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Launching the 12th annual “Delmarva Review”

05 Tuesday Nov 2019

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Anne Colwell, Authors, Best Writing, Book Reviews, Creative Nonfiction, Delaware, Delmarva Review Literary Fund, District of Columbia, Evocative, Fiction, Harold O. Wilson, Jay P. Fleming, Literary Journals, Maryland, Maryland State Arts Council, Meredith Davies Hadaway, Nonprofit Literary Journal, Poetry, Prose, Talbot County Arts Council, The Writer's Center, Virginia, Writers

From the cover photograph “Rough Water” by Jay P. Fleming

The Purpose of a Literary Journal  –  From my “Preface” as editor of the Delmarva Review

As a culture, we celebrate great literature. The best only comes along on occasion, at wide intervals of time. But we would have nothing to celebrate, ever, without the dogged perseverance of dedicated writers who struggle every day to produce their best work. Those who aspire to be better…to be the best…are the ones who fill the pages of established literary journals. The best writers have accessed something special in the hearts and feelings of readers…free of boundaries, and over time.

It is a privilege for literary journals to be among the first to present this writing. And, it is a privilege for writers to have their work selected for publication in an independent literary review.

Welcome to the twelfth annual edition of the Delmarva Review, our current contribution to discovering the best of new literary work. Our editors selected the original prose and poetry of fifty-three authors from thousands of submissions. Individually and collectively, the writing in this volume touches us as human beings. We can also enjoy the author’s craft and unique voice in the telling of stories and poetry.

Our editors selected 72 poems, 10 short stories, and nine nonfiction essays. We also reviewed six recent books of special interest, by regional writers. In all, the authors come from 17 states, the District of Columbia, and four other countries.

We are especially pleased to feature the poetry of Meredith Davies Hadaway. Poetry Editor Anne Colwell interviewed Meredith about her work, and six of her poems follow the interview.

While there is not one common theme emerging from this year’s work, there is an existential darkness that embodies many of the stories and poems. Perhaps that is a sign of our times.

As our Fiction Editor Hal Wilson described it, “In this post- truth era laced with self-serving cynicism, each author has unearthed a note of truth. It is the affirmation of life that runs counter to the basic Western belief that human beings are fundamentally flawed.” The authors face the reality of life; they find something of value through their writing, something worth nourishing in the heart of every human being.

The cover photograph, “Rough Water,” by contributing photographer Jay P. Fleming, perfectly embodies the themes from this year’s selections. Jay’s photograph captures the feeling of nature’s power and passion, which is expressed throughout this year’s writing.

Front cover, Delmarva Review, Volume 12

This edition contains surprises.  Pay attention to James Norcliffe’s poem, “The Man Who Turned Himself Into A Gun.” Norcliffe, from Christchurch, New Zealand, sent his poem to the Review soon after the mosques’ shootings in March.

Three startling pieces of writing address mental illness, from varying, highly personal perspectives. In our culture, we need this lens now more than ever.

As a journal, our focus is on the voice and literary qualities of authors’ work to tell their stories. We are impressed by the courage and clarity of a writer to reveal skillfully a personal feeling or truth that will be remembered. They represent human challenges in a changing world. In most cases, the stories take on more than one meaning. In all cases, the voice is authentic.

Delmarva Review was created to offer writers a valued venue to publish literary writing in print at a time when many commercial publications were shutting down. We favor the permanence of the printed word, but we also publish an electronic edition to meet the digital preferences of many readers. Both print and electronic editions are immediately available at Amazon.com and other major online booksellers.

