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I think what I like best is that when people give talks or workshops, it doesn't really matter what level you are as a writer - whether you are a beginner, or you've been around the block a bit; there's something that you can take away from every session.

Ideally, I'd like every issue to include a diverse group of stories that meet the qualifications sketched above, but covering a wide range of specific matter and flavour.

I love essays, but they're not always the best way to communicate to a larger audience.

You can't go wrong with major life and death stories when it comes to a competition, so I thought I'd have a go at writing one.

The issue is: how do you engage the audience? And one of the things I talk to our communicators about is: The outline is great; the stories are great. But how do you engage them? How do you make it feel like we are on a journey, not you are just up there giving me information.

Favorite subject? I would have to say creative writing.

If you can create an environment where people are invited to do their best work and the best ideas always win, then the project itself will win.

I want to keep doing projects that speak for people within the community and tell different types of meaningful stories.

It makes sense that whatever the topic is, it's more compelling if you can provide the audience with a range of perspectives, and you can cross disciplines. And you don't have to control what people take out of it.

I had one of those defining moments in the fourth grade when my teacher said the story I wrote was the best in the class, and therefore I would be going Young Authors Conference where I'd get to hang out with authors all day.