The literary writing camp concluded after 10 days of work. The first drafts have been completed. Collections of poems, essays, and short stories have taken shape. Perhaps the most significant value of the writing camp, besides the works themselves, is the journey of connection and sharing between writers and military life, between literature and the ever-changing reality of the country.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Colonel and writer Phung Van Khai, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Military Arts and Literature Magazine, affirmed that throughout its 70 years of development, the magazine has always been closely connected with its contributors across the country. The literary vitality is nurtured by the vibrant realities of people’s and military life, by the beauty of revolutionary soldiers, and enriched by the dedication, responsibility, and talent of many generations of writers.
Evaluating the results of the writing camp, Colonel Phung Van Khai stated that the field trips to military units provided authors with the opportunity to directly access the lives of soldiers, thereby sparking creative inspiration and forming many works rich in the breath of life. The writing camp also served as a space for professional exchange, spreading the humanistic values of literature to the practical realities of military life.
For many years, the themes of revolutionary war and soldiers have always been an important source of inspiration for Vietnamese literature. From works created during the resistance war to those from the Doi Moi (Renewal) period, the image of the soldier has always been present as a symbol of patriotism, dedication, and the aspiration to protect the homeland. Over time, along with the changes in social life, writing about soldiers today also presents many challenges.
Nearly 30 poems, numerous essays, short stories, and manuscripts of novels have been produced. This is a positive initial sign showing that writers' interest in the subject of soldiers remains constant. More importantly, many authors are striving to find new approaches and perspectives to reflect military life in a modern context.