We welcome submissions from all authors who pursue literary writing. Our editors read each submission at least once. Since the first issue, we have published the new work of over 340 writers from 42 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 foreign countries. Fifty-one percent are from the tri-state Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay region. Sixty have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and others have received notable mentions in Best American Essays and other publications.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literary journal, we exist for aspiring writers and discerning readers. This is a contribution to our culture. We are greatly appreciative of the funding support we receive from individual tax-deductible contributions and from the Talbot County Arts Council, with revenues from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Wilson Wyatt, Jr.
Editor
Email: editor@delmarvareview.org

In support of Literary Journals…a free gift to all writers. By Wilson Wyatt, Executive Editor, Delmarva Review

21 Thursday Feb 2019

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Maryland, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Acceptance, Authors, Books, Commercial Magazines, Critics, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, Discovery, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Editors, Essays, Fiction, Literary Arts, Literary Journal, Literary Magazines, Maryland, Nonfiction, Poetry, Rejection, Short Stories, The Writer's Center, Virginia, Writers

Delmarva Review, Volume 11 – evocative prose and poetry

One of the great ironies in the writing business is the persistent misunderstanding by many writers of the purpose of literary journals.  Message to writers: We’re not against you; we exist for you.

Here is a good example of the potential value of literary reviews. Recently I received a personal email from an aspiring poet thanking us, as the editors of Delmarva Review, for printing his work four years earlier. We had published six of his poems, as a collection, to show the strength of his voice. In his email, the poet explained that our belief in his work bolstered his perseverance to write his best work, which resulted in a publisher producing his first book, as well as his receiving a National Endowment for the Arts literary fellowship.

He was excited; he shared his exhilaration. As executive editor, I felt we had received the ultimate reward for our efforts. Delmarva Review had succeeded in meeting a major objective—to encourage writers in their pursuit of literary excellence. It was working.

However, my sense of satisfaction was short-lived.

Later that day, I attended a writers’ reading at a local library. I enjoy hearing authors tell their stories in their unique voice. One of the writers came up to me to complain, with some bitterness, that after several repeated rejections, that person would never again submit to our journal. It was disheartening, but I listened. I explained why acceptance in Delmarva Review was competitive and to keep trying. Reliance on high standards assures a publication that earns respect throughout the literary community. That respect is totally transferrable to the writers whose work we publish.

We receive thousands of submissions annually. At least two experienced editors or readers read every one of them (at no cost to the writer). If a writer’s work is accepted, it is an accomplishment. Our readers–who include writers, editors and teachers–should expect to read a higher quality of writing in a literary journal than in a standard commercial magazine or book.

Unfortunately, rejection is a necessary part of the process. Any way you say it, rejection is rejection.

About rejection – We editors often tell each other that experienced writers understand rejection. But, the truth is, we’re all human, and one of the fallacies of human behavior is the frequent inability by artists, experienced or not, to recognize and appraise the limits of their own writing. Self-appraisal of an author’s writing is usually tainted by bias. Hopefully, we all like our own work. That’s only the beginning. Developing the ability to make a realistic assessment and knowing where to market one’s work is very, very difficult. But, not to try assures the hardness of rejection.

Speaking for Delmarva Review, we created it for the benefit of writers. “Literary” refers to writing that rises to a high artistic level. Cutting through a lot of philosophical thought, it is simply the pursuit of the best of literary art and beauty.  It is beyond craft.  Literary journals help assure a societal pathway toward continued literary excellence.

The literary journal gives writers an opportunity to publish their best efforts, a place to showcase their highest aspirations, and to be recognized for it. At a time when so many commercial publications are retracting, or going out of business, journals offer a respected, permanent place to print the best writing a writer can create. We have no other agenda. We are independent. We are nonprofit, and our editors draw no salaries. We care about the appearance of the writer’s words on a printed page and the thoughts behind them. Above all, we hope that our discoveries become the discoveries of other discerning readers and publishers who actively seek the best writing they can find.

The benefit to us is the reward of knowing that we have encouraged writers to exceed by offering a possible venue for their most creative expression.

So…don’t give up. If you’re a writer, a literary journal like Delmarva Review is your friend. We take pleasure in discovering your best. Rejection may or may not be a part of that process. But, if you try, you may very well succeed at something very special, very fulfilling.

For information and submissions, see our new website: www.DelmarvaReview.org.

