I returned from the first ever Lit Camp on Sunday, but I'm still in a post-camp haze of happy tiredness. I don't think I've ever been a part of planning something that came off so spectacularly well. It felt so good to be a part of something that benefitted what turned out to be the most awesome emerging writer-campers in the world. There were a lot of things that made it all so fantastic, but primarily it was the people. From the staff at the gorgeous Mayacamas Ranch (and their crazy-good cooking), to the aforementioned wonderful campers, to the refreshingly pretense-free faculty who were all so generous with their time and attention and at no time acted like gatekeepers, to my fellow volunteer staff who made it so fun to take turns driving the golf cart to deliver tables, and who sincerely kicked ass at making people feel welcomed, to our fearless leader who is already busy planning next year's conference. I couldn't have dreamed up a better scenario for a weeke
"In the midst of winter I found in me an Invincible Summer." - Camus ...On exploring strength in its many forms: strong people, strong writing, strong curiosity, obsessions, stances, and loves. Strength as a concept wide enough to encompass fear, truth, vulnerability, and joy.