Haze

Dear Luminous Writer,

There’s a haze hanging over the desert today as the summer months creep up on us. I take it on faith that the sea is still out there, even though I can’t quite glimpse it in the distance. The closer mountains are visible, but the distant ones are cloaked.

It’s a very gothic reminder that we often have to trust in what we can’t immediately see—that even when the path ahead feels uncertain, big things are out there, waiting for us—in a good, and not creepy, way, of course!

This week, quite a few writers have shared that they feel a little stuck in the mist. I think May is one of those months where this tends to happen, as the lead-up to summer brings a flurry of seasonal activities, especially for those connected to school programs.

If your days are full and your focus scattered (whether by work, health challenges, caregiving, or just the general swirl of life) maybe it would help to know that the foggy feeling isn’t a sign you’re lost. It’s part of the process we’re all finding our way through.

One of the things I love most about teaching is helping to clear away that haze. When writers experience those many, many a-ha moments, the spark of clarity, the shift in perspective, the sense that they’re not alone, it’s a privilege to witness those moments of connection and insight.

This is a sample of my Writerly Love Letters, filled with gentle reminders, writing prompts, and encouragement delivered to your inbox.

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Where are you at this week? Writing fiercely, resting gently, or simply putting one word in front of the other? Wherever you’re at, here are some gentle reminders to help you along the way:

• Track your progress. Whether it’s daily word counts, submission notes, or simply that you opened your notebook today. It all counts and counting helps you find your way out of the haze, one breadcrumb on the path at a time.
• Build sustainable habits. Some days are for writing. Some for submitting. Some for resting. Honour each part of the cycle.
• Stay connected. Share your joys and struggles with other writers. Sometimes the clarity we need comes through community.

And a few reflection questions to consider

• What part of your writing life feels foggiest right now?
• What signs or sensations help you know you’re still on the path, even when you can’t see where it leads?
• Where do you feel you could use more guidance or support in your writing journey?

A writing prompt for the week

Write about a moment when you found yourself lost in the mist, literally or metaphorically. What shapes emerged from the fog? What secrets did the haze conceal or reveal? How did you find your way back? (Or did you choose to stay lost?)

Whether you’re in a creative sprint or just gently inching forward, I’m so glad you’re here. Your presence matters. Your writing matters.

Warmly,
Rachel

—May 14, 2025