41 Comments
author

Hi all, I've recorded some original audio for this post and the subsequent Essay Camp days, with a little digression and commentary. I appreciate that you're all allowing me to rely on the material from previous sessions to a certain degree—otherwise it wouldn't be possible this month. So thank you, and thank you for joining or reading (and listening!) along xo

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

Summer, thought you'd be interested in knowing this.

When you discussed a September Essay Camp, I had set aside the time on my calendar. Even though it was bad timing for you, and it had to be delayed, I decided to have my own writer retreat. I went to my corner of the bedroom, where I'd set up a little roll-away table, and gathered some materials. Some of your previous prompts helped to get myself going on a project I'd promised myself for literally years to "get around to". (Ha ha.) But then, using the Five Things prompt, something happened, and I actually *did* start working on it that week, and have been keeping at it ever since then. Yes, life intervenes (family; illness, etc.) but I'm still at it. All because of your inspiration and support. And I'll be there next week, in my little corner, with my laptop and research materials, along with all of the Essay Camp participants. I don't know if I can thank you enough for Essay Camp. Count this as my first draft.

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023·edited Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

this is funny, because i just returned my desk. my inlaws bought me this gorgeous desk but the holes were drilled incorrectly and it could not be properly assembled. i am getting another desk, but not immediately, so i am definitely writing in bed, on the floor, or at the kitchen table in the meantime. super excited for essay camp <3

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for these guiding prompts! It’s my first time joining along and I’m using this weekend to get organised. Looking forward to being part of a community and even knowing other people (all across the world) are doing this brings a smile to my face.

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

So excited for this, thank you.

Expand full comment

Looking forward to this. I'll have just sent my novel to an editor and need a distraction 😂

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

I’m moving the furniture around in my head getting ready for this 😉 I am excited 😊

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

I’ve been feeling a pull to write and this gives me the push I need to start. Thanks so much.

Expand full comment
Oct 28, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

I’m looking forward to it!!

Expand full comment

I'm excited to dive in!

Expand full comment

I so enjoy and appreciate your writing, even in the directions for Essay Camp.

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

So looking forward to this, Summer. Thank you for setting it up. I’m having trouble finding the feed on Bluesky though. I’ve tried all the versions of Essay Camp I can think of.

Expand full comment
Oct 27, 2023Liked by Summer Brennan

So wish I could join, made a promise to submerge myself wholly and completely in a new writing project beginning November. Got my snorkel and my flippers! Saisir le jour! x

Expand full comment

Thanks for doing this summer. Love the Baldwin quote and the reminder of what you need and what you don’t. I also hope to share this with my creative writing students when we meet next Wednesday.

Expand full comment

Excited for this! And love hearing your voice--reminds me of a Bennington mini-seminar--so am nostalgic :)

Expand full comment

Excited for this one Summer! ✨

Expand full comment