Discovering then writing the story you need to tell

Memoir through the lens of creative nonfiction

Through writing exercises, dialogue, and reading brief memoir by other creative nonfiction writers, the participants will learn key points about what memoir is and begin discovering the story they have to tell. They will express their experiences (spiritual, emotional, and physical) through several free writing sessions, working toward developing their story for the second workshop. Using everything from memory, metaphors, imagery, language and the contradictory aspects of their experiences, the participants will begin to create a relationship with their inner and outer worlds that will transform into story.

The first workshop will introduce the tools and writing exercises of this unique approach, and the second workshop will implement what the participants have learned in concrete form: Their creative non-fiction written and spoken within community. Our last meeting together will include a reading of each participant's story, followed by supportive comments and responses to their work. A brief "Check In" two months later will invite the participants to share the process and progress of their story and their writing practice.

Led by Thomas Allbaugh.

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell is open to the community. All levels writers and poets are welcome. Participation is free. Space is limited so please email contact@returningsoldiersspeak.org to register.

June 14 & June 21, 2025
10AM to 1PM, PST

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell

Memoir through the lens of creative nonfiction

Through writing exercises, dialogue, and reading brief memoir by other creative nonfiction writers, the participants will learn key points about what memoir is and begin discovering the story they have to tell. They will express their experiences (spiritual, emotional, and physical) through several free writing sessions, working toward developing their story for the second workshop. Using everything from memory, metaphors, imagery, language and the contradictory aspects of their experiences, the participants will begin to create a relationship with their inner and outer worlds that will transform into story.

The first workshop will introduce the tools and writing exercises of this unique approach, and the second workshop will implement what the participants have learned in concrete form: Their creative non-fiction written and spoken within community. Our last meeting together will include a reading of each participant's story, followed by supportive comments and responses to their work. A brief "Check In" two months later will invite the participants to share the process and progress of their story and their writing practice.

Led by Thomas Allbaugh.

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell is open to the community. All levels writers and poets are welcome. Participation is free. Space is limited so please email contact@returningsoldiersspeak.org to register.

June 14 & June 21, 2025
10AM to 1PM, PST

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell

Memoir through the lens of creative nonfiction

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell

Memoir through the lens of creative nonfiction

Through writing exercises, dialogue, and reading brief memoir by other creative nonfiction writers, the participants will learn key points about what memoir is and begin discovering the story they have to tell. They will express their experiences (spiritual, emotional, and physical) through several free writing sessions, working toward developing their story for the second workshop. Using everything from memory, metaphors, imagery, language and the contradictory aspects of their experiences, the participants will begin to create a relationship with their inner and outer worlds that will transform into story.

The first workshop will introduce the tools and writing exercises of this unique approach, and the second workshop will implement what the participants have learned in concrete form: Their creative non-fiction written and spoken within community. Our last meeting together will include a reading of each participant's story, followed by supportive comments and responses to their work. A brief "Check In" two months later will invite the participants to share the process and progress of their story and their writing practice.

Led by Thomas Allbaugh.

Discovering then writing the story you need to tell is open to the community. All levels writers and poets are welcome. Participation is free. Space is limited so please email contact@returningsoldiersspeak.org to register.

June 14 & June 21, 2025
10AM to 1PM, PST

Miguel Rivera has worked with United States Armed Forces Veterans using art and native ceremonies as tools for transforming trauma and creating belonging. He has translated several books of poetry by Guatemalan poet Humberto Ak'abal, including Poems I Brought Down from the Mountain, Tejiendo Las Huellas/Weaving the Footprints, El Animalero, and In the Courtyard of the Moon. He has collaborated with and led retreats with Robert Bly and Luis Rodriguez. With Roger Shourds, Ed Tick and Ben Dennis, he has co-led retreats for veterans in New York, California, and Maui focused on integrating Indigenous ceremonial and cultural practices with Western based psychological healing modalities. Miguel has been leading purification ceremonies since 1980, focusing on at risk youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, people in rehab and normal segments of the population; and he is also a Sundancer.