On May 3, young writers took the stage at Ben McNally Books to commemorate the release of the print anthology, INKspire: Rising Voices. INKspire is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering writing skills in youth from underrepresented backgrounds through a variety of initiatives, including their flagship Writer Fellowship program. Open to writers ages 18 to 24 that identify as female or non-binary, the free, year-long program provides participants with firsthand experience in writing and publishing. 2026 marked the second edition of the program, and the first cohort where each of the Writer Fellows published five pieces to INKspire’s website and chose one to be published in the print anthology. To INKspire Co-Executive Director, Vivian Zhi, the book launch was a monumental occasion. “It still does not feel real,” Zhi remarked, “but I’m so incredibly proud of our volunteer team and our writers.”
The release of Rising Voices is a milestone that came just in time for INKspire’s ten year anniversary. Originally founded through a Kickstarter campaign, the organization has since grown in its impact and recognition. In 2024, INKspire was awarded a three-year, $300,000 grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Fund, which funded the first edition of the Writer Fellowship program. MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and City Councillor Chris Moise attended the book launch, and both congratulated INKspire and the Writer Fellows during their opening remarks. Just over half of the 25 Writer Fellows were present, each taking turns on stage to share their work in the anthology with a large audience of friends, family, and eager readers. “I was worried it was going to be a fire hazard, with the capacity,” Zhi joked, “but it’s great to see the writers supported.”
While topics covered the broad span of arts, science and technology, social issues, and creative works, common among all of the writers was a passion for their subject of choice. Christina Apa’s Thrifting Through Love explores the writer’s long-running relationship with donating and purchasing used clothing, made more complex after her mother’s passing. “This [piece] was the most personal to me, so I felt it was the best to have in the [anthology],” Apa explained. Having started the fellowship working on Thrifting Through Love, Apa described seeing the piece in print one year later as “a full circle moment.” During the fellowship, Apa found the editing feedback to be particularly beneficial to her growth as a writer. “The editors really help you pin down your ideas to make [them] concise and tight, so that when you do write, you have a clear vision.”
Yulia Gulyaeva, who presented Way of the Roomba, an absurdist screenplay acted by herself and two other fellows, also spoke to the value of the editing process. While Gulyaeva originally drafted the screenplay in high school, she expressed that her struggle with the mindset of “make it perfect now, or it won’t exist” prevented it from being completed. The fellowship provided Gulyaeva with the encouragement necessary to “take feedback well,” and push through her perfectionism. Looking back on her experience with INKspire, Gulyaeva reflected that “it was a great time,” and hopes to continue writing.
The first issue of Rising Voices is available for purchase in person and online at Ben McNally Books. The next cohort of INKspire’s Writer Fellowship is planned to run from Sept. 2026 to Sept. 2027. For those interested in becoming a Writer Fellow, applications are open until July 31.