Delmarva Review Reading . . . the voices behind the words

04 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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Birth, Creative Nonfiction, Death, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, Ego, Essays, Fiction, Human emotions, Inspiration, Literary Magazines, Loss, Maryland, Mid-Atlantic, New York, Poetry, Pushcart Prize Nomination, Reading, Short Stories, The Delmarva Review, Transgender, Virginia, Writers

At The Writer’s Center, one of the premier writing centers in the United States, six authors were invited to a public “reading” honoring The Delmarva Review’s eighth edition. Reading from their prose and poetry to a full house, on January 31, the authors expressed the feelings and emotions behind their writing. It was a transference of inspiration only possible by a live performance. . . a delightful event. The writers include:

Poet Sue Ellen Thompson reads from her celebrated book They, as the featured poet in The Delmarva Review, Volume 8.

Poet Sue Ellen Thompson, of Oxford, MD, reads from her celebrated book They, about acceptance, discovery and raising a transgender child. Ms. Thompson’s interview by poetry editor Anne Colwell is the cover feature in The Delmarva Review, Volume 8.     Click on the photo for a larger view

Anne Colwell, Poetry Editor of The Delmarva Review, introduces the poetry in the review and interviews Sue Ellen Thompson, the featured writer.

Anne Colwell, Poetry Editor of The Delmarva Review, introduces the Review’s poetry and interviews Sue Ellen Thompson, the featured writer. Ms. Colwell is an award-winning poet and English professor at University of Delaware.     Click on the photo for larger view

Poet Arden Levine, from Brooklyn, NY, reads from her poetry in the Review as well as a selection of her latest poems.

Poet Arden Levine, from Brooklyn, NY, reads from her poetry in the Review as well as a selection of her latest poems.     Click on the photo for larger view

Poet Wendy Mitman Clarke, of Maryland, reads her Pushcart Prize nominated poem "The Kiss," and other poems in the review.

Poet Wendy Mitman Clarke, of Maryland, reads her Pushcart Prize nominated poem “The Kiss,” and other poems in the Review. They are her first published poems.     Click on the photo for a larger view

Essayist Sheila Walker reads from her essay "Pacific America is so African," her first literary essay outside of academic journals. She is a cultural anthropologist from Washington, D.C.

Nonfiction author Sheila Walker reads from her essay “Pacific America is so African,” her first literary essay published outside of academic journals. She is a cultural anthropologist from Washington, D.C.     Click on the photo for a larger view

Novelist Neal Gillen reads from his memoir, "Northwest to Huguenot," in The Delmarva Review. Mr. Gillen is from Potomac, Maryland.

Novelist Neal Gillen reads from his memoir, “Northwest to Huguenot,” in The Delmarva Review. Mr. Gillen is from Potomac, Maryland.     Click on the photo for a larger view

The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland, honored The Delmarva Review as a literary journal in the region that produces both print and electronic issues available worldwide (via Amazon.com and other major booksellers online). The current edition, Volume 8, contains the selected literary work of thirty-five authors from 12 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

Over its eight-year history the Review has published new work from 216 authors in twenty-seven states, the District of Columbia, and nine other countries. It is published by the Eastern Shore Writers Association to promote the literary arts.

Submissions: The Review welcomes new poetry, short fiction and nonfiction submissions, in English, from all writers regardless of residence. While submissions are competitive, each is read by more than one editor. The current submission period is open through March 31, 2016, for Volume 9. Please see the website for more information and Submission Guidelines: DelmarvaReview.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delmarva Review Welcomes New Submissions for 8th Issue

07 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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Author's Voice, Best American Essays, Book Reviews, Creative Nonfiction, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Essays, Fiction, Human Themes, Literary Journals, Nonprofit, Poetry, Pushcart Prize, Story Telling, Submissions Period, The Delmarva Review, Writers

The Delmarva Review, vol. 7, cover

The Delmarva Review, Volume 7 – Cover photograph by Roger Camp     Click on image for larger view

The Delmarva Review announced the opening of its submissions period for the eighth annual issue, for publication in 2015. Writers can submit poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction from November 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015.

