Finding My Voice
By Victoria F., Iowa
2026 Write Now Winner - Grades 7 & 8
Yesterday I sat in the Iowa Writers’ workshop clutching my story notebook tightly. As I listened to the others share their stories, my heart raced faster. If they could do it, so could I, right? When it was my turn, my hands trembled, and my voice barely rose above a whisper. As I shared the story about my family, everyone seemed genuinely interested. They nodded along and their eyes never left me. My fear was slowly replaced with confidence. When I got back to my seat, I realized I hadn’t just shared a story; I had finally found my voice.
