You know what I miss about summer as a kid? The prospect of love.
Every summer, I just knew this was the one I would find true love with some boy – always from out of town that I’d never have to see again – and finally be like all the other thin, straight girls who had summer lovin’.
I was so cute when I pretended to be straight.
While I did have the occasional summer fling growing up, most of my romantic adventures existed solely in the pages of my journal. I’d stay up late into the night writing into existence the world I longed to be a part of – something I still do at age 40.
Ask any astrologist, lover of Freud, or English teach and they’ll tell you that eroticism and creativity are intertwine. Your longing, your desires, your titivating truths all make their way onto your pages.
That makes summer a prime time to write.
You’re all hot and bothered, wearing slinky clothing, and up late with the sun. Even if you’re abstinent, erotic energy is everywhere, seeping into your pores and inspiring your own body to procreate.
So, go create!
This summer, I want you to start a torrid love affair with your creative self.
Romance your writerly side.
Make love to your muses.
Date yourself.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tote your journal to a late night sunset.
- Take a pen and paper on a picnic in the park.
- Bring a book to the beach (preferably while wearing a fabulous bikini, sunhat, and sunscreen all while reminding yourself how glorious your body is).
- Go on a date to a late night coffee shop with your book.
- Stay in bed all day reading.
How are you going to date your creative self this summer? Reply and let me know.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever.™
Lauren
Need some good summer book recs? Check these out:
- Just As You Are by Camille Kellogg – Super lesbian/queer romance novel that is so full of community Easter eggs and overt references that I felt completely seen. Friends to lovers trope with some falling for your boss vibes sprinkled on top, and then a giant progressive rainbow flag laid over all of it. Wish I’d had this in my twenties.
- From Scratch by Tembi Locke – Beautiful memoir of love, food, and home. It made me missing living in Italy and I loved Tembi Locke reading it for the audiobook. Warning: it will make you hungry. It also might make you cry, as she speaks so honestly about grief.
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – Funny, cute, and well written book about friendship, love, and the humans we discover while traveling. I really enjoyed it.
- It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian – Lovely read featuring realistic bisexual and pansexual characters. Inspired me to have a summer following pleasure.
- Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo – A beautiful story of lesbians in the 1950’s, exploring Chinese-Americans during McCarthyism, and coming into yourself as a young teen straddling many worlds.
Grab a physical copy at Bookshop.org or get them on audiobook through Libro.fm and support local independent bookstores.
