Hike & Write Weekends FAQ
All the details about what our weekends look like and how to join the adventure.
While it is still a valuable and meaningful experience to build community through our written words on the Internet, there’s something special about gathering with others in real time and getting to “see” each other’s faces. That’s the heart behind our Hike & Write Weekends! Not only are we creating accountability to get outdoors (and write about it too), but it’s a beautiful opportunity to have real verbal conversations and create deeper, quicker friendships.
What does a Hike & Write Weekend look like?
There are three main parts to our weekends together: we “hike,” we write, and we gather.
Step 1: HIKE
No—you don't actually have to "hike." You just need to get out in nature however works for you! Maybe you'll take it literally and strap on your boots to drive to the nearest state park. Maybe you'll sit on a bench at a suburban park and just listen to the birdsong. Maybe you'll be slowed down by the tiny strides of your toddler who came along for the adventure. Maybe you have a local writing friend who wants to do it with you. Whatever works for YOU is perfect.
Ideally this would take place sometime over the weekend of the scheduled Community Call (see the “GATHER” section below) so your experience is “fresh,” but also so we can feel the long-distance joy of knowing someone else in the community may very well be doing their own excursion at the same time in their own corner of the world. However, you are welcome to do this anytime that works best for you, even if that means during the week prior.
The only requirements are NATURE and INTENTIONALITY. The rest is up to you!
Step 2: WRITE
Are you bringing a notebook and pen along with you on your excursion? Will you focus on simply observing and enjoying the world around you and save the writing for later? If so, when will you sit down to do it? Try to give yourself time and space to do this meaningfully. You don't need hours to do it. After all, it only takes a moment (or a few words) for a seed to be planted. Maybe you’ll end up with an entire essay drafted. Maybe you’ll just have some scribbled notes for a potential future project. Just write!
Step 3: GATHER
On Sunday afternoon/evening, we will gather for our “Community Call.” As this is all still really new, we anticipate the group remaining small enough that we will each have an opportunity to briefly introduce ourselves (where we're from, what we write, what we did for our nature experience) before taking time to have more of an open conversation about how our experiences inspired us. If there's time and people are willing, we might also take a little time to share a bit of what we wrote as a result!
Please plan to have your video on (if possible) and be ready to share... even if it's just introducing yourself! We want to help this feel as much like an in-person meetup as we can, but we also want to respect the fact that sometimes participating in a new group setting can be daunting.
How do I join?
If you’re interested in joining one of our Hike & Write Weekends, you’ll need to fill out this form. I’ve hosted a lot of virtual events over the past few years, and I’ve unfortuantely learned the hard way that it’s just not wise (or safe) to post links to public video calls on the internet. All you need to do is fill out the brief form with your contact information, and you’ll get a follow-up email from me with all the information (and links!) you need.
You do not need to subscribe or be involved on Substack to be a part of our H&W Weekends. Once you’re on the email list, you’ll continue to get emails each month with all the information you need (unless you let me know you’d like to be removed from the list).
Have a question that didn’t get answered?
Click the button below to send me a message or just leave a comment on this post (a great option if you think others might be wondering the same thing), and I’ll be more than happy to help!