FROM THE SWORD TO THE PEN

{ Feature }

From the Sword to the Pen

Self-published author and veteran helps fellow service members reach their dreams

Story by Grim Gilbreath

Photos courtesy Donna Hoffmeyer

From quill and parchment to computers and the internet, the concepts of the warrior poet and the soldier scholar have been around in one form or another for most of human history. When the first stick was sharpened, there was a storyteller telling us how sharp it was.

As time marched on and became almost as complex as the stories and lives within it, the invention of books and publishing became a necessity, one that has both aided and hindered authors for ages. After tackling the ins and outs of self-publishing twice, local author and retired Air Force veteran Donna Hoffmeyer decided there must be an easier way.

“The problem with self-publishing is it’s the wild west,” she said. “You know what it’s missing? It’s education and educators in publishing.”

Hoffmeyer set out to establish her own publishing company to help both fellow armed forces members and civilians who were ready to tell the world their story but were too intimidated or overwhelmed by the publishing world. Having served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, she wanted to help fellow service members accomplish their dreams of becoming published authors.

Hoffmeyer’s military career was one of community and was marked by teamwork. In the Air Force, she had various jobs including flight nurse (where she transported wounded all over the world), labor and delivery nurse and clinical case manager. Her years in the service were filled to the brim with accounts of helping fellow service members either directly or indirectly, and that trait has shined through since her retirement as well.

Hoffmeyer has come to the aid of more than her fair share of people during her career, whether through physical or mental assistance. Her generous nature is evident in her actions and efforts, her podcast, public outreach, and even her first book. They are all focused on helping service members with their mental health, transitioning to civilian life or helping them realize their dreams of becoming published authors.

“I’m trying to get people to take the leap and feel safe doing it,” Hoffmeyer said.

Her journey through the publishing process was indeed full of obstacles, but it was also chock full of close friends and happenstance connections that helped Hoffmeyer navigate the process. She realized that not everyone was fortunate enough to have this help, so she set her gaze on assisting others as they sift through the proverbial minefield of scam artists, contracts, publicists, editors and critics. For service members, this already daunting task is compounded by the high demands of their daily lives in the military, making their time in short supply and forcing countless individuals to abandon their voices early in the process. Unfortunately, many never see their words on paper as a result, and with more and more service members taking to the keyboard, the need for someone to lead the charge and show them the way is greater than ever.

Fortunately for them, Hoffmeyer already dedicated a significant part of her life to assisting people in this very pursuit, and has gone above and beyond to seek out and aid people in her cause.

The passion of this veteran, mother, podcaster, blogger and author shines brightly through everything she does; And those flames are now burning brighter than ever to illuminate the path for others to tell the world their stories.

Like a lighthouse’s beam piercing through the veils of an unruly storm, her light is guiding others safely through their journeys to their final destinations.