Letters From Camp: Week One

Camp NaNo can be thrilling, challenging, and revitalizing—sometimes all at once—but more than anything else, it’s fun. We’ve asked Campers to share their daily thoughts in a new series, Letters from Camp. Read about what your fellow Campers are thinking: 

April 1

Dear Eudokia,

My sweet Muse, where have you gone? You dropped this story idea to me in a dream one night in February and I burned for some time as I started planning it. Now that fire seems to be gone and you along with it.Its April 1st now. Is this your idea of a prank? If so, it’s not funny. Honestly, I am hurt. Are you mad at me? Was it because I got busy with work and life and stopped planning? Is it because I never finished the outline like I promised? You are holding both my story and my cast of characters hostage. If you are scared of Critic, I have sent her away to join the Nano Kennels! She can’t be mean to you for a whole month! Please come back! I miss you! How will I ever get our ideas out there without you?

Love,

Gala

Dear Jinny,

I’m finally doing it—telling your stories. You weren’t that good at telling them yourself, unfortunately, so I feel like all I have are the chapter titles and none of the dialogue. Still, it’s happening. I started writing two weeks ago, when I decided to come to camp, because I couldn’t wait, now that the door finally seems to be opening. My goal was 25,000 words, no matter how crappy, and “butt in the chair” at least 5 days out of 7. As of last night, I had made it to 22,000, and Camp hadn’t even started, so I’m feeling pretty good right now. Things are flowing, and the stories seem to be just writing themselves, almost… I can almost see you rolling your eyes as I write this. You would never have wanted to do something like this, solo artist that you always were, and you’d find my flights of fancy a waste of time. Hmm, you and my critic sound a lot alike, come to think of it.  

Thanks, Mom. See you on the page.

Love, Chris

April 2

Dear mystical, magical art of writing,

There’s nothing I love better than you, and yet, there’s nothing I struggle with more than you. I know I’ve been inconsiderate of you and prioritized other things over you (when, really, prioritizing you is the same as prioritizing myself). But this Camp NaNo is going to change the game. And you know why? Because I say it is. And this time, I feel it’s different. because my resolve is not a loud roar that I want the world to hear—but a quiet promise that I am repeating like a sacred chant all throughout the day… writing, you are a delight. A door to myself. A portal to other selves. A key to other worlds. A gateway to this one. And I feel so privileged, especially as April has started, that I was touched by your magic once upon a time. I’ve been imprinted and charmed forever and there is nothing more I want than to live in the awareness and experience of this knowledge everyday.

yours on the good days and yours on the ‘bad’ ones,

Rainbow

Dear Cinderella,

It is time that you learned that “happily ever after” isn’t always happy, or for ever after. There are innumerable twists and turns along the way. There are those who do not wish to see you happy and will do everything they can to steal your joy. It is your time to realize that those people may succeed, if only for a time. You will see that “happily ever after” is not something that can be granted by a glass slipper or even by a fairy godmother; happily ever after is something you must take hold of for yourself. So, take hold of it, and hold it tightly.

Press onward, dear Cinderella, towards ever after.

SkyVoyager

Dear Mom,

I know you always wanted to publish your stories, and never did. But I still read them and I am passing them on to your grandchildren, so don’t be sad, because Heaven should never be sad and you are not forgotten. Now it is my turn to try and get a publisher’s attention. But even if I don’t I’ll be happy if someone reads my stories and smiles.

I miss you. Love,

Malady

April 3

Dear Camp Nano,

Help! I am lost in the woods trying desperately to find my way to camp so I can get to work. I’ve gotten stuck in traffic jams, detoured, called back home to help a friend, forced to repack twice, had doctor’s appts, birthday parties and Easter egg hunts. Every time I think I am FINALLY on my way, something rears its head and throws me off course. Now it looks like I might not even be able to get back on the road headed to camp until next week. I’m so frustrated I could cry…I really don’t want to give up before I even begin, but I’m feeling pretty discouraged. Hope to see you real soon.

Love, cryptwarmer

April 4

Dear cabin,

I have never ever found a cabin so chatty and supportive like you are. Also, it’s the first time I’m feeling so comfortable to share my doubts and concerns on writing and other topics. I have never been this sociable and maybe sharing something in common has made me open up to you guys. I am really thankful. I hope that we can get to our respective goals by the end of this month. I also hope that others find a cabin that make them happy as mine does to me.

Love,

Kahitna

April 5

Dear Camp,

It’s my first time attending. I’m scared and nervous. There are so many people who know what is going on and I feel as if I am drowning in the ocean. But that’s okay, I’ll sort myself out soon. One story will shine its way to the forefront of the many I’ve tried to begin, and the looming assignments will pass. Then, when someone comes to save me from this icy grip and drag me back to the safety of land, the sun might just shine and words blossom across the page as I envision. Until that moment, I’ll keep my head above the tide and oxygen in my lungs, waiting for that story to break out and make a life all its own.

Sincerely,

Drowning Patience.