Get Inked Teen Writing Conference Welcomes Creative Young Writers Back to Campus

Saint Mary’s College is welcoming back the Get Inked Teen Writing Conference for 2026. This is the 14th time this conference has been held here at The College, and thanks to the passion of Katherine Higgs-Coulthard, it continues. The in-person conference will be held on February 28, followed by a virtual option on March 7. Higgs-Coulthard, an associate professor of Education and author of the young adult novel, Junkyard Dogs, attended a similar conference to this one, but for adults, for the first time, in New York back in 2013, and out of that, “provided the opportunity to focus on my growth as a writer and to connect with other writers.” Higgs-Coulthard wanted to “bring that experience home to kids in Michiana.” Thus, Get Inked was born. 

 

Get Inked is for any young writer in grades 7-12 who would enjoy working alongside published authors to improve their writing. Higgs-Coulthard explains that there is a “variety of choice-based sessions that allow each writer to attend a session in an area they would like to grow. Most sessions focus on improving the craft of writing, idea generation, and revising.” All these techniques enhance writing skills, including academic writing. 

 

Upon arrival at the conference, everyone receives two autographed books by the presenters. Authors include: Keynote speaker Christ Tebbetts, Author of Dr. Zeus; Briana Johnson, author of If I Could Go Back; Tracy Korn, author of The Elements series; and Higgs-Coulthard herself, along with many other authors and writers, all of whom can be found here. Each presenter brings a different perspective. “We have a committee of past attendees and presenters that read through the proposals and make recommendations based on what they think will resonate with the writers who attend Get Inked,” explains Higgs-Coulthard. “The conference begins with a writer’s marathon, where we stretch our creative muscles and get to know one another. The main part of the day consists of breakout sessions during which attendees will write alongside our published authors and presenters.” 

 

Higgs-Coulthard notes that inviting these students to campus not only allows them to hone their craft but also to experience what college life is like. Higgs-Coulthard explains, “I’m a first-generation college grad, and I didn’t even consider many colleges because I couldn’t see myself there. This helps overcome that barrier for some students. 

 

Higgs-Coulthard highlights the opportunity to provide financial support to students who wish to attend. "We are thrilled to offer scholarships through the Patricia S. and Thomas W. Hill Scholarship for Young Writers. Teri Hill Etzel ’81 established this fund to honor the memory of her parents," she said. "Teri's support of Get Inked inspired friend and classmate Martha Lazuk Swift '81 to support the conference with a generous multi-year gift as well."

 

For more information, visit the Get Inked Teen Writing Conference. 

 

December 17, 2025

 

This activity was made possible, in part, with support from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.