Glimmer Dumping

The writing retreat in Big Sur was magical and crazy and heavy.

The cabins where the writers stayed for the week

 

Stopped at this river on the way to Big Sur from Monterey. Enormous burritos were consumed.

 

Pensive writers

After the reading. Alan Heathcock, Steve Almond, me, Cheryl Strayed, Kristen Forbes, Samantha Dunn and Pam Houston

Part of the garden at Esalen

Erin, Cheryl, me, Kristen. Celebrating our last night!

What did I learn?

Pam Houston gave a lecture on “Glimmer Dumping.” I highly suggest you take a workshop with her to learn more about this.

Steve Almond said never used the word “mindfully” in your writing. Or ever.

Samantha Dunn had us draw the floor plans of the homes we grew up in, to trigger memories.

Alan Heathcock said “Be brave enough to take yourself seriously.”

Cheryl Strayed said……….OMG I forget. She definitely said, “Being in your twenties means figuring out if you are a lesbian or not.” Which is pretty much what my next book is about. She also said to write with abundance and generosity. And with LOVE.

Love,

Chloe

P.S. I also learned that Kristen Forbes writes amazing essays and is basically my soul mate.