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Celebrating WritingWorkshops.com Alumni Yvonne Liu: Inaugural Recipient of the James Patterson "Go Finish Your Book" Grant
by Writing Workshops Staff
18 hours ago
We are absolutely thrilled to share extraordinary news about one of our dedicated students: Yvonne Liu has been named an inaugural recipient of the James Patterson "Go Finish Your Book" Grant in partnership with PEN America, receiving up to $50,000 to complete her powerful memoir, Left To Be Found.
This prestigious recognition comes at a pivotal moment in Yvonne's writing journey, and we couldn't be more proud to have been part of her development as a writer over the past three years.
A Transformative Grant for a Transformative Story
James Patterson's groundbreaking initiative, launched in September 2025, awarded $500,000 total to just 12 emerging writers selected from hundreds of submissions nationwide. As Yvonne shared in her heartfelt announcement, this recognition means the world to her as a "later-in-life full-time writer."
The grant, organized in partnership with prestigious organizations including PEN America, the Authors Guild, and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, aims to eliminate financial barriers that prevent talented writers from finishing their manuscripts.
As Patterson himself stated, "There are so many incredible stories out there that never get written because life gets in the way. I wanted to give these writers a little time, a little space, and a push to say: your voice matters — now go finish your book."
Yvonne's Courageous Journey
For those following Yvonne's remarkable story, this grant represents both validation and vital support for a memoir that has already touched millions. As detailed on her author website, Yvonne's work chronicles her adoption from Hong Kong, where she was abandoned as a newborn and orphaned for seventeen months before being adopted by a Chinese American immigrant couple. Her memoir explores the complex terrain of family secrets, mental illness, violence, and the search for truth and healing across generations.
Yvonne's courage in sharing her story has already resonated powerfully with readers worldwide. Her essay about keeping her adoption secret for decades reached over three million readers on HuffPost, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, where she wrote about the birth mother who abandoned her and the adoptive mother who raised her. The response to her writing has been overwhelming, with messages pouring in from readers who see themselves reflected in her journey through childhood trauma and the quest for belonging.
A WritingWorkshops.com Success Story
As we recently celebrated, Yvonne has been accumulating well-deserved accolades, including being named a Sewanee Writers' Conference Scholar in Nonfiction. Throughout her three years of study with WritingWorkshops.com, we've witnessed her dedication to craft, her willingness to dig deep into difficult material, and her commitment to writing that matters.
What makes Yvonne's achievement particularly inspiring is her determination to write for others who have carried secrets and shame. As she expresses it: "I write for anyone who believes that speaking the truth can change lives—including our own." This grant will provide her with the crucial time and resources to bring her memoir to completion, ensuring that her powerful story of identity, family, and belonging reaches the readers who need it most.
The Power of Community and Craft
Yvonne's success underscores the importance of writing communities and ongoing education in the literary arts. Her journey—from keeping painful secrets for decades to becoming a voice for others who have experienced similar struggles—demonstrates the transformative power of finding your voice and honing your craft.
This James Patterson grant recognition places Yvonne among an elite group of emerging writers working across genres from memoir to graphic novels, all selected for their exceptional promise and the importance of their stories. For WritingWorkshops.com, having an alumna receive this honor reinforces our commitment to nurturing writers at every stage of their journey.
Looking Forward
As Yvonne continues work on Left To Be Found, we eagerly anticipate the completion of this vital memoir that promises to shed light on adoption, generational trauma, and the universal human need for truth and connection. Her success reminds us that it's never too late to pursue your writing dreams and that the most powerful stories often come from the most difficult truths.
Join Our Writing Community
Inspired by Yvonne's journey? Whether you're working on a memoir, novel, poetry collection, or any other creative project, WritingWorkshops.com offers the structure, community, and expert guidance you need to bring your work to life. Our online workshops connect writers from around the world, providing the support and accountability that can make all the difference in completing your manuscript.
Explore our upcoming workshops and join a community of dedicated writers committed to their craft. Your story matters, and we're here to help you tell it.
