A Gentle Summer Start: Reflection, Writing, and Support

This is the first spring in over two decades when I’m not wrapping up a semester. Since 2002, I’ve been in some kind of academic role—adjunct instructor, teaching assistant, graduate student, volunteer English teacher, assistant professor (at three different institutions), and most recently, a tenured associate professor. Even though I’ve stepped away from higher education, my body still runs on the academic calendar.

Around this time of year, I always felt a swirl of emotions: exhausted yet restless, staring at the writing I hadn’t finished in the spring and wondering how (or if) it would ever get done in the summer. I’d crave rest, dream of a break, but somehow rest and writing always seemed to be in competition — and neither got the full attention it deserved.

This year, things are different — but not necessarily easier. I’m not in faculty meetings or grading papers, but building a small business while helping care for my family brings its own stressors and pace. Like so many others, I’ve had to pivot — and pivot again — in response to cuts in funding, changes in support systems, and the general unpredictability of life right now.

Still, I believe deeply in this work. People need writing support. They also need time—intentional, held, compassionate time—to reflect, reset, and return to their creative selves. That’s the core of what I’m offering this summer.

First: a Pause to Reflect

One thing I always lacked in academic life was a real pause between spring and summer. I’d try to move directly into summer writing with no reset, and more often than not, I’d end up depleted before the season even began.

That’s why I created the free 5-day Reflect and Reconnect series (May 19–23 and June 16-20). It’s a gentle, no-pressure invitation to pause and check in with yourself and your writing. Each day, you’ll get a short, meaningful prompt or arts-based activity to help you ease into summer writing with more clarity, care, and intention.

You don’t have to be “ready” to write — this is for wherever you are right now.

Then: a Container for Your Writing

The second offering grew out of something I’ve longed for since childhood: summer camp. I never actually got to go, but I imagined it constantly—crafts, connection, exploration, friendships, and a break from the everyday routine. That dream hasn’t faded with age. As an adult, I still crave a space to slow down, to focus, and to feel part of something—without the stress of packing up or leaving home. (And for many summers, leaving home wasn’t even an option. As a caregiver, I might have made it to a café for an hour or two, but long stretches away just weren’t accessible.) What I’ve wanted is a dedicated container for writing that’s both grounding and expansive.

That’s what I’m hoping these Summer Writing Camps can offer.

They’re designed to be flexible — you can move at your own pace — but structured enough to keep you inspired and connected. Whether you join one or both camps, you’ll receive curated prompts, short emails, thoughtfully designed journals, and optional Zoom sessions for quiet writing time. We won’t workshop or share work; this is space held for you and your words.

• June’s Camp (Cultivate & Create) helps you set intentional writing goals and reconnect with your creative practice.
• July’s Camp (Getting Unstuck) is for breaking through creative blocks and rediscovering joy in writing.

Whether juggling caregiving, work, or just trying to reorient yourself after a long year, these offerings meet you where you are.

I hope you’ll join me if this sounds like the kind of support you’ve been needing — or if you’ve been waiting for a gentle nudge back to the page.

→ More info on Reflect & Reconnect | You can simply email me to register.

→ More info on Summer Camps and Registration

If you’re looking for more personalized support this summer, I’m currently booking developmental editing and writing coaching sessions. Whether you’re working through a draft, shaping a new idea, or just craving some creative accountability, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out with any questions — or if you just want to talk through what kind of support might be the right fit for you.