Wanchese, NC, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop, led by North Carolina’s former poet laureate Joseph Bathanti, is set for November 15, 2025. The workshop is designed for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a healing tool. Attendees will engage in writing prompts and share their experiences, all for free but requiring pre-registration. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a public reading by Bathanti later that evening.
Wanchese, NC – The 13th Annual Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop, featuring Joseph Bathanti, will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU Outer Banks Campus. Open to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their family members, this free workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and requires pre-registration at DareArts.org/veterans. Accommodating up to 25 participants, the workshop emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a healing tool in a community setting.
Joseph Bathanti, who served as North Carolina’s poet laureate from 2012 to 2014, returns to lead the workshop as part of the Dare Arts’ 50th anniversary celebrations. Bathanti has a strong background in supporting military veterans, particularly those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making him a fitting choice for this event. He is a distinguished professor at Appalachian State University and has published over 20 books, earning several accolades, including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the 2016 North Carolina Award in Literature.
The workshop, aptly titled “Where Your Life Still Matters: How Stories Save Us,” will consist of writing prompts from Bathanti and engagement with the works of other military veterans. Participants are encouraged to create stories that may or may not directly relate to their military experiences. This initiative is part of the broader Outer Banks Veterans Week, scheduled from November 9-15, 2025.
Bathanti will also host “An Evening with Joseph Bathanti,” a public reading at The Pioneer Theater on the same day at 7 p.m. This ticketed event is complimentary for veterans, active-duty military, and workshop participants. Additional activities during Veterans Week include a directory of veteran events and specials, curated by Dare Arts, allowing interested parties to submit their offerings for inclusion.
The event is sponsored by the Coastal Studies Institute and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Individuals interested in contributing to Outer Banks Veterans Week can contact Dare Arts executive director Jessica Sands for sponsorship opportunities.
For further details about the Veterans Writing Workshop and Outer Banks Veterans Week, visit DareArts.org/veterans or call 252-473-5558. Pre-registration for the workshop is mandatory due to limited capacity.
Event Summary
| Date | Time | Location | Registration | Participants | Keynote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Coastal Studies Institute, ECU Outer Banks Campus, Wanchese | Free, pre-registration required | Up to 25 | Joseph Bathanti |
FAQ
Who can attend the Veterans Writing Workshop?
The workshop is open to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their family members.
Is there a cost to attend the workshop?
No, the workshop is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
What is the focus of the workshop?
The workshop is titled “Where Your Life Still Matters: How Stories Save Us,” focusing on the importance of storytelling in a community setting.
What additional events are happening during Outer Banks Veterans Week?
Various events and activities will occur from November 9-15, including a public reading with Joseph Bathanti and a directory of veteran events created by Dare Arts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Manteo Celebrates 50 Years of Creativity with Year-Long Festivities from Dare Arts
Outer Banks Commemorates Veterans Week with Special Events
Manteo Hosts Outer Banks Veterans Concert featuring Music and Storytelling for a Cause
Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Veterans Writing Workshop
- Wikipedia: Poet Laureate
- Fayetteville Observer: Joseph Bathanti
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Writing
- The Coastland Times: Love for Veterans
