Page 39 - 2019 EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP ANTHOLOGY1

Outside In

The Beginning of the Beginning

On March 26th, “Submittable” posted an ad for emerging writers at the Esalen Writers’

Camp. Studying the criteria, I couldn’t believe that for the first time I might have a
chance, so I applied. During the agonizing weeks of silence that followed, an existential

dread came over me; a rip-current pulling me into that familiar sea of inadequacy. Then,
at 3:44 on a Wednesday, I was thrown a lifeline by the The Writing by Writers

Foundation. And after a week of being teased by “final consideration” status, a
congratulatory email arrived. I was accepted, along with six other writers.

I walked in circles, danced, and shimmied. I sat on the edge of my bed giggling with my

most intimate, inner passions. I felt accepted, validated - not by family and friends -
but by accomplished writers and an established foundation. Esalen Writers camp, here

I come!

Three Peas In A Pod

The emails from Samantha set a welcoming tone of support and inclusion. When I sent

certain concerns to Karen, surely revealing the panicked newbie that I was, she instantly
replied. Then with the introduction of Pam, the third pea in the pod, I realized that they

all shared a consistency of support and respect for us as writers, no matter our level of

accomplishment. I had read the ladies’ bios with awe and intimidation, but they had a
comforting ease about them. That atmosphere thrived at the camp. Samantha, Pam and

Karen set a tone of friendship and dedication to the craft.

Lessons Learned

All of the instructors gave me great insight on craft, providing tools moving forward.

Pam’s passion for “glimmers” aligned with my life of observation, and taught me a new
way to store the DNA of my stories. Samantha gave me new insight into the relationship

between narrator and reader. Lydia opened my world to the many ways a story can be
deconstructed. Her three-word exercise provoked a personal revelation, recognized by
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