It’s been a wild summer so far, and the fun is just beginning. That’s right, the 2022 Young Writers’ Workshop begins in just a few short days! Our instructors have been working hard to prepare an awesome week of activities for our young writers, and we are so excited to welcome them this Monday, June 27. But before we dive in, I’d like to introduce you to our 2022 staff!
Dr. Traci Brimhall, Incoming Program Director and Lead Instructor
Traci Brimhall (she/her) is a lifelong lover of all things writing. Her first book at age 11 was Rapunzel’s Bad Hair Day, and her most recent book is called Come the Slumberless to the Land of Nod. She’s a Professor at K-State and is excited to be directing the Young Writers’ Workshop this year.
Would you rather write on the beach or at the top of a mountain?
A mountain because right now a beach sounds way too hot. A nice hoodie, a cup of coffee, a notebook, and a pen sounds perfect.
If you could only read one author for the rest of your life, who would you choose, and why?
Louise Erdrich because her novels are basically poetry, and she always astounds me with how beautiful her language is even when it’s capturing the difficulties and struggles of people.
What song is your 2022 writing anthem?
“Free” by Florence + The Machine
Dustin Vann, Assistant Director and Instructor
Dustin (he/him/his) grew up in Junction City, KS, and earned his B.A. and M.A. in English from K-State. This is his fifth (!) year with the Young Writers Workshop. When he’s not reading or writing YA fiction, he’s re-teaching himself how to roller blade or planning an impromptu out-of-state trip with his friends.
Would you rather write on the beach or at the top of a mountain?
A mountaintop for sure! I can only imagine how fantastic–and inspirational–the view would be.
If you could only read one author for the rest of your life, who would you choose and why?
Becky Albertalli, who’s written books such as Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, What If It’s Us, and Kate In Waiting. Her books are effortlessly inclusive and she captures the YA voice/experience so authentically. She’s the kind of writer I wish had been around when I was a teen, but am so glad we have her stories now!
What song is your 2022 writing anthem?
I hadn’t given this much thought until now, but I think I’ll go with “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde: The Musical. The song is all about shaking off bad habits, celebrating your current triumphs, and looking forward to the future and your potential for success. It’s an energy I’ve been trying to carry into 2022 as I’ve begun new writing projects!
Riley O’Mearns, Instructor
Originally from Memphis, TN, Riley is now loving life in Kansas and is looking forward to her second year in the English M.A. program. When she’s not reading or writing poetry, Riley enjoys spending time with her partner and their two cats, playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and dabbling in yoga.
Would you rather write on the beach or at the top of a mountain?
Definitely the beach — I already write a lot about the ocean, so I’d love to be near it all the time.
If you could only read one author for the rest of your life, who would you choose, and why?
Emily Dickinson! She’s always been one of my favorite poets because she has a poem for pretty much every situation. Her way with language is just so inspiring and unique, as well.
What song is your 2022 writing anthem?
“Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls. This song is all about realizing that life’s biggest questions often have an infinite number of unexpected answers. In the same sense, my writing won’t always take me where I expect to go — accepting this has helped me make a lot of progress this year.
David Vasquez, Instructor
David graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in English and is returning to K-State as a graduate student. When he is not reading or working on his novel, he enjoys walks around Manhattan, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. David is excited to be back at K-State and cannot wait to meet and work with everyone.
Would you rather write on the beach or at the top of a mountain?
At the beach where it is lively with people playing volleyball, music playing on speakers, and bonfires at sunset. I can allow myself to get lost in thought while looking to the horizon and, like the waves, let thoughts wash over me.
If you could only read one author for the rest of your life, who would you choose, and why?
As difficult of a decision this was to make, I’d have to go with Becky Albertalli because her work not only helped me realize that I want to be a writer, but also that stories centering on marginalized identities can be successful and “mainstream.”
What song is your 2022 writing anthem?
“Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” by Kate Bush
Adrien Sdao, Program Assistant
Adrien Kade Sdao earned their MFA in Creative Writing for Young People from Antioch University Los Angeles, and they are currently a candidate for the MA in Children’s Literature at Kansas State University. They write short stories for teens and are working on a young adult fantasy novel. In their free time, they enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and petting their cat, Shelly.
Would you rather write on the beach or at the top of a mountain?
Definitely the beach, preferably on a cloudy day!
If you could only read one author for the rest of your life, who would you choose, and why?
Tamora Pierce because she is a master storyteller and has written a lot of books.
What song is your 2022 writing anthem?
“Someone Else’s Dream” by Absofacto
We can’t wait to get started! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can keep up with all the excitement.
Until next week!
— Adrien Sdao, Program Assistant
K-State Young Writers' Workshop 