By Charlotte Brookins
The University of Iowa is helping to produce successful writers of all ages—including a recently published novelist who is just 16 years old.
In 2022, Suzette Sheft attended the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio’s (IYWS) two-week summer residential program for high school students on the University of Iowa campus. Sheft’s debut book, Running for Shelter: A True Story is a novelization of her grandmother’s experience in the Holocaust, published by Amsterdam Publishers.
“The publication of my book meant so much to me because it immortalized my grandmother’s story and allowed the world to hear about the hardships of hidden children during the Holocaust,” Sheft says.
The University of Iowa recently surpassed both Harvard and Yale as the number two writing university in the country – offering exemplary programs for graduate and undergraduate students, but also for young, aspiring writers, like Sheft.
“I was thrilled to hear that Suzette had published such an interesting and powerful book,” says Stephen Lovely, who directs the IYWS. “It’s rare that such a young writer publishes a book with an established press, and also rare for a young writer to publish a book that straddles genres in such an interesting way.”
Released in November 2022, Sheft’s book follows her grandmother Inge Eisenger as she flees from Austria to Switzerland in the late 1930s. The book has been described as a riveting true story that provides a lens through which young adult readers can understand the struggles that came with growing up during the Holocaust. Running For Shelter serves as hope for those in the current generation who must learn to navigate a world of challenges both political and personal.
The Iowa Young Writers' Studio is part of the UI’s Magid Center for Writing and gives promising high school-age creative writers the opportunity to share their writing with teachers and peers, receive constructive critique, and develop their craft.
“We create an environment highly conducive to this transformation,” Lovely explains. “We give our students the opportunity to study with, and receive feedback from, exceptionally gifted writers and instructors; we give our students the chance to read each other’s work and to support each other in their art; and we provide readings and workshops and literary events to inspire and excite these students. The rest they do themselves.”
Sheft says the studio has had a lasting impact on her and her writing, beyond just helping her through the creation of her novel.
“This supportive and driven atmosphere created a haven for my work. To this day, I am still in contact with the friends and teachers I met at the studio, and I have so much gratitude to Iowa. This opportunity is unique and one that I will cherish forever,” Sheft says.
The IYWS also offers a six-week online course. Find more information about both programs on the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio website.