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lighthouse - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

Lighthouse of yonder rock that harkens into the oceanic arena, there is tell that you were born of starlight rather than built by hands of men. Yet I say to the storytellers of the deep that it is through the hands of men that the stars make heaven's way.

In the turret of that lighthouse bright, I placed my writers desk. I called the scene of those waves, the stormy and the calm, my home. Yet in truth it was only half a truth, for without you I am half a soul, at least I feel that way. So until you can fly over those bonny waves, here I sit, imagining that I am whole.

The lighthouse stood as a great guardian of land and a friend to those navigating sea waves.

The weathered paint of the lighthouse was evidence of its humble valour, how it stood resolute upon the rock to tell of dangers others couldn't see.

The lighthouse was bathed in rainwater and brine, the pure and the salty, season in and season out. Around it were the rocks both proud of the waves and submerged. It had been a long time since there were real steps to the door, ones that could be traversed with ease, and so they waited for the tide to pull the sea out a little further, to wait until all the rocks could breathe fresh coastal air.

Day or night, the lighthouse lit up my heart, for it was a thing of beauty, a poetry, a part of this coastal soul.

Starlight calls from the heavens, lighthouse glow replies from Earth, together lighting up the night.

There is a heartbeat in that lighthouse that gets converted to a steady beam upon the nightly reign of the moon.

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Lighthouse Young Writers Workshop—Is It Worth It?

If you’ve been considering attending a pre-college program for high school students, you’re already one step closer to success. These summer programs or immersions go beyond what is taught in high schools and help you build the skills that are necessary to excel in your college life and career.  Writing programs, in particular, give you the time, space, and tools to write more and write better. You get the opportunity to explore genres, try different forms of writing like non-fiction or screenwriting, and play with language.

However, deciding whether to invest time and resources into a writing program can be challenging, especially for young writers. The Lighthouse Young Writers Workshop is a well-regarded program based in Denver, but is it worth attending?  In this article, we break it down for you and weigh the program’s pros and cons to help you determine if it is the right fit for you.

What is the Lighthouse Writers Workshop?

Lighthouse Writers Workshop is a non-profit organization in Denver that offers writing and literary events for writers of all levels, including high school students. These include author talks, panel discussions, literary festivals, and most importantly, a wide range of creative writing workshops. The workshops are designed to give you an opportunity to explore different types of writing in a supportive and inspiring environment.

What are the Lighthouse Writers Workshops for young writers?

While the Lighthouse Writers Workshop is open to all writers, the organization hosts workshops specifically for young writers as well. This includes students from middle and high school who are interested in honing their writing skills. There are a large variety of workshops to choose from, covering different styles and formats of writing from fiction and poetry to screenplays and college essays.

You can go through the full list of available workshops   here . Each workshop has different sessions with different dates, so it’s a good idea to check the most updated listings. Here’s a breakdown of some of the workshops the program currently offers:

1. Wild, Weird, and Supernatural: Sci-fi and Fantasy Club

Eligibility:  There is a track for 11-13 year olds and another for 14-18 year olds

Program dates:  The program takes place in 4-week cohorts on a rolling basis

Location:  Online

This workshop is for students who are interested in speculative fiction, which includes  genres like science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, horror, dystopian fiction, and surrealism.  You’ll learn how to build magic systems, write non-human characters, and establish themes. The curriculum includes studying stories by various authors and using prompts to develop your own writing. This workshop is for all kinds of writers, from beginners to the more advanced students.  

2. Young Authors Collective

Application deadline:  Multiple, year-round deadlines 

Eligibility:  Students aged 14-18

Program dates:  Meetings are every Wednesday for the in-person track in Denver and every Thursday for the online track 

Location:  Lighthouse, Denver, CO or virtual 

Fee:  $550/semester

The Young Authors Collective is a writers group for teenagers that has weekly meetings. The program functions through workshops where students exchange their written pieces, giving and receiving feedback . Students work on different writing forms like fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and experimental forms. This is a great option for students looking for general practice and consistency in writing.  

3. Writing Marathon

Application deadline:  Not specified

Eligibility:  Different tracks are available for students aged 9-12 and 12-15

Program dates:  Multiple dates available. The program takes place on one day between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location:  Lighthouse, Denver, CO for ages 9-12, virtual for ages 12-15

This workshop is a day-long program for students to get together and write.  Each marathon is structured differently and focuses on a different genre and theme.  As a participant, you will get to try writing in a variety of styles and approaches. This workshop is open to beginner and advanced students, so anyone can join irrespective of experience.

