UPDATE: The deadline for applications has been extended to Tuesday, June 30th.
Opera Saratoga, in partnership with the literary organization Words After War, will present a writing workshop to civilians, veterans and military families on July 11 and 12 at The New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs.
This event will be held in conjunction with the world premiere of The Long Walk (MAP 2015), a new opera by composer Jeremy Howard Beck and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann that is based on Brian Castner’s critically acclaimed book of the same name. The opera is a deeply personal exploration of Castner’s return from Iraq where he served as an officer in an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and his battle with what he calls “the Crazy” as he tries to reintegrate into his family life upon returning from the war.
The two-day intensive writing workshop will focus on stories of the military, conflict, and coming home from overseas. Authors Castner and Matt Gallagher will guide participants through multiple writing and feedback sessions.
All civilians, veterans, military spouses, gold star children, as well as those currently serving on active, reserve or guard duty are eligible to participate.
Those wishing to apply should provide two pieces of fiction, nonfiction or memoir (no more than 10,000 words total) that they wish to workshop as part of the class, as well as a short statement of purpose (no more than 250 words), explaining who they are and why they wish to participate.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, June 30th.
Space is limited to 16 students, who will be notified immediately if they have been accepted. The workshop is provided at no cost to those selected. Applications should be submitted to: info@wordsafterwar.org.
Workshop participants will be expected to submit their work for feedback, and to spend time outside of class closely reading their colleagues’ work in preparation for each session.
For more information, visit the workshop page here.
