Veterans’ Writing Groupof San Diego County

We write to preserve, heal, and inspire!

Every veteran has a story worth preserving.

Veterans' Writing Group brings veterans, active-duty service members and military families together to write, share and preserve their stories. Join a free workshop and connect with fellow writers.

Join a Workshop Explore Our Books Support VWG
A member in a stars-and-stripes cap and shirt listens during a workshop, manuscripts on the table VWG members reading and writing together around the tables at a monthly workshop

Next workshop

Third Saturday of every month

11 AM to 2 PM Pacific

In person: Veterans Association of North County building, 1617 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058

On Zoom: bit.ly/vwgsdzoom

Free and open to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. Coffee and snacks provided.

Get directions

Why we write

A welcoming place to find the words.

Many veterans carry stories they have never told. Writing them down, among people who understand, preserves a family's history and often lightens the load. You set your own pace and decide how much to share.

VWG is not about perfect prose first. It is about helping veterans find the words, shape the experience, and feel supported as they write.

Our story and mission

Two veterans shake hands on the flight deck of the USS Midway
  • 5anthologies published, with Book VI on the way
  • 2010the year our first writers sat down together
  • 21 to 97the age range of our member writers
  • Freeto join, every workshop, in person or on Zoom

How it works

Connect. Write. Share.

  1. Two people talking on the hangar deck of the USS Midway on POW day

    Connect

    Come to a workshop, in person in Oceanside or on Zoom. No writing experience is needed.

  2. A VWG member taking handwritten notes while interviewing Father Ed, a Vietnam veteran

    Write

    Share your work when you are ready and get caring, honest feedback from fellow veterans.

  3. Brian Sanchez holding a VWG anthology at the USS Midway Museum

    Share

    Publish in our anthologies, enter the writing contest, or read your work aloud to the community.

Hear our writers

Veteran voices

If Dog Tags Could Talk

Father Ed McKenzie

Father Ed McKenzie reads his first-place poem honoring the stories and sacrifices carried by those who served.

“As a novice writer, each week I have had many opportunities to learn this craft. One unexpected benefit is that I am learning how to critique other people's work. I recently used this new skill by providing constructive feedback for my granddaughter's college application essays.”

Sue Steven, VWG member

Watch More Stories

Cover of A Seat at the Table, Book V

Our books

Book V: A Seat at the Table

The fifth anthology from the Veterans' Writing Group brings together stories and poems by veterans, from humorous anecdotes to deeply felt reflections on service. All proceeds help more veterans share their stories.

Coming soon Book VI is in development.

Buy the Book View All Books

Get involved

Three ways to help a veteran tell a story

Volunteer

Lend your time and skills at workshops, events and outreach visits.

Volunteer with us

Donate

Your gift keeps workshops free and helps publish the next collection.

Make a gift

Sponsor

Partner with VWG as a business, foundation or community group.

Become a sponsor

With thanks to our supporters

  • The Doyle Foundation
  • El Camino Country Club
  • Eric Billot
  • Oceanside Minuteman Press
  • Dan Palmer, CMPS, and Crest Funding
  • San Diego County Board of Supervisors
  • Issa Foundation

See all supporters

Your story matters. Start where you are.

You do not need to be a professional writer to begin. Come to a workshop and see for yourself.

Join a Workshop Support VWG