When it comes to writing, inspiration is often the key to creating an intriguing story.

At Cleveland State University, few places spark creativity like Mather Mansion.

Lake Erie Ink, in conjunction with Cleveland State University’s Department of English, recently hosted young writers in grades six through 12 inside Mather Mansion’s storied walls for a day of creativity, community and inspiration.

This year’s theme, “Step in Your Story, Claim Your Power,” challenged writers to come together to spark new ideas, share dialogue and discover the power of creativity.

Founded in 2010, Lake Erie Ink: A Writing Space for Youth has a mission to provide a creative environment where young people can express themselves through writing. The organization offers writing workshops, after-school programs and summer camps led by experienced educators and artists. These programs aim to spark creativity, build confidence and develop essential communication skills through storytelling.

Charisse Bailey, director of programs at Lake Erie Ink, said the partnership with Cleveland State University began with the poetry and writing center and has grown since its first year.

“We were really driven to the Mather Mansion and was a great place to hold the event along with its accessibility and it gives teens the opportunity to see what colleges provide,” she said. “Past collaborations with CSU and the belief in Lake Erie Ink and the ability to use the space and giving teens other experiences other than just doing it in Lake Erie Ink’s space.”

Students were able to choose two workshops to attend. This year’s selections included science fiction, poetry and novel writing. Participants also took part in an author panel and had the opportunity to connect with fellow writers.

Guest writers included Siarra Freeman, an acclaimed local poet and performer; Justin A. Reynolds, bestselling author of Opposite of Always and Marvel’s Miles Morales: Shock Waves; Marie Vibbert, award-winning science fiction writer and author of Galactic Hellcats; and Susan Petrone, novelist and short story writer.

“These students can bet on themselves,” said Bailey. “If you’re around people who are encouraging you and they have maybe experienced some of the same things [as seasoned writers], I feel like that’s something that can extend and hold a lot of weight during times when there is a lot of uncertainty, especially with teens.”

Lake Erie Ink held its symposium in May, and it received rave reviews from participating students.

Some of the feedback included:

“I learned how to accept criticism from myself and others,” said Gloria, an eighth grader at Roxboro Middle School.

“I learned the process of creating and publishing graphic novels,” said Marissa, a seventh grader at Ruffing Montessori.

“I love creating worlds and people — expressing my life and ideas through others,” said Tamara, an 11th grader at Beachwood High School.

Bailey said she hopes students feel comfortable in the space and continue to be inspired by their work. She also wants them to know their ideas have value — that their stories are meant to be shared, not kept in their heads.

“It’s really just a celebration of the moment that we are here, and these stories are awesome along with the workshops allowing them to bring these thoughts and characters to live and get them down on paper, ask questions,” she said. “I really want them to understand that they have a community that’s for them and there are other students that are doing the exact same thing; it’s a space for them to find others who are like-minded.”

She said she is grateful for the continued partnership between Cleveland State University and Lake Erie Ink, which provides students with a safe space to express their thoughts — both on paper and with others.

“It's great to have community investment in something like this that we are doing, everyone is very responsive and supportive of what we do,” said Bailey. “I really appreciate CSU for doing that because it enhances the experience for the students.”