Virginia War Memorial Offers Creative Writing Seminars For Veterans in Richmond and Williamsburg
The Virginia War Memorial is again seeking veterans and active military personnel who have stories to tell and want to learn how to write them.
Registration is now open for participants in “The Mighty Pen Project”, a ten-week seminar for prospective writers that will be held this fall at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond and at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.
The Project is open to all Virginia veterans and active military. Instruction will focus on furthering the craft of writing about the experiences of war, the warrior’s life, the military family and life on the home front. There is no cost to participate but the seminars are limited to twelve participants at each location.
Classes will be held in Richmond at the Virginia War Memorial each Wednesday evening from 6:30- 9 p.m. from September 16-November 18. The instructor will be Dr. David Coogan, an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Classes will held in Williamsburg at the College of William and Mary each Saturday afternoon from 1 – 3:30 p.m. p.m. from September 14-November 14. The instructor will be Dr. M. Lee Alexander, a College of William and Mary professor.
Class participants must have access to a computer and printer and an email address to complete homework assignments and be willing to commit to the ten-week session. Applicants to be considered to participate in either program must submit an online application available at
www.vawarmemorial.org. Deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, August 12. Applicants chosen will be notified by August 25.
The Mighty Pen Project was conceived and initiated by best-selling author and teacher David L. Robbins of Richmond. Robbins taught the first Mighty Pen Project seminar called “Words of War” this past spring at the Virginia War Memorial. Due to the success of the program and the enthusiasm of the participants, it was agreed to offer these seminars again this fall in Richmond and in Williamsburg in collaboration with the Armed Services Arts Partnership. Funding for the Mighty Pen Project is provided by the non-profit Virginia War Memorial Foundation.
“We are pleased to again offer this unique opportunity to veterans and active military to take part in these writing workshops,” said Candi Shelton, Education Director at the Virginia War Memorial. “Our initial Mighty Pen Project was a major success and by offering classes in Williamsburg and Richmond this fall more individuals can participate.”
Shelton noted that at the conclusion of the seminars, public events will be held for class members to read selections from their writings. Selections will also be bound and preserved in the War Memorial’s Research Library.
For more information about The Mighty Pen Project, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or contact Ms. Shelton at 804.786.2062 or cshelton@vawarmemorial.org.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Instill Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces.
About the Virginia War Memorial Foundation
Created in 1999, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the sole financial support of the educational outreach, historical exhibits, documentary films and patriotic programs of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups, and organizations are tax-deductible. For more information, call 804.786.2060 or go to www.vawarmemorial.org and click on “Get Involved.”
About the Armed Services Arts Partnership
The Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) offers community-building expressive arts programs at no cost to veterans and military families by partnering with local colleges and organizations. ASAP focuses on developing the literary, musical, and comedic skills of veterans and in the process bridge the civilian-military divide by connecting veterans to students and local communities through the arts.