PRESS
One important idea behind The Summer Shadow is to invert the traditional idea of "press." Subjects worthy of interviews and writing are often ignored—ordinary people doing ordinary things. All people are interesting and important whether or not they'd be written about in a conventional setting, and my writings this summer assign due value to people who would usually not be interviewed.
On that note, then, this "press" page is not self-accolades from media sources who have heard of me. Instead, it's a few stories about people whose imaginations and actions helped me arrive at this exciting idea.
GET ON THE PLANE
William Zinsser's book On Writing Well changed my writing game when I read it for the first time my freshman year of college. Zinsser's tips trained me to sharpen my style and eliminate extra words. It's one of those books I'm always reading, and this past year one of his personal mantras jumped out at me for the first time: get on the plane. As a writer, you should always get on the plane. If there is a story, or if there is a possibility that there is a story, get on the plane. You'll find out when you arrive what you can make of it, but everything starts with getting on the plane. This summer is about getting on the plane.
HOMETOWNS AND CAMPGROUNDS
When I was a senior in high school, my favorite artist was Steve Moakler. He announced a tour for which he invited his fans to submit a creative bid. He selected a certain number of locations and played shows at those fans' houses. My family put in a bid, got accepted, and on November 4th, Steve and Gracie visited my home. It is to date one of the best nights I've lived. Steve's video pitch was similar to the video I ended up making, and his trip was a muse for this summer idea. That tour proved to me the creative nature and collaborative spirit of all people, whether friends or strangers
SHOP FOR FARMS
Although I haven't finished the book yet, Thoreau's Walden is one of my favorites. One part I just read mentions his visits to all the neighboring farmers. He would size up their land, visit the far reaches of their fields, and discuss the work requirements with the farmer. He would never actually buy the land, claiming that he came away richer just for having seen everything. This reminded me of my summer plans, because that's what I want to do—visit people, intrude a bit, leave too soon, and be richer for it.
PODCASTS AND EMAILS
The first podcast I ever listened to was "Life in the Woods," released by Blake Stratton. I distinctly remember listening to a podcast interviewing Ruthie Lindsay. Her story moved me, and one thing she said that I remembered was "just reach out." So I emailed her, reaching out—not asking for anything—just sharing my thoughts with her. When she emailed me back, I was shocked and ecstatic. It was one of the first times I did something brave and spontaneous like that, and it showed me how to reach out, whether for collaboration, help, friendship, or all three. That spirit of collaboration inspired me this summer.