Inspire 2026 Faculty on Creative Writing: Cultivating Craft through Daily Practice Summer Course
"What excites me most about returning to the Inspire program this year is the opportunity to offer young writers the time and space to fully embrace a writing practice." - Leanne Tankel
Discover the art of captivating storytelling this summer through Creative Writing: Cultivating Craft through Daily Practice! Join Leanne as she guides you through the process of cultivating a writing practice and turning what you are passionate about into writing that engages the reader.
Meet Professor Leanne Tankel:
Q: What was your favorite memory, event, or moment from Inspire last year?
A: My favorite memory from Inspire last year was how our class of young writers, none of whom knew each other prior and whose writing influences spanned the range from dystopian fiction to Russian realism, became a community! A shared belief in the intrinsic value of the writer’s craft and the collective desire to help other writers reach their writing goals allowed our group to evolve into a cohesive, supportive cohort after only a few days. Participating in such a process was a magical experience.
Q: What excites you most about returning to the Inspire program this year?
A: What excites me most about returning to the Inspire program this year is the opportunity to offer young writers the time and space to fully embrace a writing practice. Through daily writing exercises and readings, lessons on craft, feedback from peers, and one-on-one meetings with me, students will cultivate a writing routine that will enable them to become the writers they strive to be. As Maya Angelou has shared, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” and I am most excited to help facilitate the process of bringing forth those “untold stories.”
Q: What advice do you have for students interested in taking your class this summer?
A: To get the most out of our week together, come prepared to write. Arrive inspired and curious and be open to new ideas. Stay receptive to feedback from both your classmates and me. Be disciplined. Embrace the opportunity to engage seriously with your own work and that of your peers. Love the process…and believe in yourself! Finally, know that I am excited for you to join us!