Summer Camp Pledge 2022

THE PLEDGE

I, Brinsmead, pledge to aim rekindle my love of writing, seek companionship in my fellow writers, and release myself from the feelings of guilt that grip me whenever I find myself mentally wandering the palaces of Raskvaeric or the streets of Rykfontein.

CREATIVE GOAL AND MOTIVATION

I was absolutely devestated not being able to participate in Summer Camp 2021. I was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy), which resulted in me being too exhausted, both mentally and physically, to eat or drink, let alone imagine, write and socialise. Badge-wise, it would be nice to get copper, but I'm definitely not in it to 'win it' this year. I have a lot of emotional and creative growth to do as I navigate the mystery of how to be a writer, a friend, and a new mother.

Creative Goal

• I want to refamiliarise myself with world while exploring new characters, creatures and settings
• I want to find a way to renergise myself so I can continue writing my novel (I'm so close to having a finished first draft, it's ridiculous)
• I want to find a way of balancing my creative-self and my parent-self. At the moment, I'm struggling with a lot of mum-guilt if I find myself having a 'mental break' from my son, which I don't think is healthy at all.

Motivation

• My characters: I love them, I miss them, and I want to be in their company again
• My writing: I miss my world. I miss my story. I miss writing.



Dragon Illustration by Brinsmead