The Review selects new literary prose and poetry for publication in print and electronic editions. All writers are welcome. Submissions are competitive.

The literary journal encourages great story telling, engaging essays, and moving poetry, all exhibiting skillful expression. Editors only read electronic submissions from the Submission Guide page on the website: www.delmarvareview.com.

The 2014 edition, just published, features the work of 40 contributors from 14 states, the District of Columbia, and one foreign country.

“Over a thousand authors submitted writing for the current issue,” said Wilson Wyatt, executive editor. “We selected stories and poetry addressing a diversity of human themes, each exploring the author’s unique voice, style, and command of craft. The cover photograph, ‘Dolls, Provincetown, MA,’ by Roger Camp, teases our imaginations with the potential for discovery.”

The Delmarva Review has earned national recognition among over 3,000 published literary journals nationwide. Open to all writers, about 60 percent of the published authors have come from the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic region.

Over the Review’s history, the work of 30 authors has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. The last issue’s featured essay, “Writing My Way Home,” by Ron Capps, was honored on the “Notable” list in the anthology, Best American Essays 2014.

The Delmarva Review is published by the Eastern Shore Writers Association Education Fund (ESWA), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, to discover compelling new literary work and to inspire others to pursue excellence in writing.

In addition to Wyatt, the editorial board includes: Anne Colwell, poetry editor, Harold Wilson and Amy Abrams, fiction editors, George Merrill and Cheryl Somers Aubin, nonfiction editors, Cheril Thomas, submissions administrator, Bill Gourgey, publishing advisor, Melanie Rigney and Gerald Sweeney, editorial advisors, Jeanne Pinault, copy editor, Charlene Marcum, proofreading, and Laura Ambler, design and layout editor. All volunteer their time and talent to produce the Review.

The current issue, volume 7, is available worldwide in print and eBook editions from online booksellers, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple, and others. It can be purchased from regional bookstores, including: The News Center, in Easton, Mystery Loves Company, in Oxford, and The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland.

For additional information, see the website www.delmarvareview.com, or contact the publication at: The Delmarva Review, P.O. Box 544, St. Michaels, MD 21663, or email: editor@delmarvareview.com.

More information and to order, here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPP6BZ4

The Delmarva Review . . . Every cover has a story

26 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Maryland, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Delaware, District of Columbia, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Fiction, Literary Review, Maryland, Nonfiction, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Virginia, Washington, Writers

Covers of The Delmarva Review

Covers of The Delmarva Review

Coming in October, the seventh edition of The Delmarva Review literary journal features the work of 40 contributors from 14 states, Washington, D.C., and Italy.  Website http://www.delmarvareview.com.  More news to come.

The Delmarva Review…so many choices. So many talented writers.

24 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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Tags

Creative Nonfiction, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Fiction, Inspiration, Literary Review, Poetry, Prose, Publishing, Submissions, The Delmarva Review, Volume 7, Writers

Choices come with the weight of decision and responsibility, never to be taken lightly. That is what we feel as editors of The Delmarva Review.  It’s decision time.

Cover - The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

Cover – The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

While our literary journal is young, at seven years, submissions are beyond expectations.  Over 1,000 writers submitted poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction for the coming issue.

We created the Review as a new publishing opportunity for literary work in print, offering writers permanence and readership beyond borders.  Standards are high as we welcome all authors.  Our goals are to select writing that inspires and encourages writers to create their finest work.  Literary writing is often considered the far end of the writing spectrum, reserved for the most skillfully created prose and poetry.  Through the journey comes discovery, giving significance to the pursuit. . .for literature and for the writer.

As editors, we will do our best to make thoughtful decisions, knowing we can only publish a sample of the work submitted.

Editors will finalize selections over the next few weeks and contact the authors. Publication of Volume 7 is October 2014.  On behalf of the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, we thank all the authors who have considered The Delmarva Review for publication.

This is a privilege.  We do not take it lightly.

The Delmarva Review is published annually in print.  A downloadable digital edition is available at Amazon.com. Website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

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A wonderful task for an editor. . . Pushcart Prize nominations!

