How the Emerging Student Writers initiative is setting the stage for future authors
By Michael J. Pallerino
In every generation, there is a need to uncover and nurture young, creative voices. These are artists who set out to see the world through fresh eyes and dare to tell its stories in bold, new ways. By carrying the torch of artistic expression, they are not only helping to ensure its evolution, but preserving its essence. What we see when we open the door for young creatives is a new path forward—one that meshes what we have taught with what is yet to be uncovered.
If you think about it, the possibilities of imagination are endless.
It is in the spirit of imagining endless opportunities that the Decatur Book Festival and the Georgia Center for the Book partnered on a recent effort to help discover, uplift and celebrate the voices of the next generation. For the first time during last year’s Festival, the groups unveiled the Emerging Student Writers Stage, an initiative that will highlight the work of those who are just beginning to make their mark in the literary world. The Reading Room, which served as the venue for the program, and the Atlanta Writers Club, also were instrumental in helping with the initiative.
Ally StoneWright, Ph.D., the Program & Communications Specialist for the Georgia Center for the Book, says that at the heart of the program, the initiative is a space where words come alive, genres collide and young creatives step into the vibrant Atlanta literary scene. The first set of students participating in the program came from universities across the metro area and beyond, representing a rich tapestry of voices, styles and stories. The schools that participated during the first year included Agnes Scott, Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia College & State University.“This initiative is about welcoming them to the larger literary community and giving them a platform to share their work,” StoneWright says. “One of our hopes is that student writers will be able to get to know the larger literary community in Georgia and make connections. We hope to expand opportunities for this community going forward by connecting them with established authors, providing writing workshops, and more.”
The process of assembling this talented group was both intentional and collaborative. Participating schools handpicked students to represent them, with some inviting submissions and others recruiting from literary magazines like Aurora, Agnes Scott College’s celebrated journal. The result was a dynamic roster of more than 30 student writers offering fresh perspectives and polished portfolios. “This is where the magic of discovery happens,” StoneWright says. “It was a chance to hear new voices, see them develop in real time and be part of their journey.”
The Emerging Writers initiative isn’t just about performances; it’s about connections. Their participation helped open doors to mentorship, networking, and valuable resources for navigating the writing and publishing industries. “This was only the beginning,” StoneWright says. “We envision this platform evolving into something even larger—a hub for collaboration, workshops and mentorship. We’d love to include more schools and expand opportunities for emerging writers in future years.”
While this is the initiative’s inaugural year, the enthusiasm is palpable. From the bustling stages to the intimate conversations in the festival’s halls, the energy these young writers bring is undeniable. It’s a reminder of the power of stories to bridge divides and build connections.
As the Decatur Book Festival continues to champion established authors, the Emerging Writers initiative serves as another step toward shaping the next generation of literary voices—a celebration of resilience, creativity and the communities that make such growth possible.
How to Get Involved
If you work with a college or university that wasn’t represented during the Festival, but would like to be involved, please contact Ally StoneWright at wrighta@dekalblibrary.org.
To learn more about the Georgia Center for the Book and its programs, visit georgiacenterforthebook.org.
