The journey from soldier to writer can be challenging yet deeply fulfilling. Benjamin Osgood, for instance, embarked on this path after a distinguished career in the Army. Born in Warner Robbins, Georgia, Ben was raised in a military family, eventually joining the Army himself. Over thirteen years of service, he was stationed across the United States, deployed with the storied First Infantry Division to Afghanistan, and later to Kuwait and Qatar for the Afghanistan withdrawal. Medically retired in 2023, Ben now lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with his wife, Casey, and their dog. Through writing, Ben has found a way to channel his experiences into something meaningful for himself and his readers. Here are some steps inspired by Ben’s journey that might help you navigate a similar path.

1. Reflect on Your Experiences and Find Purpose

• Begin by journaling or freewriting about your military experiences. Ben discovered that writing offered him a source of comfort and an escape from difficult memories, a safe space where he could process trauma and even create positive experiences for others.
• Reflect on how your service has influenced you—your values, the challenges you overcame, and what you’ve learned. Think about what you want to share with others and what messages you hope to convey.

2. Explore Storytelling through Hobbies

• Ben found inspiration in his love of tabletop roleplaying games, which he plays with friends in person and online. These games helped him experiment with storytelling and character creation, ultimately leading him to pursue writing. If you have a similar hobby, think about how its storytelling elements might inspire your own writing projects.

3. Read Widely and Look for Veteran Voices

• Reading other military narratives, from memoirs to fiction, can provide insight and help you connect with other veterans’ perspectives. Works like Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried or Phil Klay’s Redeployment bring to life military experiences and could inspire you as you find your voice.
• Additionally, explore genres you’re interested in writing. This helps you develop an understanding of how to structure your stories and convey the themes you care about.

4. Take Writing Courses and Workshops

• If you’re new to writing, take some courses to learn the fundamentals of storytelling. Many veteran-focused programs, such as Warrior Writers or Words After War, provide workshops and support specifically tailored for veterans.
• Even online courses in writing or storytelling can be helpful for mastering narrative techniques, character development, and other skills you’ll need to tell your story.

5. Experiment with Different Forms of Writing

• Writing can take many forms—Ben found storytelling through roleplaying games, while you might find comfort in poetry, memoirs, or short stories. Start by experimenting to discover which form resonates with you.
• Writing short stories or essays can be a good starting point, especially if you’re transitioning from a non-writing career. Once you’re comfortable, consider expanding to longer works like novels.

6. Use Writing as a Therapeutic Tool

• Writing can be a powerful method for processing past trauma. As Ben experienced, stories can become a source of solace for both the writer and readers. Consider starting with expressive writing exercises focused on your memories or emotions, whether or not these pieces are intended for publication.

7. Join a Writing Community and Seek Feedback

• Connect with others on a similar journey by joining a local writers’ group or an online forum. This community can provide valuable feedback, encouragement, and insights.
• Veteran-oriented groups and forums are also great places to share experiences and learn from others who’ve made similar transitions.

8. Set Realistic Goals and Build a Writing Habit

• Writing can feel challenging, especially while adjusting to a new career. Set small, manageable goals, like writing for 15 minutes each day or completing one page a week.
• Creating a routine will help you build skills gradually and develop your voice over time.

9. Seek Mentorship or Guidance

• A mentor, especially someone with military experience, can provide support and advice as you transition into writing. Many veteran-focused programs offer mentorship opportunities.

10. Share Your Work to Build a Following

• Once you feel comfortable, consider submitting your work to veteran-centered publications or literary magazines. Like Ben, you may find fulfillment in knowing that your stories offer readers a safe haven or escape. Seeing your work published, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing, can be incredibly rewarding.

For veterans like Ben, writing isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a chance to create worlds that provide solace, meaning, and enjoyment for others. Transitioning from soldier to writer allows you to share unique perspectives that only you can offer, connecting with readers in ways that might surprise you.