Description

This program series can be customized to be as few (or as many) sessions as the library wants. It can be weekly or monthly; each class focuses on a concept and helps the participants grasp the importance of the concept and its role in overall writing. Topics can include - plot, character, subject, locale, dialogue, action, descriptors, etc. This program does not need to focus on the military telling their own stories of military service, but can be used for that purpose.   It is not necessary for participants to complete every session, although a greater understanding of the craft of writing may result if one does.   Sessions should be developed as freestanding units to allow drop-in participation and to encourage maximum utilization of the workshops.  The intended audience is adults.

Cost

This can be done as a no/low-cost event based upon library resourcing and recruitment based on resources needed. See the Resources needed. 

Timing 

This can be done at any time during the year.

Suggested Duration

Four to six sessions, each session duration two hours. Four to six sessions, spanning either consecutive weeks or months, seems to be an optimal program design.

Resources needed 

Notebooks, writing utensils, or laptops with wi-fi access for in-program use; an instructor, ideally someone training in English, creative arts, or another form of writing. Instructor. Don’t rule out utilizing a librarian or library paraprofessional in this role if he/she has background and experience providing instruction and experience publishing.

Tips for Success

The key to making it successful is finding an instructor to lead it. If a library has ties or patrons who are qualified to lead it, and eager volunteers, those can be best, although one always has to make sure a volunteer, especially in a case like this, is committed. A paid instructor, through honorarium or other compensation, might be the best route. Framing it as a cathartic or therapeutic type of program is not necessarily a good idea. Sessions should build upon one another but participation in all should not be necessary; should be constructed as individual units building toward a total experience.

Assessment Ideas

Participation; feedback from participants; feedback from the instructor

Partners and Stakeholders

Instructor; communication to local veterans' groups

Additional Resources/Bibliography

Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network

Submitted by 

Michael Steinmacher, Barr Memorial Library Fort Knox, KY

Creative Commons license