Inkwell Writing Institute

10/14/2026

A little behind the scenes at Inkwell!

I've been spending some time planning our winter workshops, and one of my favorite parts has been coming up with activities that give young writers room to experiment.

I want them to try new things, write something unexpected, make mistakes, change their minds, and discover what they're capable of putting on the page.

That's what Inkwell is about. Not perfect writing. Not grades. Just creativity, confidence, and finding your own voice.

I'm looking forward to sharing what I've been working on!

More about our winter session soon.

— D.J.

10/03/2026

A new season is coming to Inkwell. ✒️
I've been a little quiet here lately, but there has been plenty happening behind the scenes.
I've been planning, writing, and preparing for our next season of creative writing workshops. & I'm finally getting ready to share it with you.
This January, Inkwell will welcome young writers ages 10–18 for another six weeks of creating, exploring, and finding their voices on the page.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing more about our winter workshops, what we're working on at Inkwell, and how your young writer can join us.
Winter begins January 9.
More soon. ❄️

08/06/2026

There's a reason every Inkwell workshop is limited to 10 writers.

It's not because we couldn't put more chairs in the room.

It's because I don't want any writer to disappear into it.

In a small writing community, I can get to know each student's voice—the stories they gravitate toward, the skills they're developing, the places they're hesitant, and the moments when they're ready to be challenged.

Ten writers means more opportunities to ask questions. More individualized feedback. More conversation. More chances to share. And more room for quieter voices to find their way into the discussion.

Most importantly, it gives us the chance to become a writing community, rather than simply a class.

Small groups. Big ideas. Every voice matters.

Fall workshops begin September 12.

08/04/2026

Does my child already have to love writing to join Inkwell?

Not at all.

Some young writers come to us with notebooks full of characters, poems, and half-finished stories.

Others love books and imagination but aren't sure how to turn their ideas into words.

Some may even tell you, “I'm not a writer.”

They're welcome here, too.

Inkwell isn't about arriving as a polished writer. It's about having a place to become one.

Through creative prompts, guided instruction, independent writing, and encouragement, students have space to experiment without worrying about grades or getting every sentence perfect.

All they need is a little curiosity.

We'll meet them on the page.

🍂 Fall enrollment is now open for ages 10–18.

08/02/2026

This fall, we're starting with the most important story of all: your own.

Our inaugural fall experience at Inkwell Writing Institute is Soundtrack of Self—a six-week exploration of identity, emotion, and personal voice.

Across all three age levels, writers will explore a central question:

What does it mean to write as yourself?

For our youngest writers, that begins with discovering their voice. As they grow, they'll dig deeper into the experiences that shape them. And our oldest writers will begin thinking intentionally about what they want their voice to say.

Same theme. Three different journeys. One belief at the heart of them all:

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your story is worth telling.

Swipe through to discover what Soundtrack of Self looks like for Inkdrop, Quill, and Wordsmith writers.

🍂 Fall Session: September 12–October 17
✒️ Ages 10–18
📖 6 Saturdays | 60-minute workshops
🌿 Maximum 10 writers per group

Founding Families enrollment is now open.

Come find your voice at Inkwell.
https://www.thedjhawkins.com/general-5

07/21/2026

Hi, I'm D.J. Hawkins! The educator and author behind Inkwell Writing Institute.

For 8 years, I've had the privilege of working with young people as an educator, both here in the United States and abroad.

I'm also an indie author, which means I've experienced firsthand the messy, exciting, sometimes frustrating process of turning an idea into something real.

Inkwell brings those two parts of my life together.

I created it because I believe young people deserve a space where writing isn't only something they're graded on. A space where they can experiment, find their voice, and discover that their words have value.

I'm so excited to welcome our very first writers this fall!

07/20/2026

What does an hour at Inkwell look like?

✨ A creative spark to get ideas flowing.
📖 A focused lesson designed to build writing skills.
✍️ Time to actually write, explore, and create.
💬 Opportunities to share and receive thoughtful feedback.
🌱 A space where every writer is encouraged to grow.

Inkwell isn't about grades or getting every sentence "right."

It's about giving young writers the space to experiment, take creative risks, and discover what they're capable of.

With no more than 10 students in each workshop, every writer has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported.

Founding Families enrollment is now open for ages 10–18.

07/17/2026

Not every young writer looks the same.

Some have been filling notebooks with stories for as long as they can remember. Some love to read but have never tried writing their own stories. Some have big imaginations and aren't sure how to get their ideas onto the page. And some are still discovering that their voice is worth sharing.

Inkwell Writing Institute was created for all of them.

Our small-group creative writing workshops give young people ages 10–18 the space to explore, create, take risks, and grow into more confident writers—without the pressure of grades or getting every word "right."

You don't have to already call yourself a writer to belong at Inkwell. You just have to be willing to begin. ✒️

Founding Families enrollment is now open for our inaugural season. 🍂

Learn more through the link below.

At Inkwell Writing Institute, we’re building more than workshops. We’re building a space where young people learn to think deeply, write honestly, and discover that their stories matter.

07/15/2026

Founding Families registration opens.

Limited spots available per workshop to preserve small-group learning and individualized feedback.

We cannot wait to begin.

07/15/2026

Behind every Inkwell workshop is a simple structure designed to keep writing focused, personal, and supportive.

Small groups. Consistent weekly rhythm. Space for every student to be heard.

Founding Family enrollment opens soon, and spots will be limited as we build our first cohort.

If you’ve been considering joining, this is the moment to stay close.