Author Teaches "Timeless Creativity" at Young Writers’ Workshop

Aspiring writers attended the weeklong Kansas Young Writers’ Workshop this summer at Kansas State University. (Courtesy Photo)

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- In a world where time seems to fly by, young writers at Kansas State University experienced a different kind of time - one that unlocks their creative potential and connects them to a timeless source of inspiration.

Author and teaching artist Grant Overstake’s workshop presentation, "It's About Time to Write!" led the young writers on an inward journey to the silent realm of creativity, helping them find their own “timeless” space in this busy digital age.

Traci Brimhall, professor of English and the Poet Laureate of Kansas, invited author Grant Overstake to present at the Young Writers Workshop. (Photo courtesy of Traci Brimhall)

Hosted by K-State's Department of English and led by the esteemed 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Kansas, Traci Brimhall, Ph.D., the weeklong Young Writers’ Workshop was tailor-made for aspiring teen writers, providing the perfect platform to develop their skills and unleash their creativity.

Being invited by the Poet Laureate of Kansas to present at the workshop was an unexpected honor, Overstake said.

"I was so impressed by the focus the young writers gave to my presentation," he added, "and I hope that they can utilize some of the ideas and techniques that have worked for me and other authors throughout history."

Grant's presentation focused on differentiating between "tick-tock" (Chronos) time and creative (Kairos) time as a unique perspective on time management and creativity.

He also introduced students to time-tested tools like "morning pages," a form of journaling that clears the mind and frees the creative flow. Brimhall, herself, led a guided meditation during the session, and ambient and sacred music further heightened the in-depth experience.

Overstake is the author of the 2019 Kansas Authors Club Book of the Year, "The Real Education of TJ Crowley,” and “Maggie Vaults Over the Moon." Prior to writing books, he wrote and edited newspapers, including The Miami Herald.

Rather than portraying himself as a literary luminary, the author described his career as a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery, which began when he, too, was a teen.

Jordan Dombrowski, Program Assistant, said the students were captivated by the idea of finding their own creative sanctuary and reconnecting with their inner voices.

In a thank-you email to the author following the event, Dombrowski wrote, “We greatly appreciated you coming to present for our Young Writers. In fact, this morning our starter question was: ‘What was your favorite part of the week?’ and one young writer responded: ‘Grant’s meditation session.’ You definitely made an impact on our young writers!”

In an era dominated by screens and social media, Overstake's workshop reminds us that the most magical places lie within ourselves, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world through the power of the written word.

Grant is available for presentations to classrooms, writing groups, and book clubs, in person and online.

To learn more, contact Grain Valley Publishing for inquiries and bookings.