RICHMOND, VA — Two firefighters with the Richmond Fire Department are sharing their experiences with the local Frontline Writers program and encouraging other first responders to join the next class.

In this new video, Richmond Firefighter Betty Migliaccio and Richmond Fire Lieutenant Shawn Jones speak about how the free creative writing workshop helped them. They both plan to participate again.
 

Frontline Writers is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing a free writing workshop to those who work on the frontlines. The organization is currently recruiting for their next class, which starts exactly a month from today. It is open to all current and former police, fire, and EMS personnel. Participants are encouraged to write original works on subjects of their choosing – which can be done in the form of an essay, memoir, fiction, poetry, even a play! They also give feedback and edit the works of their classmates.
 

David L. Robbins – bestselling author, university creative writing teacher, and the founder of the program – will lead the upcoming 12-week class. The session will begin September 13, 2021 and end December 2, 2021. Participants will meet virtually via Zoom one day a week (alternating Mondays and Thursdays) from approximately 6-8 p.m. It is designed to accommodate first responders' shifting schedules.

Frontline Writers seeks a diverse community of participants and voices. Anyone interested in signing up or learning more information can visit frontlinewriters.org. The organization is also hosting a Reading Slam on Friday, August 27 at Legend Brewing Company from 7-9:30 p.m. Alumni will be there to read and share their works.