Syracuse University built a path for veteran writers from first draft to published book.

Most veteran writers don’t start with a book deal. They start in a room with people who understand why one sentence took three months.

Syracuse University has invested in that room. In November 2025, Syracuse University Press and Libraries teamed up with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the National Veterans Resource Center to host Voices of Service, an evening celebrating veterans’ writing, followed by a weekend workshop.

The panel

The Friday panel took up art, identity, and conflict. Four writers sat on it.

Robin Caudell won the Veterans Writing Award in 2023 and read from her upcoming memoir, Black Heel Strings. Dewaine Farria, a former Marine, won the first award for his novel Revolutions of All Colors. Brian O’Hare, a former Marine officer and filmmaker, won in 2021 with the story collection Surrender. Jenny Pacanowski is a poet, playwright, and combat veteran who founded Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving. A reception and book signing came after.

The workshop

On November 8 and 9, Farria, O’Hare, and Pacanowski taught a weekend workshop for veterans working on their own writing, with two public readings. It cost $100, with need-based scholarships, and applications closed October 1.

The fee is worth noticing. Many veteran writing programs are free and run on grants or nonprofit money. A small fee with scholarships is a different model, and it leaves a fair question: how should these programs be funded so that cost never decides who gets a seat?

Why the path matters

Writers usually need three things: a place to learn, a place to read aloud, and a way into print. These are often separate, and a writer can stall at any of them. Syracuse links them through a workshop with public readings and a university press that has its own award.

If you write, a few things follow. Look for programs with public readings, because reading aloud changes how you edit. Ask about scholarships before you rule out a paid workshop. Read the award winners’ books to see what editors choose.

The event happened last fall, so this is a look back. We’ll watch for another round and post dates when they’re public.

Editor’s note: this story is based on the university’s announcement. Source: Syracuse University Libraries.