4. College Essay Bootcamp for Teens

Eligibility:  All teenagers  

Program dates:  Multiple dates available. The program takes place on one day between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location:  Virtual

This is another day-long program that focuses solely on writing a personal statement or essay for college applications. The boot camp is an intensive workshop that will take you through the process of creating a personal statement, and you will end the program with a polished draft ready for your applications.  The workshop includes interactive exercises, group discussions, and personalized feedback, all of which help you highlight your unique qualities in the essay.

5. Preparing Your Portfolio

Application deadline:  Not specified  

Eligibility:  Students aged 10 years and above  

Program dates:  Multiple dates and timings are available

Fee:  Free 

Similar to the Writing Marathon, this workshop is a day program where you will work on several creative writing pieces. The workshop is designed to provide you with practical experience in various types of creative writing. Through several craft exercises, you will explore different genres and formats, from poetry to script and memoir writing.  This workshop will be particularly beneficial to those who are looking to develop a portfolio of versatile writing that can be used for college applications and contest submissions. 

6. Young Writers Summer Camp

Application deadline:  Registration remains open till the class fills up

Eligibility:  Options are available for students between the ages of 8-18

Program dates:  Typically June to August

Location:  Virtual and in-person at Lighthouse, Denver, CO

Fee:  $270 – $575 depending on the   course  

Aside from the general workshops available, the Lighthouse Writers Workshop also offers a summer camp for students interested in writing. As a participant, you can expect to learn about topics like journalism, lyric writing, social justice writing, experimental fiction, creative non-fiction, and more.  You can go through the full list of courses   here . You’ll learn from established writers and work in cohorts of no more than 12 students.

There are multiple formats available for the week-long camps, and you can choose between full-day camps, half-day camps, or the residential summer intensive. The summer intensive happens only once per summer, but it also offers the opportunity to learn from multiple published writers, complete one piece of writing, and take part in a public reading at the end.   

Is there financial aid?

The Lighthouse Writers Workshop does offer   financial assistance   for each class through grants and donations, although it is limited. Funding   is available on a first-come, first-served basis,  so you do need to apply for it as soon as possible. The organization also offers payment plans for those who want to break up their payments over time.

Is it prestigious?

As a non-profit organization that has been offering education programs and a community for writers and readers for over 25 years, the Lighthouse Writers Workshop is considered fairly prestigious. The organization has a reputation for having a supportive environment and fostering talent, and the workshops are known for their high-quality instruction and the accomplished writers who lead them. As a student pursuing a literary interest, this program could provide a boost to your college applications.

Pros and Cons

Skill development: These workshops provide structured opportunities for you to practice your craft and improve your writing through guided exercises and feedback.

Open to all students:  Most of the workshops are open to all kinds of writers, from complete beginners to advanced writers. The workshops are tailored to provide an enriching experience no matter your level of experience.

Networking: By giving you access to published authors and other aspiring writers, the workshops offer an opportunity to build a network of people in the writing community. These can lead to valuable connections that will help you in the future as well.

Cost: Compared to other creative writing programs offered by renowned universities, the fees for the Lighthouse Writers Workshop are relatively low.

Exposure to the literary world: Through the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, you will also learn about other literary events like book readings, literary festivals, and more, which could be valuable additions.

Limited financial aid: With a few exceptions, all the workshops come with a fee which can be a deterrent to some students. Financial aid, while available, is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  

No cross-disciplinary approach: While these workshops offer high-quality instruction in the field of writing, they don’t expand to consider the intersection of writing with other fields. The curriculum has a tight focus on writing and is best suited to those who are actively pursuing a career in writing.

Location:  Being based in Denver, the in-person workshops may not be accessible to students who live far away. A few virtual options are available, but they may not offer the same experience as in-person workshops.

Our Review—Should you apply?

When it comes to the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, there are a few different factors to consider. For one, the program definitely offers a high level of literary instruction. There is a wide range of options to choose from, covering several different genres and writing styles. No matter which you choose, each workshop offers the opportunity to learn from accomplished writers, enhance your writing through engaging exercises, and build connections within the literary community. So if you’re a budding writer looking to pursue a career in writing, this program is a good choice for you.

However, the Lighthouse Writers Workshops are intensive programs that focus only on the craft of writing. It does not touch upon the intersection of writing with other fields like research or debate. So if you’re unsure about which career path to follow, you might want to look at programs that offer a more inter-disciplinary experience and allow you to explore different interests.  Ultimately, you must make your decision after weighing your individual goals, interests, and resources.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the   Lumiere Research Scholar Programs , selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here .

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to dev=elop an independent research paper.

• high school students
• pre-college program

What you need to know about Denver in 5 min

Look inside the new Lighthouse Writers Workshop building in Clayton, where students’ words are going directly onto the insulation

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"It's the small things that count. The small beauties of the world that keep you going, keep you thriving. Look for the small things and you, too, will be beautiful."

