To help veterans give voice to their experiences, the University of Iowa Veterans Center and the UI Division of Continuing Education co-sponsored a free UI Vets Midwestern Writing Workshop Jan. 15-17 in the UI Distance Learning Site on the second floor of the U.S. Bank building at 30 S. Dubuque St. in downtown Iowa City.

The workshop was open to all current and former military personnel, regardless whether they're connected to the university. No previous writing experience was required.

"My goal is to offer vets a venue to begin exploring their war experiences and find their voices in the process," said Emma Rainey, a May 2009 graduate of the UI Nonfiction Writing Program who co-facilitated the workshop with John Mikelson, veteran's advisor with the UI Veterans Center.

Given the international literary reputation of the UI, Rainey said the workshop was an excellent opportunity for veterans to learn from UI faculty, poets and nonfiction writers. Read more...