Hi, loves. 🌿
Summertime means...
My daughter is spending this week without her phone. (A longer story.) Usually I drop her at the bus stop early enough that she’s the first one there, and I guess (I am not there, how embarrassing), she stares into the screen’s abyss.
Today, she told me at pickup, she watched an ant walk across the sidewalk.
This is the kind of summer I want. Who’s with me?
Hello! It’s been forever. Not that anyone has been counting. There is so much content! So. Much. It is overwhelming, isn’t it? Everyone and everything trying to grab our attention with new clothing and bags and diets and books and better ways of doing all the things.
Well, I’ve missed you and wanted to come say a brief hello from novel-writing land. That’s why I’ve not really been here (“here”); all my writing time is spent wrestling this thing into some sort of shape? Or maybe what I’m doing is finding the better novel inside my current conception of the novel? Anyway, it’s the most inefficient process of all time, but I’m here for it. I am telling myself that all these years will make a better book. Right? Right.
Anyway, ladida.
I did want to let you all know, per the big pink sign above (attention grabber, yes, guilty as charged), that Summer School is back and I am SO happy about it. That delightful time of year when everything goes a little haywire but you STILL WANT TO WRITE and you STILL WANT SOME STRUCTURE and you want so spend at least some of it with the mindfulness of watching an ant walk across a sidewalk.
And, most of all, you want some community and some support and some ideas along the way, and I am here to make that happen for you.
Why the name change? Well, I run a program called BREAKFAST CLUB all year long and it is basically the same thing and it’s a cute name so I decided to stop with the crazy flipping back and forth. The longer details are below but it’s basically two one-hour sessions a week, beginning June 29. We read a poem together, we discuss it briefly, I give you a prompt, and off you go! Like magic! You miss a day? No big deal, you get the poem and prompt anyway. You can work on whatever—your novel, some poems, memories, doesn’t matter. You just show up and get something down.
Here’s what some wonderful people have to say about it:
Like a big virtual writing hug. —Brittlyn Riley-Meade
And this!
You had me at “show up.” I'm so glad I listened to that little inner voice that said, “sign up!” and I did sign up and I did show up. It was more than I could have ever wished for. Great prompts, smart/poetic insights, clear direction, and then WRITING, together, in the silence, in the moment. An amazing experience that I didn't want to end. —Leigh Feather
And this!
You have the best prompts, most lovely poems. —Daisy Florin
You do not need to “be a writer” to join this. You will be one, just by showing up. Promise. It’s a little creative gift to yourself.
Please reach out with any and all questions. All the details are below! xoxoxoxo
Abs xoxo
PS: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention two books I’ve loved of late: Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June (a perfect, magnificent little book). And of course the new Elizabeth Strout. Nothing better than having it by your side when you wake in a perimenopausal panic at 3am!
Breakfast Club, Summer Edition!
Over the summer, BREAKFAST CLUB will run as a twice weekly one-hour Zoom session held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am-10am PST, June 29 to August 12, 2026. Twice a week for 7 weeks, you will have a dedicated time and place where you can confidently commit to writing for one hour. You can work on an independent project or write from the prompt I offer at the beginning of each session. You’ll share your writing goals in the chat and report back the following week on your progress. BREAKFAST CLUB is the commitment and accountability we all need to get our butts in the chair, which is truly half the battle.
Attendance is flexible (you’ll get the poems and prompts no matter what!), but community is at our core. The first 10 minutes of each class will feature a mini lecture and writing prompt, followed by 50 minutes of focused writing time. You’ll keep your camera on and mic off during the writing period, but I’ll be available to join a breakout room for individual advice or coaching if needed. BREAKFAST CLUB is $275 for 14 sessions of dedicated creativity. Early bird special of $249 ends on May 12, 2026.
Who is it For?
Writers mid-project who need community and accountability to continue the work during the summer months.
New writers who are looking to build a creative writing practice in a loving, low-stakes environment.
If you’ve already taken a class with me — or if you did Summer School — this is an easy way to keep your writing muscles active.
And if you have been looking at an easy way to try out creative writing? Here is a way to begin, among wonderful people.
Those curious about creative writing who want an accessible entry point among supportive peers.
You Get:
One poem/prompt a session if you need a jumping off point for your hour of writing
“Office Hours”: You’ll have exclusive access to me in each class if you need to discuss creative, logistical or inspirational snags – I’m here to help!
A personal commitment to weekly writing, starting the new year with creativity and momentum.
Low-stakes commitment: You know you have a space to show up and create, every single week.
A reading at the end of the session with your fellow BREAKFAST CLUB writers.
A 10% discount on a 1:1 session with me.
And the most exciting part: Joining a community of supportive writers and readers who are eager to celebrate your work.
How it Works:
Sign up on Corzisio (registration open!!!). Cost $275 for 14 sessions. $249 until May 12!
Block off MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS at 9am-10am PST from June 29-Aug 12.
Join anytime you can! Bring your coffee, laptop, and the project that needs 50 minutes of your undivided creative attention.
It’s a breakfast date — see you there. Xx
Quick question—do you offer this annually? If so, I will try for next year! I am a public school English teacher (I know, yikes!) and need some inspiration but I’d like to apply for a pd grant for this first.
Excellent. Looking forward to showing up.
Love the pic of Clare Hall pool!