I've been alternating between freewriting and researching (I have to be careful because I love doing research and can be consumed by it). There are some things about geography that I need to know to write the essay I'm working on, so it's necessary. I have done enough freewriting that I can see the shape of an essay forming and have a rough outline (I rarely work from an outline, but I'm hoping it keeps me on track to finish this piece).
Wrote again today! I worried I wouldn’t have the energy after a day of mostly solo parenting and caregiving for my mother, who has ALS, but I managed to jot down a quick five things essay and it took a surprising direction. Might have to pursue that a bit more tomorrow…
You did it! Sometimes, finding something unexpected on those days when you're not even sure you're up for it at all (and who could blame you!) can be the most satisfying.
Totally! It was so satisfying. It also takes the pressure off to write something good or meaningful, which makes it so much easier to just generate new ideas.
Yesterday, after reading Essay Camp day 1, I wasn't planning to write, but decided to join the camp and went to my computer and opened the article I've been working on for months. I made another pass through and edited reworked the piece for about 2 hours and sent it to a friend to preview. While I waited, I went for a walk and ordered lunch. She quickly responded with a list of suggestions which was so helpful after writing and re-writing so many times. I did another round of revisions and was able to publish it today!
Today, I intend to write the "5 things" list by hand in my notebook. I feel like I need a break from being on the computer after my intense day yesterday.
I didn't read an essay yesterday, but I have a book of micro-memoirs that has been very inspiring so far, so I plan to read from that today.
Fun to see everyone else on here and what they are working on too! Good job us!!
I LOVED the article by Maggie Smith. the line where she said her little boy said, " I have a daddy and mommy who love me, but I don't have a family," was so profoundly heartbreaking. I hope to write lines like that eventually.
Very happy to have you! I believe that every magnum opus ever made has been made from a certain number of "night flaming with fire" spent "alone with the god," as Bukowski said, but also at least a thousand other days of blah and perseverance.
I read three of the linked essays, and the one that is sticking most to me is "The Smoker," because the walls of my dad's apartment got like that after 25 years.
Today's essays felt flat. I wrote about boredom and dullness and personal cliches. Those weren't necessarily the topics of the essays--in fact one contained a reference to a nun and her abbess rolling around punching each other in the mud (true story told to me by the former nun.) But there was a network of dullness that permeated the way nematodes do the ground.
Joining today. I've been doing the 5 things practice for most of the last year, and I love it. But today I wrote about a hard period of my life and how I might have made (some) peace with the choices of past-me. Then I worked on my story. I really enjoy the reading suggestions as well. Thanks Summer!
Working in Rebel Mode today again 🤘. Editing one of the final chapters of The Parisian Sphinx 🎨
Happy to hear this!
💜🎉
I read "Goodbye to All That" by Joan Didion, and have almost completed the first essay.
Fantastic!
I've been alternating between freewriting and researching (I have to be careful because I love doing research and can be consumed by it). There are some things about geography that I need to know to write the essay I'm working on, so it's necessary. I have done enough freewriting that I can see the shape of an essay forming and have a rough outline (I rarely work from an outline, but I'm hoping it keeps me on track to finish this piece).
Wrote again today! I worried I wouldn’t have the energy after a day of mostly solo parenting and caregiving for my mother, who has ALS, but I managed to jot down a quick five things essay and it took a surprising direction. Might have to pursue that a bit more tomorrow…
You did it! Sometimes, finding something unexpected on those days when you're not even sure you're up for it at all (and who could blame you!) can be the most satisfying.
Totally! It was so satisfying. It also takes the pressure off to write something good or meaningful, which makes it so much easier to just generate new ideas.
Yesterday, after reading Essay Camp day 1, I wasn't planning to write, but decided to join the camp and went to my computer and opened the article I've been working on for months. I made another pass through and edited reworked the piece for about 2 hours and sent it to a friend to preview. While I waited, I went for a walk and ordered lunch. She quickly responded with a list of suggestions which was so helpful after writing and re-writing so many times. I did another round of revisions and was able to publish it today!
Today, I intend to write the "5 things" list by hand in my notebook. I feel like I need a break from being on the computer after my intense day yesterday.
I didn't read an essay yesterday, but I have a book of micro-memoirs that has been very inspiring so far, so I plan to read from that today.
Fun to see everyone else on here and what they are working on too! Good job us!!
Oh, if anyone interested in reading micro memoirs. Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly
Thanks for sharing this recommendation Jess!
I LOVED the article by Maggie Smith. the line where she said her little boy said, " I have a daddy and mommy who love me, but I don't have a family," was so profoundly heartbreaking. I hope to write lines like that eventually.
five things about parties. i read maggie smith's essay and ottessa moshfegh's. thanks for this!
You’ve inspired me. I’ve just finished writing Day 2 of Essay Camp.
I’ve had a dry spell for a long time now and I’m hoping this will push me towards writing my magnum opus! I wish!
Thank you.
Very happy to have you! I believe that every magnum opus ever made has been made from a certain number of "night flaming with fire" spent "alone with the god," as Bukowski said, but also at least a thousand other days of blah and perseverance.
I read three of the linked essays, and the one that is sticking most to me is "The Smoker," because the walls of my dad's apartment got like that after 25 years.
Today's essays felt flat. I wrote about boredom and dullness and personal cliches. Those weren't necessarily the topics of the essays--in fact one contained a reference to a nun and her abbess rolling around punching each other in the mud (true story told to me by the former nun.) But there was a network of dullness that permeated the way nematodes do the ground.
Even so. Day 2! I did all five!
You did all five! And who knows, those nuns might show up again somewhere else. They certainly stick out to me! My goodness.
Day 2, 5 pages so far longhand on my novel. Read Zadie Smith and Yiyan Li, both wonderful. You rock, Summer. Thank you!!
Day 2 in the books!
Working on 40 minutes of free writing now on the topic of a future post. Day 2, here I come.
Joining today. I've been doing the 5 things practice for most of the last year, and I love it. But today I wrote about a hard period of my life and how I might have made (some) peace with the choices of past-me. Then I worked on my story. I really enjoy the reading suggestions as well. Thanks Summer!
Thanks so much for this.