Veterans Writing

Would you like to be able to tell your story?

Studies shows that the ability to manage your life through your story increases overall wellness. Our Veterans Writing Workshops offer a safe place for veterans, their family members, and caregivers to write about their experiences. These workshops provide participants the opportunity to create, share, and receive feedback on their writing. They are led by veterans who are professional writers. Previous writing experience is not necessary.

Expressive writing workshops can be a useful tool to help people recover from trauma and help manage stress. Dr. James Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing process uses prompts from the creative nonfiction writing field, and is well-researched for its therapeutic effect. Each participants’ work is completely private and need never be shared with others. Group support, creative writing, and pain management practices help writers process the past, and envision a better future. Expressive writing involves visualizing changes and mapping steps to realize them, as well as tracking the effectiveness of medical treatments and other interventions like rest, time in nature, meditation, exercise, or creativity.

All 18+ military-affiliated family members, caregivers, veterans, and active service members are welcome. Led by Air Force veteran Cindy Skaggs, Expressive Writing Workshops are currently offered via the online platform Discord, Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more or register

Creative writing workshops inspire writing that engages with the artistry of language. Participants will learn to use the written word to express emotions and convey their experiences.

Lunch and Learn with Cindy Skaggs Wednesdays 12 to 1 p.m. via the online platform Discord.

01 July – Journaling Prompts for creative writers
08 July – Nonfiction Writing about trauma
15 July – Fiction Narrative structure and plot
22 July – Business Writing: the synopsis
29 July – Writing Themes and Symbols

Learn more or register

Professional-level workshops help you prepare your work to share with family, friends, or the public. Our Pueblo Veterans Writing Workshops offer a safe place to receive feedback on your writing. All military-affiliated people (spouses, family members, caregivers) are welcome to join the free online workshops by writers Juan Morales and Jorge Arroyo. Learn more or register

Workshop Participant Discusses Workshops

Denver-based U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Luke Anthony Alfonso Martínez On Why We Need Veterans Writing Workshops