03 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Authors, Book Reviews, Creative Nonfiction, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Editors, Fiction, Inspiration, Literary Reviews, Literary Writing, Maryland, Poetry, Recognition, Submissions, The Delmarva Review, The Pushcart Prize, Writers

DR-6-Pushcart

 

The Delmarva Review nominated the writing of six authors for The Pushcart Prize. It’s one of the greatest pleasures an editor can experience, recognizing the writers among the best, all in contention with other selected authors around the nation, their work competing for the coveted Pushcart Prize.

Being nominated for a prestigious literary prize gives authors more than recognition.  It propels their work to another level of discovery.  It’s a powerful incentive for writers to seek the best in literary writing, one of the primary purposes of the Review.

Personally, this caps a long year of hard work.  A gifted team of editors, all skilled volunteers, can appreciate our selection of poetry and prose, all over again.  We’ve gone through the difficult task of reading hundreds of submissions, making tough choices, accepting and rejecting the words that so many authors have labored over, sometimes for years.

The selection process was followed by the careful eyes of our copy editor, proofreaders, and designer.  All of us felt an obligation to print a quality journal that respected the words of our authors.  This often goes unnoticed, but a fine literary review is not just glued together and haphazardly sent to readers or posted online.  It takes time, and a creative, caring hand.

The pleasure we feel today is from knowing that our authors appreciate their opportunity. It’s now up to another set of editors to make their choices. We’ll know next year.

The Delmarva Review nominations include:

–       “Writing My Way Home,” a personal essay by combat veteran Ron Capps

–       “Melissa,” a poem by William Peak

–       “Immigrant,” a poem by Holly Karapetkova

–       “November Morning,” a prose poem by Devon Miller-Duggan

–       “Dioscuri,” a poem by Paul Otremba

–       “Flowers Scarcely Withered,” a short story by Nancy Ford Dugan

Thank you to Pushcart Press for its continued support of literary work published in the small presses.  And, thank you to a gifted team at The Delmarva Review…and to our sponsor, the Eastern Shore Writers Association.   For more about the Review, copies, and submission guidelines, please see the website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

 

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Today’s book signing…the final stretch of publishing

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Photography, Writing

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Book Signing, Chesapeake Bay, Delmarva Peninsula, Easton, Maryland, Photography, Publishing, Writers, Writing

Book signings are akin to opening night at the theatre. Theatre is involved, with a few opening lines…and there is a set, of sorts: a draped table with one’s books spread out for viewing, a pen, and there is a simple wooden chair for the author. Props are sparse.

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt at a book signing for "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light," at The News Center, in Easton, MD. Photo by Katie Wyatt

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt, Jr. at a book signing for “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013, at The News Center, in Easton, MD. – Photo by Katie Wyatt

The real likeness to theatre comes when the curtain is raised. For the first time, the book is presented to the public. All the hard work of writing…or photographing, in my case…the editing, proofs, design, printing, and finally the promotion and distribution, it’s all done, waiting for the first public viewing. The author sits at the table waiting for the audience. Imagine what actors feel, that tumbling in the gut, before the lights. Will they engage their audience?

Yet, when the curtain is raised and the lights are turned on, the energy transforms us. It’s a special feeling. The hour has arrived.

Today was that special time. The audience trailed in, composed of friends and strangers, alike. They picked up the books, opened the pages and sampled my photography. Some read the descriptive narrative. We talked about the unique qualities of the book and how the images were taken. Then, the magic words…I want your book. Will you sign it for me? 

It was a good day for an opening. I take a bow to all who bought my book and hope you enjoy Chesapeake Views-Catching the Light. Its 82 images are from my interpretation to your imagination, now and for years to come. Thank you.

