Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project for Veterans—a 2026 Initiative from the New Hampshire Writers’ Project
The Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project for Veterans brings creative expression, storytelling, and meaningful community connection to Veterans and military families throughout New Hampshire. Rooted in the belief that every Veteran carries stories worthy of being heard, preserved, and honored, this initiative provides a safe and welcoming space where writing becomes a tool for reflection, healing, and personal empowerment.
Through monthly writing workshops, author visits, membership sponsorships, and opportunities to share and celebrate their work, Veterans are invited to explore their experiences, reclaim their voice, and connect with others who understand the power of story. Whether through journaling, memoir, poetry, or conversation, participants discover new ways to process their journeys, build confidence, and feel supported within a community of fellow storytellers.
This project also strengthens bonds between civilian and military communities by fostering understanding, appreciation, and dialogue—ensuring that Veterans are not isolated in their experiences, but uplifted through meaningful creative engagement.
Our mission is simple:
To give Veterans a voice, a platform, and a supportive creative community where their experiences are honored, their stories are valued, and their legacy can live on.
Monthly Online Writing Workshops
Veterans’ Voices is a monthly Zoom-based writing program that offers Veterans and Wounded Warriors a supportive, trauma-informed environment to explore journaling, creative writing, and memoir. Each 60–90 minute workshop is led by an experienced instructor and designed to help participants process experiences, express themselves freely, and connect with others who share the unique bonds of military service. Over time, these collective stories may be compiled into a published anthology, ensuring Veteran voices are preserved and honored.
What the program includes:
Creative writing and journaling instruction
Memoir development support
Trauma-informed, facilitated space for expression
A welcoming community of Veterans and Wounded Warriors
60–90 minute workshops led by a professional instructor
Potential future anthology featuring participant stories
Goal: Healing, connection, and personal empowerment through storytelling.
Instructor cost: $300 per 90-minute session.
Monthly Author Visits & Storytelling Events
Veterans Out Loud brings New Hampshire authors directly to Veteran communities for monthly in-person engagement. Each featured author presents readings from their work—often centered on Veteran or military stories—followed by open discussion, Q&A, and book signings. These gatherings create powerful moments of connection, recognition, and shared reflection. Books are provided at no cost to Veterans through NHWP support and donor matching, and refreshments help foster a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
What the program includes:
Monthly in-person visits from NH authors
Readings of selected passages
Open discussion and Q&A
Book signing & one-on-one engagement
Light refreshments
Free books provided through NHWP + donor matching
Goal: Community connection, recognition, and meaningful engagement—ensuring Veterans know they are seen, valued, and remembered.
A Year of Creativity, Support & Opportunity — for Just $20
For only $20, donors can sponsor a Veteran’s full-year membership to the New Hampshire Writers’ Project. This sponsorship opens the door to a wide range of creative, educational, and community opportunities designed to support Veterans’ growth as writers and storytellers. From workshops and Write-Ins to exclusive conference savings and an extensive members-only resource library, this membership provides tools, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Membership benefits include:
Access to Write-Ins, workshops, webinars, and social events
Discounts for the NH 603 Writers’ Conference
Access to the Members-Only Resource Library, including:
Editing and design discounts
Marketing and self-publishing resources
An extensive archive of craft and publishing webinars
A supportive writing community that fosters learning and inspiration
Sponsor benefits:
A report listing the Veterans served
A donation letter for your records
Help us bring these programs to life and ensure Veterans across New Hampshire have access to creative expression, connection, and healing. When you support this initiative—by sponsoring memberships, partnering with us, hosting events, or sharing these opportunities with the Veterans you serve—you play a direct role in honoring their stories and strengthening their well-being. Your involvement empowers Veterans to find their voice, build community, and experience the transformative power of storytelling.
Whether you represent a local business or a statewide organization, we invite you to join us in informing, engaging, and inspiring Veterans throughout New Hampshire. Together, we can create a network of support where every Veteran has the space, tools, and creative community they deserve.
For more information, please complete the form below to explore ways you can partner with us in supporting this important initiative.
