In partnership with Denver Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library, Hard Times Writing Workshops provide community and a creative outlet for people who have recently experienced or are currently experiencing poverty, addiction, homelessness, and other hard situations. Here, participants learn how to put these difficult experiences into words. Led by seasoned instructors who guide participants through prompts and writing exercises, Hard Times workshops create a safe space for people in difficult situations to tell their stories and hone their craft.
Launched in 2016, Hard Times has served thousands. So far in 2020, 271 individuals have participated in Hard Times at Denver Public Library, and 573 at Jefferson County Public Library.
To learn more about Hard Times workshops, click on the links below:
- Lighthouse Executive Director Mike Henry on why Hard Times was launched.
- Hard Times participant Patricialyn Veal on transferring trauma to the page.
- Hard Times volunteer S.E. Fleenor on the community that arises from shared experiences.
- Urban Life Wash Park's look into the program and its participants.
- DU on connecting students to writers experiencing hard times.
Find a Workshop
In partnership with local libraries, Hard Times Writing Workshops provide community and a creative outlet for people who have recently experienced or are currently experiencing poverty, addiction, homelessness, and other hard situations.
Support Hard Times
As a nonprofit organization, Lighthouse depends on your support to continue serving writers and readers of all levels and backgrounds. Your contribution allows us to expand our community and bring Hard Times workshops to more writers throughout the Denver metro region and beyond.
New Voices Fellowship
The New Voices Fellowship was created to support the writing journey of individuals participating in the Hard Times program. Judges look for writers who show strong execution of craft and voice, and a high potential for overall growth in their writing skills.
We are excited to announce that the 2023 New Voices Fellows are Erica Blumfield and Marya Summers. Erica and Marya will be featured during a reading at Lighthouse towards the end of 2023.