▼ Through a qualitative research design, this study explored how eight talented young creative writers related to their craft. The construct “relationship with writing” emerged as the study’s overarching theme. This theme includes students’ influences, goals, values, identity, and emotions as these relate to writing. The findings indicated that identity development and the expression of an authentic self were central to students’ relationships with writing. Multiple positive contextual influences led students to view writing as a means to understand and express themselves. Students valued academic writing, but felt that creative writing was more congruent with their emotions, goals, and values. Overall, students’ relationships with writing can be described as positive, personal, and context-dependent. Advisors/Committee Members: Coleman, Laurence.