that’s you, please jump right in! Check out the spark below, create your piece, and share it with us for a chance to be featured in our next dispatch as well as our Summertime Sparks anthology!

 

Summertime Sparks

Dispatch #2

The Hero’s Journey

What do Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games have in common? They’re all great movies, of course, but they also follow the same plot structure: The Hero’s Journey. Joseph Campbell famously wrote about this narrative structure in his book, The Hero With A Thousand Faces.

No hero’s journey is the same. Luke Skywalker was initiated into his adventure by a hologram-toting robot named R2D2, when he was  suddenly asked to accept his role as a central figure of the Resistance. Harry Potter, on the other hand, may have been the Chosen One all along, but he didn’t fulfill his destiny until he was seventeen. Despite their differences, both heroes are united by their desire to overcome seemingly undefiable odds and transform themselves in the process of serving the greater good. 

 

This week, we’d like you to share your interpretation of the Hero’s Journey with us! 

Submissions are due by July 26th, at 11:59 PM PST

Submit Here!
 

Need some inspiration to get you started? 

If you could use a little more direction to kickstart your creative process, we’ve got you covered. For a detailed overview of the Hero’s Journey, check out this special comic that our intern Eloisa made for you!

And if you’d like some ideas about how you might explore the Hero’s Journey in different media… 

 

Don’t forget to share your work with us! Submissions are due by

July 26th, at 11:59 PM PST

submit your hero's journey spark here!
 
 

Summertime Sparks Shoutout!

Thank you to Alicia for sharing her spark in response to our first dispatch, July’s Midsummer Mysteries.

“Shakespeare may compare one to a summer day
and yet nothing is quite like it:
the light’s gold and
the effervescence and
the peach sunrise and
the sweet-salty bite and
nothing is quite like it.”
— Alicia, age 15
 

Curious to learn more about Dr. Beck’s take on the relationship between creativity and anxiety? Check out this instagram post. Give us a follow while you’re there!

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Summertime Sparks Dispatch #1: July’s Midsummer Mysteries

Summertime Sparks

Dispatch #1

July: Midsummer Mystery

July is a unique month because, for the majority of us up here in the northern hemisphere, we’re completely immersed in summer. Academic obligations are (temporarily) a thing of the past, so for this midsummer month, we’re creating a new ritual, a new routine.

 

How do July’s midsummer mysteries manifest for you?

 

  • Is it a haze of hallucinogenic heatwaves?

 

  • Is it the magic of staying up late to soak up the mystery of warm summer nights?

 

  • Is it the rush of new adventures or the mind-numbing monotony of scheduleless days?

 

So grab your pens, laptops, paintbrushes, or cameras, and show us what July’s Midsummer Mysteries feel like to you. When you’re ready, submit your sparks here! Send your response to us by Thursday, July 4th, at 11:59 p.m. PST for the chance to be featured in our next Summertime Sparks dispatch.

 

Need some inspiration to get you started? 

Nightfall in July

Anna Calia

The photographs below are part of a series that Anna created in July 2021. It was a bit of a ritual, where every night in the month of July, she shot a photograph, no matter where she was, between the hours of 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. She made a book from the 31 images she shot.

A long exposure of the 280 after dark

 

An almost full moon

 

July

A prose poem by Eloisa Lin

I’ll say, I wish I knew you in July. The strawberry seeds in your teeth. Your wicked, wet hair in the Taipei rain. Monsoon, you’ll correct me. Monsoon, you’ll say, as if you know gleaming silver droplets better than my words and my name. Monsoon, you’ll smile and think of that roiling wave of tears and sweat that drowned you and saved you. I thought you hated rain. I thought you couldn’t swim. Just like me. We used to hide from the herculean thunder and silver rain and lighting under masses of squelching blankets and squealing dreams. Now you’ll stare into watery depths and you’ll look at me with a kindness you think is owed to me. I don’t want your kindness, I’ll wish I could say but the words will stick to my throat, burst from my tongue as foam like the silver rippling around your limbs, still waiting—homesick, fistfuls of fear spilling from my lips, dry. When did you learn, I’ll rasp out. You’ll assume swimming, and you’ll giggle into vermillion leaves, in spouts and heaves. I’ll watch the stranger in front of me until you’ll finally say: July.

Introducing Summertime Sparks

Hi all, I’m Eloisa!

I’m the summer intern for The CCC Project, and I’d like to share some exciting news with you. On Saturday, June 29th, we’re beginning our Summertime Sparks series. Here’s how it works.

Each Saturday morning, I’ll send out a creative prompt for you to engage with in your favorite medium—whether that’s writing, photography, visual art, or video. You’ll have until the following Thursday to work on your response, and when your piece feels ready, you can submit it to us. We’ll feature select submissions in our next newsletter, and publish them in our Summertime Sparks anthology at the end of the summer!

As a writer and artist myself, I know that finding inspiration can be challenging, and creative blocks are super common. If you find yourself feeling stuck, don’t worry. We’ll give you access to creative exercises and resources to get you moving again. With some prompts, we'll even provide excerpts of writing and imagery made by one of our very own members of the Creative Youth Collective.

Kathryn and I are so excited for next week’s kick-off of our Summertime Sparks series! We can’t wait to see how your unique creative voice shines each week. 

Please share this newsletter with friends and all creative t(w)eens who’d like to make the most of their creativity this summer. Encourage them to sign up for our newsletter if they haven’t already!

See you all next Saturday, 

Eloisa Lin

P.S. If you haven’t picked up a copy the Creative Youth Collective Anthology yet, grab one today! All sales directly support our scholarship program.

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