In April-May 2021, sixty essential workers in Northeast Ohio participated in Literary Cleveland's free trauma-informed writing workshops designed to help them process their experiences, connect with fellow frontline workers, and craft their own stories in their own words. Now we have collected their stories and poems into an anthology that detailes the lived experience of the pandemic from the point of view of those who sacrificed to keep others safe. Stories include a nurse practitioner on the fear and uncertainty of the first COVID cases, a homecare nurse on the tragic loss of a patient, a grocery store worker on loneliness and heartache, a warehouse worker on going through divorce during a pandemic, a social worker on absorbing the suffering of others, and a military veteran on maintaining a positive attitude while providing homecare. As one doctor writes: “How did I cope with so much death and defeat? I don’t know if I ever did.” Read these powerful and movies stories now. Support essential workers as they supported us.

Literary Cleveland has suspended all in-person class meetings and events for the foreseeable future. Our goal is to keep everyone as healthy as possible and to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect the most vulnerable among us. BUT! To continue serving local writers and readers, we are providing free resources for writers in our weekly newsletter, offering publication opportunities through Gordon Square Review, and opening new online classes designed to keep you engaged with meaningful creative work and connected with your community. Hope to see you in person soon! Until then, stay healthy and keep writing!