The Veterans Writing Project
In April of 2026, I was thrilled and honored to be accepted into the 2026-2027 Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project. It's a year-long mentorship program serving emerging writers with U.S. military backgrounds.
I didn't get into the program on my first try; I only made it to the quarterfinals. I was bummed, but it was for the best, as I was also starting my MFA in TV & Screenwriting. Trying to do my first year of grad school, and the program would have been a lot in hindsight. God always knows best.
Rejection is a very real, constant reality in the entertainment business. You can't take it personally, and you can't give up. You shake it off and try again, which is what I did. I applied the next year and got in on my second attempt. I know some people might be embarrassed to share they did not get into the program, or any program, on their first try, but not me. It's perfectly normal to not get into the various writing, acting, and directing programs on your first try. For those who do, that's awesome, and congratulations. But for those who don't, like me, that's okay; just try again next cycle.
I'm thankful and blessed to be in a group filled with incredible mentors, volunteers, and fellow mentees. I'm learning so much from all of them. It's such a diverse group of people, which is incredibly helpful to my writing. They offer wonderful notes and feedback. Even if I don't implement every note, I hear them, and it helps me keep an open mind as I create the world for my story.
Another amazing perk of the program was hearing Billy Ray speak at the kick-off retreat. I was taking notes like crazy. Thank you to the Writers Guild Foundation, the amazing volunteers, and the sponsors who make this wonderful program possible.
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