Tag: veterans writing workshop

Captain Gresh Lattimore (left), with Ted Page, author of Good Grandpa.

There were many twists and turns in my Good Grandpa book writing journey, but the biggest for me was researching the chapter that featured grandpas who had served in each branch of the military (including Gresh Lattimore). I was deeply moved by their stories. Some people may think that serving is about fighting, while some in politics say we Americans should pray for violence against those who “deserve no mercy.” Based on what I learned, that’s not at all what vets are about. To a man, every vet I spoke with does volunteer work to help others. For them, service is a lifelong commitment.

This made me ask myself what I have done to serve. The answer: Not enough!

That’s why I’m piloting a new creative memoir writing workshop for vets. Writing about my life as a grandpa has unlocked doors of understanding deep within me. Writing is also therapeutic, which can be especially valuable for those who have experienced war. While I’m not a veteran, I grew up with a father who had served as a naval officer aboard an armed transport at the battle of Okinawa. He was dive bombed repeatedly, and suffered lifelong PTSD as a result.

My dad, Bill Page (top row, 5th from right) aboard the USS Burleigh.

In my writing workshop, I will channel my love for dad into helping vets tell their own stories.

The workshops will take place on Zoom, or in-person if we have a session close to where I live outside Boston, or in Northern Vermont. Initially, the workshops will take the form of a 90-minute tutorial where I’ll offer up storytelling tips, then invite participants to ask questions or share what they’d like to write about.

If you are part of a Veterans’ organization and would be interested in a workshop, you can reach me by emailing: Ted(at symbol here)goodgrandpa.com.