Featured Writer

Eran Derán

Writing Workshop Participant in a workshop for veterans, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Eran Derán is a 63 year old Vietnam Veteran. He has quite a green thumb, and his friends say he has used it to turn his 3 acres into a “Shangri-la.” Eran grew up in Michigan, and he has lived in Vancouver, Washington for the last 6 years. He says that he has been writing for only a short time but that writing now plays a big role in his life.

His writing about his experience in Vietnam, featured in our summer anthology, and interview follow.

Incongruity

by Eran Derán

It was just another night in the field outside of Cu Chi. Earlier in the night we had been under attack again, but this time it was sporadic. Things, now, seemed to be settling down. Artillery had been called in and flare after flare starkly lit the night sky. Shadows dancing across the landscape as the flares descended and died.

Crawling into my bunker I prepared for another sleepless night, listening to the pop of flares exploding, or the loud whistle of artillery overhead and the subsequent earth-quivering explosions, or the thump of mortars being launched. Sounds and sights that later would haunt my existence.

I lay there, trying to get some rest, knowing that at any minute the gut-wrenching inevitability of a new cry for Doc or medic would interrupt. Then suddenly I knew I was not alone.

Looking up, silhouetted against the entrance to the bunker, stood a monkey. It was, apparently, seeking refuge from the litany of unnatural sights and sounds. As we stared each other down I whispered, “It’s okay, c’mere,” and with that the monkey came over slowly and nuzzled into my neck. Then squatting on his red haunches he placed a small fragile arm across my Adam’s Apple and we both drifted off in a fitful yet somehow content sleep.

Interview with featured writer Eran Derán

Tell us about your experience in a Write Around Portland Workshop.

I really liked it. It was an enlightening experience. It made me less afraid to put my words down on paper. It showed me areas of weakness, things I need to work on which are sometimes hard to admit, but that’s also very cool.

What did you get out of the workshop?

I learned that I am a pretty good writer and that I should be working on writing. I shouldn’t ignore it anymore. Of course, I still have my doubts about it, but when I go back and read my writing, I think “wow, I wrote that?”

How has writing affected your life?

I went through 33 years of not knowing what was wrong. I was feeling like I was crazy. I was consulting therapists, doing all sorts of research and self help and spirituality. Nothing worked. When I finally realized through the VA that I had PTSD, the light bulbs went on. I started understanding what was going on and that there is help and there are ways to manage the PTSD symptoms. Writing has played a big part of that. Interestingly, writing helped me realize there were good things I experienced in Vietnam as well as the bad. I did contribute, and I did good things. Knowing that, I feel much more whole today.

Had you written much before you joined the Write Around Portland workshop?

I started writing about year and a half ago when I got involved with Well Arts Institute. Before that, I just dabbled with writing for years. I thought I should be a writer, but it was so tedious because I edited as I went, which was exhausting. I would end up just saying screw it, and I would just go do something else. I had to learn that I just need to put down whatever’s coming up in my head and edit later.

How was your experience writing in a group? Sharing with others? Hearing other people’s stories?

Hearing others’ writing was inspiring. Each person had a story to tell that is unique, and each person in the group had a unique way of writing. Working in a group was daunting at first because I’m kind of a shy person. But once you realize everyone in the group is in same boat, it’s OK.

Would you recommend Write Around Portland workshops to others?

Absolutely. It will help you hone writing skills and get in touch with your inner being.

All content on this site is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use of any material, graphic or literary, is strictly prohibited. All work © by the Write Around Portland and the writers cited: all rights reserved.


Home \| Events \| What We Do \| Donate Now \| Get Involved \| About Us
TAKE A Writing Workshop SIGN UP for Write Around Portland News WRITING RESOURCES	Publications & Writers Featured Writer Eran Derán Writing Workshop Participant in a workshop for veterans, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eran Derán is a 63 year old Vietnam Veteran. He has quite a green thumb, and his friends say he has used it to turn his 3 acres into a “Shangri-la.” Eran grew up in Michigan, and he has lived in Vancouver, Washington for the last 6 years. He says that he has been writing for only a short time but that writing now plays a big role in his life. His writing about his experience in Vietnam, featured in our summer anthology, and interview follow. Incongruity by Eran Derán It was just another night in the field outside of Cu Chi. Earlier in the night we had been under attack again, but this time it was sporadic. Things, now, seemed to be settling down. Artillery had been called in and flare after flare starkly lit the night sky. Shadows dancing across the landscape as the flares descended and died. Crawling into my bunker I prepared for another sleepless night, listening to the pop of flares exploding, or the loud whistle of artillery overhead and the subsequent earth-quivering explosions, or the thump of mortars being launched. Sounds and sights that later would haunt my existence. I lay there, trying to get some rest, knowing that at any minute the gut-wrenching inevitability of a new cry for Doc or medic would interrupt. Then suddenly I knew I was not alone. Looking up, silhouetted against the entrance to the bunker, stood a monkey. It was, apparently, seeking refuge from the litany of unnatural sights and sounds. As we stared each other down I whispered, “It’s okay, c’mere,” and with that the monkey came over slowly and nuzzled into my neck. Then squatting on his red haunches he placed a small fragile arm across my Adam’s Apple and we both drifted off in a fitful yet somehow content sleep. Interview with featured writer Eran Derán *Tell us about your experience in a Write Around* *Portland* *Workshop.* I really liked it. It was an enlightening experience. It made me less afraid to put my words down on paper. It showed me areas of weakness, things I need to work on which are sometimes hard to admit, but that’s also very cool. *What did you get out of the workshop?* I learned that I am a pretty good writer and that I should be working on writing. I shouldn’t ignore it anymore. Of course, I still have my doubts about it, but when I go back and read my writing, I think “wow, I wrote that?” *How has writing affected your life?* I went through 33 years of not knowing what was wrong. I was feeling like I was crazy. I was consulting therapists, doing all sorts of research and self help and spirituality. Nothing worked. When I finally realized through the VA that I had PTSD, the light bulbs went on. I started understanding what was going on and that there is help and there are ways to manage the PTSD symptoms. Writing has played a big part of that. Interestingly, writing helped me realize there were good things I experienced in Vietnam as well as the bad. I did contribute, and I did good things. Knowing that, I feel much more whole today. *Had you written much before you joined the Write Around* *Portland* *workshop?* I started writing about year and a half ago when I got involved with Well Arts Institute. Before that, I just dabbled with writing for years. I thought I should be a writer, but it was so tedious because I edited as I went, which was exhausting. I would end up just saying screw it, and I would just go do something else. I had to learn that I just need to put down whatever’s coming up in my head and edit later. *How was your experience writing in a group? Sharing with others? Hearing other people’s stories?* Hearing others’ writing was inspiring. Each person had a story to tell that is unique, and each person in the group had a unique way of writing. Working in a group was daunting at first because I’m kind of a shy person. But once you realize everyone in the group is in same boat, it’s OK. *Would you recommend Write Around* *Portland* *workshops to others?* Absolutely. It will help you hone writing skills and get in touch with your inner being. All content on this site is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use of any material, graphic or literary, is strictly prohibited. All work © by the Write Around Portland and the writers cited: all rights reserved.	"I just believe in myself more." Write Around Portland Participant Provide a writer with a journal, pen, bus tickets, and Anthology. Featured Writer Eran Derán Click here to read about past featured writers.
Home \| Events \| What We Do \| Donate Now \| Get Involved \| About Us