Signing "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light" - Photo by Katie Wyatt

Signing “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013 – Photo by Katie Wyatt

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Community of writers…helping each other grow on the Delmarva Peninsula

25 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference, Book Clubs, Critique Groups, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Literary Journal, Maryland, Poetry, Prose, Readers, Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, The Delmarva Review, Virginia, Writer's Community, Writers, Writing Workshops

Wilson Wyatt Interviewed - The Talbot Spy

Wilson Wyatt Interviewed – The Talbot Spy

Video interview, by The Talbot Spy, highlights the significance of a growing “writers’ community” across the tri-state Delmarva Peninsula. Part 2, Video link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GWoGf1Y4DI

Today’s digital age gives local writers everywhere the ability to reach a worldwide audience.  Regional borders are disappearing.  This technological phenomenon, combined with dedicated volunteers, has spawned a vibrant writer’s community across the Delmarva region of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

The Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA), Bay to Ocean Writers Conference, new critique groups, writers’ workshops, book clubs, Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild (RBWG) and many writers’ groups are growing at a healthy pace in the region. Website www.easternshorewriters.org.

The Delmarva Review, in its sixth year as a quality literary journal, is attracting prose and poetry submissions from hundreds of writers across the U.S., far beyond regional borders. Website www.delmarvareview.com

It’s a wonderful time to be a writer.  Of course, along with opportunities for writers to reach a vastly greater readership, the Internet also gives readers more reading choices than ever before.  The quality of writing has never been more important, as readers become the discerning gatekeepers of good writing.

The strength of an active writers’ community is writers inspiring each other to improve their work, share marketing and distribution experiences, and become successful.

These and other subjects were discussed in the two video interviews by The Talbot Spy:  http://talbotspy.com/arts-2/

The value of a “writing community”…transcending borders

07 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Books, Borders, Combat Veterans, Delmarva Peninsula, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Healing, Maryland, Novels, Personal Essay, Poetry, Public Radio Delmarva, Publishing, Ron Capps, Salisbury, Veteran's Writing Project, veteranswriting.org, War, Writers, Writing Community, WSDL, www.delmarvapublicradio.net

Hal Wilson, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL, Salisbury). - Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Hal Wilson, left, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL-FM, Salisbury). – Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Several friends are currently publishing their literary work. With each, a writing community contributes to the achievement.

I think of this from time to time. Why do I volunteer to help other writers? Does a writers’ community really benefit writers?

The answers are powerful affirmations.

A writer once told me of a desire to publish more work in local publications, but opportunities were diminishing. Does that sound familiar?  I asked why he was thinking locally when he could consider a much larger universe…beyond local borders.  A little nudging, and assurances from a larger community of writers, expanded his vision and potential. His determination was fueled for the hard work to complete and publish books capable of reaching a vastly greater audience…now a major accomplishment for the author.

Another example is about a combat veteran of five wars, Ron Capps.  Parts of his story have been told in the national media and are still being unveiled.

As a very capable writer, Ron decided to use writing to apply his experiences to three new and meaningful purposes.  First, writing enabled him to face and manage the horrors of combat that were relived in his mind daily.  It was a means of confronting and healing.  Appreciating this strength, he initiated a major project to teach other combat veterans, and their families, writing techniques for their healing and expression.

He recognized the value to show the rest of the world, through veterans’ writing, that there were other costs of war we don’t think about, that aren’t reported by the daily media. Only one percent of Americans are engaged in military duty today. Combat veterans, through writing, can “bear witness” for us to comprehend the personal impact of combat and war. As a society, we can become better informed before making decisions about going to war.

This week, two of us from the Eastern Shore Writers Association, hosted  Ron at the Public Radio Delmarva station (WSDL-FM) in Salisbury, Maryland, to record a special radio segment, “The Writer’s Edition,” about his experiences and inspiration to create the Veteran’s Writing Project, veteranswriting.org.  It will air on June 28, contributing his message to a new audience.

Ron Capps also wrote a powerful personal essay that will be published in The Delmarva Review’s sixth edition, in October, expanding the reach of his story among literary readers (www.delmarvareview.com).

These stories “bear witness” to a writing community helping writers in their work while contributing something meaningful to a far greater audience.  The value of a writing community transcends us…it transcends borders.

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