It’s that time of year again—we’re kicking off summer with the Young Writers’ Workshop!
This year’s workshop is packed with exciting adventures in creative writing, and we can’t wait to share our daily discoveries, achievements, and memorable moments with you right here.
With the workshop only a few days away and our incredible crew ready to set sail, we are thrilled to introduce the 2026 Young Writers’ Workshop staff who will help make this summer’s journey unforgettable.
Meet the 2026 staff!
Dr. Ania Payne, Program Director
Ania Payne (she/her) is Assistant Professor in Kansas State University’s Department of English with a focus in Creative Writing and Composition and Rhetoric. She is originally from Arkansas, but she has been living in Kansas for the past ten years and has enjoyed calling Kansas her home. When she’s not writing or working she enjoys hiking, swimming, exploring the outdoors, and cooking new recipes.
What is your favorite genre to write in and why?
I love writing flash nonfiction essays because keeping my essays short, especially with a really limited word count, can lead to some of the most surprising discoveries in my writing.
What piece of literature would you read over and over again?
When I was the age of the young writers, I loved re-reading the Charlie Brown comics over and over again.
If given the opportunity, what fictional character would you be?
Snoopy, he’s a dog who can do it all!
One adjective that describes you or your writing personality?
Quirky.
Maranda Haile, Instructor
Maranda is a recent graduate from the master’s program at K-State. She received her M.A. in English with a focus on creative writing. For her master’s project, she completed a micro memoir filled with a blend of flash non-fiction and prose poetry. She loves to write about pop culture, family dynamics, relationships, and every emotion that comes along with them. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games with her fiancé and spending time with her dog.
What is your favorite genre to write in and why?
Probably creative non-fiction because I love to write about real life situations and dynamics between people.
What piece of literature would you read over and over again?
The whole Twilight saga.
If given the opportunity, what fictional character would you be?
I think I would choose to be Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World because she is super cool, dyes her hair a bunch of fun colors, and rollerblades through people’s minds.
One adjective that describes you or your writing personality?
Nostalgic. Recently, a lot of my writing has been focused on nostalgia and particularly nostalgic pop culture.
Aidia Kite, Instructor
Aidia is a graduate student in English at Kansas State University, going into their second year of the M.A. program. They are on the creative writing track, and tends to focus on a combination of written genres, including but not limited to fiction, poetry, and comics. They also hold the position of co-editor-in-chief for Touchstone literary magazine for the 2026-2027 academic year. When they are not writing, they like to draw, play video games, and read!
What is your favorite genre to write in and why?
I’m a bit of a “wildcard” with writing, so this question is a bit tricky! For fiction I enjoy writing fantasy and science fiction, although I tend to prefer writing based on ideas rather than attempting to fit conventional genre standards. I adore poetry as well and have a passion for the art of comics making. My favorite “genre” isn’t quite a genre at all — I like to write experimentally, stretching the limits of form and words to see what I may produce!
What piece of literature would you read over and over again?
This question haunts me, as I am a serial re-reader. If I have to choose just one, I suppose I’d go with Lily Hoang’s Parabola — it introduced me to the wonders of experimental writing and pushed my understanding of what writing could really do. There’s so much inside that I feel each time I read I discover something new!
If given the opportunity, what fictional character would you be?
C-3PO from Star Wars! I feel a kindred connection with the silly droid, and having R2-D2 as my sassy sidekick would be so fun!
One adjective that describes you or your writing personality?
I used the term “wildcard” and “experimental” earlier to describe my work, but when it comes to my personality as a writer itself I would say that “tangled” may be the best term — I’m a bit chaotic, maybe a little messy, but each concept intertwines in some way or another in the work I produce.
Miracle Okpala, Instructor
Mira holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. She earned her master’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing in 2026 from Kansas State University, where she received the 2026 Graduate Creative Writing Award in poetry and served as president of the Creative Writing Enthusiasts. She is a recipient of the Touchstone Literary Magazine Debut Prize in Poetry and a nominee for Best New Poets in 2025 and 2026. Mira’s work explores memory, selfhood, and the generational body and appears on her personal blog, as well as in forthcoming issues of Rogue Agent Journal. When she is not writing, she enjoys running and playing soccer.
What is your favorite genre to write in and why?
My favorite genre to write in is poetry because it allows me to express ideas in a way that feels both natural and accessible. I love how individual words and phrases can hold depth and meaning beyond their surface. Recently, however, I have also been growing more interested in nonfiction and actively embracing it as part of my writing.
What piece of literature would you read over and over again?
The piece of literature I would read over and over again is the poem, “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell. I am drawn to its rich imagery and the way it uses persuasive language to explore themes of time, love, and mortality in a striking and memorable way.
If given the opportunity, what fictional character would you be?
If given the opportunity, I do not strongly identify with a specific fictional character. However, I am more inspired by realistic portrayals of people who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and thoughtful reflection in everyday life.
One adjective that describes you or your writing personality?
Growth-oriented.
Ruth Okon, Program Assistant
Ruth is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English at Kansas State University. Her academic and creative interests span fan studies, postcolonial young adult literature, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in literature and film and speculative fiction. Beyond academia, Ruth has worked extensively in social development spaces, organizing leadership and fellowship programs for young women, and supporting literacy initiatives for under-served children through organizations such as African Storybook, Poets in Nigeria, Teens 4 Change Network, and Street Priests.
What is your favorite genre to write in and why?
My favorite genres are flash fiction and flash nonfiction. I enjoy keeping my writing short because I have not yet developed the patience for longer pieces. The one type of writing I struggle to keep concise is academic research. I love incorporating sources and exploring sides in depth. It is difficult for me to choose between flash fiction and flash nonfiction. I tend to write flash fiction when inspiration strikes and my imagination takes over, while I turn to flash nonfiction when I am feeling reflective and want to make sense of my experiences and observations.
What piece of literature would you read over and over again?
One piece of literature I could read over and over again is The Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon. No matter how many times I revisit the novel, its suspense, intrigue, and expertly woven plot always feel fresh and engaging. Sheldon’s ability to keep readers guessing while seamlessly connecting different storylines is what makes the book such a memorable and rewarding read for me.
If given the opportunity, what fictional character would you be?
If given the opportunity, I would choose to be Annie from the Magic Tree House series. Alongside her brother, Jack, Annie gets to travel through time and experience remarkable moments in history firsthand. She visits places and events that I have only read about or watched in documentaries, making history come alive in an exciting way. I also admire how she and Jack often help people they meet on their adventures. The chance to explore different time periods, learn from them, and make a positive difference would be an unforgettable experience.
One adjective that describes you or your writing personality?
Reflective.
We are all very excited for the workshop to begin next Monday, and look forward to meeting the 2026 group of young writers. For daily updates of what your young writers are up to, follow us on this blog as well as Facebook and Instagram.
Make sure to check back in next week to see what we have planned for this year’s workshop! See you on Monday, June 8!
— Ruth Okon, Program Assistant
K-State Young Writers' Workshop 