Alice Pearson wrote these words on foam board, a piece of insulation on display in the Lighthouse Writers Workshop's temporary headquarters. It would eventually be carried across a parking lot, embedded in a construction project and, possibly, never seen again.

Lighthouse turned 25 years old in 2022, and the nonprofit is close to completing a major upgrade for their writing workshops and youth programs. Their new permanent headquarters, a brand new $8 million building on the edge of Denver's Clayton neighborhood, is set to open next year.

And as the work began, Donneve Rae, a member, floated an idea in the community. Wouldn't it be fun if they penned some of their own words onto the building's bones?

"I just thought that was absolutely delightful," Jefferson told us. "We are all just really thrilled by the idea of physically building a building out of words, even if it's just in that small way. The words are literally part of the building materials."

Pearson, a member of Lighthouse's Young Author's Collective, said it didn't matter the short sentiment would be sealed away behind drywall. To her, it was an opportunity to bless a space she's come to rely on, a small gesture for something that's become a big part of her life.

"It's like setting intentions," she said, "you know what I mean?"

"Even the little witch girl needs friends."

This was the passage Abby, who asked we don't use her last name, chose to write. For her, it was a reflection of what she's gotten from the Young Author's Collective, a musing on acceptance and friends found by chance.

"I didn't seek out these people, and then we all found each other through writing" she said as she sat with Pearson, Bruna Patton and Zoe Roberts during their weekly workshop. "We all get to enjoy these parts of ourselves and find people who will accept your, like, little witchiness."

The kids described themselves like the "Breakfast Club," not necessarily compatible in the real world but absolutely cohesive in this context. They're each between 13 and 15 and figuring themselves out, mostly on the page, in this "judgement-free zone."

The words Patton chose - "sometimes you need comfort, even if you get it from the worst places" - was an example of this self exploration. The passage wasn't so much about projecting an intention as it was an exercise in homing in on the kind of ominous prose she's been exploring in workshops.

This kind of safe place was a big goal in Lighthouse's expansion. Jefferson said the new building will offer, for the first time, a dedicated room for young people to come and write. Their goal is an open invitation to any kid in the neighborhood, not the few selected each year for the intensive Young Author's Collective program.

"We wanted to be in a place where kids can walk in after school and get tutoring help and, you know, 'I need somewhere to write my creative writing homework,'" she said. "We wanted to be somewhere that was really accessible to local schools, an area that really doesn't have a ton of arts access that we can help build up. That was really important to us."

"I think the meaning of life is to make a difference in the world in a way no one else can."

Those were the words Zoe Roberts penned on the foam panel, a mantra she tries to keep in her mind when things outside herself seem hectic or depressing.

It also embodies Lighthouse's broader goals, beyond just their youth programs.

During the pandemic, the nonprofit's footprint grew far beyond the metro. As they opened classes over zoom, they accumulated participants from all 50 states and a handful of other continents. They offered seminars for medical workers who needed a venue to blow off steam as their hospitals filled with COVID cases, an offshoot of older programs that used writing as therapy for people dealing with hardship.

Alexa Culshaw, the nonprofit's spokesperson, said this kind of community work is what sets Lighthouse apart from other organizations like them. Writing and words, she added, are perfect vehicles to create spaces where individual people and communities can grow stronger.

"We're guided by the belief that writing is a transformative act, and words are our most meaningful way of connecting with one another," she told us. "We see a real power and potential in creative writing, expressing your story, reading someone else's story, understanding new perspectives. It's just a powerful tool."

Three stories tall, packed full of books and adorned by the words of their students, Culshaw said their new home will finally match their ambition, reach and ethos.

"The new building means everything," Jefferson said. "It means growth. It means new access to community. It really means everything to the future of Lighthouse."

Correction: The genesis of the interior poetry idea was originally misstated by our sources, and has since been changed to reflect Donneve Rae's contribution.

Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.

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Writing in Color: Cultivating Artistic Intentions for BIPOC+ Writers

The new year is here, bringing with it the pressure to check off a never-ending list of life goals. But what if we approached the start of this new season with softness and prioritized nourishing our creative souls instead of bullying ourselves into accomplishing our resolutions? Join us for our first Writing in Color Meetup of 2025, where we'll engage in reflective activities, explore how to set creative intentions, discover resources to support our artistic practice, and connect with fellow BIPOC+* writers. We’ll also lay out the new structure for Writing in Color in 2025 during this Meetup! *BIPOC+ includes but is not limited to: African, Indigenous, Native, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, and Multiracial heritage.