Blog
From WritingWorkshops to Tin House: Celebrating Alumni Charles Stephens' Literary Achievement
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 weeks ago
We're celebrating one of our distinguished alumni, Charles Stephens, who has been selected as a 2025 Tin House Summer Scholar. This prestigious recognition highlights Charles's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft—qualities that were nurtured during his time with WritingWorkshops.com.
The Tin House Distinction
The Tin House Summer Scholar designation represents more than just recognition—it embodies a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in literature. As Tin House states, they "acknowledge that underrepresented voices have faced historical disadvantages in the workshop setting" and work to "continually address and correct such imbalances through scholarship programs, which aim to support and uplift the work of a diverse group of artists."
Charles's selection as a 2025 Tin House Summer Scholar demonstrates how targeted mentorship and dedicated craft development can open doors to the highest levels of literary recognition.
Working with WritingWorkshops.com
In 2021, Charles participated in our IndieMFA Program, where he worked closely with mentor Tommy Dean through our Flash Fiction 6-Week One-on-One Mentorship program. The impact of this collaboration was profound, as Charles himself attested:
"I am extremely pleased with my experience working with Tommy Dean through the Flash Fiction 6-Week One-on-One Mentorship program at WritingWorkshops.com. He was an excellent mentor and provided many helpful insights regarding craft and storytelling. Tommy really challenged me to develop compelling descriptions, construct scenes, and put my characters on stage. He was an enthusiastic reader of my work and a compassionate editor. He provided both rigorous feedback while remaining encouraging and supportive. I would without a doubt work with Tommy again."
A Rising Literary Voice
Charles Stephens has established himself as a powerful voice in contemporary literature. Currently an MFA candidate in fiction at Randolph College, where he serves as a Nancy Craig Blackburn Fellow, Charles is an Atlanta-based writer whose work has garnered support from prestigious organizations including Tin House, VONA, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, AWP, Periplus, and the Hambidge Center.
His fiction appears in distinguished publications such as Copper Nickel, StoryQuarterly, and Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora.
Beyond fiction, Charles has contributed essays and criticism to Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Them, ArtsATL, and the Advocate.
In 2014, he co-edited the anthology "Black Gay Genius: Answering Joseph Beam's Call," which was recognized as a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.
Readers can follow Charles's ongoing literary journey through his Substack, where he shares insights into his writing process and literary perspectives.
Your Writing Journey Starts Here
Charles Stephens's success story illustrates the transformative power of quality mentorship and structured creative writing education. His journey from our IndieMFA Program to Tin House Summer Scholar shows what's possible when talent meets the right guidance and support.
Ready to begin your own literary journey? Explore our comprehensive range of online creative writing workshops and discover how our expert mentors can help you develop your unique voice and achieve your writing goals. Whether you're interested in flash fiction, novel writing, poetry, or any other form, we're here to guide you toward your next breakthrough.
