Empowering Story Telling
Veterans Telling Stories is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching creative writing to military Veterans and their family members. In the process, we strive to build a community upon the shared foundations of passion for the arts and service-based sacrifice.
We offer totally free creative writing classes, workshops, and lectures led by Veteran and Veteran family member instructors.
FREE In-Person Fiction Course in Minneapolis
What: FREE In-Person 10 Week Fiction Course
When: Sunday afternoons 1-4 starting April 6 and ending June 29 (missing a few weeks for holidays)
Where: Open Book in Minneapolis (1011 Washington Ave)
Who: Open to all Military Veterans and Family Members. Taught by Paul Van Dyke with teaching assistant Meg Bartlett
How (much): Totally FREE. There’s even a free parking lot next to the building.
In this 10-week course, we will explore various elements of fiction such as plot, detail, character, and point of view. Class will include take-home readings, in-class writing prompts, lessons, and a 4 week dedicated block for workshopping student stories. At the end of this, students will have a revised piece of writing (short story or chapter) as well as feedback on multiple other pieces of writing.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
FREE Online Course Starting March 4
What: Tell It True: An introduction to Creative Nonfiction
When: Tuesday Nights Starting March 4 6-9pm. Last class on May 6.
Who: Military Veterans & Family Members of Military Veterans
Where: Completely Online, meeting on Zoom
Thanks to a generous grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Paul Van Dyke will be teaching a 10 week course in Creative Nonfiction. In this course, we’ll cover craft topics such as detail, imagery, point of view, place, action, and revision as well as explore different subgenre of Creative Nonfiction. You’ll learn how to craft your stories in a way that is interesting, clear, and that presses at that capital T truth that lies at the heart of your experience.
*Writing about military service not required. You choose your topics.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Veterans Telling Stories students read their work at Open Book Performance Hall on 11/15/24.
Benefits of Writing for Veterans
“I never thought I could be a writer, but after this 10 week class I was able to express things I experienced in the Army and I will continue to write for years to come.”
~Student Testimony
