Staring at a blank page can feel harder than basic training, especially when you’re digging into the past. We’re creating a safe, judgment-free zone to explore your stories. Whether you’re wrestling with the fear of reliving trauma, worrying if your experiences are “dramatic enough,” or just wondering how to start without cracking open old wounds, this is for you. We’ll look at powerful recent works like The Fourth Option by Jack Carr, Survivor’s Obligation by Stricklin and Neeb, and Flying in the Face of Fear by Kim Campbell to see how others have successfully translated service into story.

Attendees will learn to:

• Establish personal boundaries to ensure you write safely and comfortably.
• Transform raw military memories into compelling narrative scenes.
• Identify the difference between therapeutic reflection and creative storytelling.
• Manage the pacing of high-stakes moments to keep your readers engaged.
• Build a supportive community of fellow veteran writers who “get it.”