When Ignite Learning Academy student Eliza Stewart walked the red carpet at the 2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards on December 8, she wasn't just attending as a guest. She was there as a double finalist—and one of the youngest competitors in the room.
Eliza submitted entries in two categories: Flash Fiction and Children's Book Manuscript. Both winning pieces will be published in this year's edition of Detroit Voices, an annual collection featuring talented writers from Metro Detroit.
A Young Writer Making Her Mark
This was one of the first writing competitions Eliza had ever entered. In an interview at the ceremony, she shared her excitement and nerves about the experience.
"I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited," Eliza said. "This is actually one of the first writing competitions I've ever submitted to, and I think I'm one of the youngest finalists here. So, it's definitely a huge leap, but I'm very honored to be here."
For her children's book entry, Eliza wrote a rhyming story inspired by her own childhood. "I just thought about myself as a four-year-old and what she would have liked to read, and then I wrote that for other four-year-olds who might like to read something like that."
Advice for Young Writers
When asked what advice she'd give to other aspiring writers, Eliza shared a piece of wisdom that has guided her own creative journey.
"One of the best pieces of writing advice I've ever received is: 'If there's a book somewhere out there that you want to read that hasn't been written yet, then you must be the one to write it.' And that's the advice that I've followed, and that's the advice that I would encourage other authors to follow."
How Online Learning Supports Creative Passions
At Ignite Learning Academy, students like Eliza have the flexibility to pursue their passions alongside their academics. Our self-paced curriculum allows students to manage their time in ways that support creative projects, competitions, and extracurricular interests.
Whether your child is a writer, artist, athlete, or entrepreneur, ILA provides an environment where students can thrive academically while exploring what makes them unique. Learn more about why families choose ILA.
Support the Detroit Writing Community
The Detroit Writing Room Awards celebrate writers of all ages from Metro Detroit. Proceeds from the Detroit Voices publication support Coaching Detroit Forward's 2026 writing and photography programs for Detroit teens.
Congratulations, Eliza!
We're proud to have students like Eliza Stewart in our ILA community. Her accomplishment reminds us that when students have the time and support to pursue their passions, remarkable things happen.
