Longleaf cultivates a space where every writer, regardless of how fledgling or seasoned, belongs. Matt and Seth balanced humor and connection in a way that bred comfort and ease. I’ve been talking with friends about these elusive, dying third-spaces, where people could gather and be in community and share a moment with one another. Longleaf kindles something beyond that—a space of curiosity, of bumbling invention and boundless creativity. In a world where I feel increasingly anxious around the great AI-replacement regime, in a world where the very act of creating is under fire, I came to realize that perhaps creation isn’t under fire—curiosity is. Seth noted how ‘this is why AI will never replace creative writing,’ and it gave me ease and confidence in this choice. Over the course of the conference, something brewed inside, and I think at that moment I realized that something was a much-needed hope, one I told myself I had, but didn’t really believe in or feel. For too long, I’d let myself stew. After months and months of The News, I found a new love for writing, a freeness with it, one that I hadn’t enjoyed since I was in elementary school creating stories and little ‘books.’ For once, I wrote without the 'is this worth an A'? simmering in my skull. At Longleaf, I learned how the childlike wonder with which I could once look at the world never left me. I found this wonder in the fellows, scholars, & administration there, as well as in the workshops, readings, & on the beach. I’ve built connections, learned lessons, & made memories I intend to carry for years to come. More than that, I now understand I can balance a love to learn with this wonder, and how the two work together. In high school, or even a year ago, I never could’ve dreamed of being a published poet, or a published anything. But, in however many years, when I publish a poetry collection, or a novel, or whatever I end up writing, I must thank Longleaf and those who run and/or sponsor the conference for giving students a taste of writing, and a chance to work with writers from backgrounds they’d never have met otherwise. I cannot give enough thanks for both the time I got to spend at the conference and the opportunity to attend in the first place.

My experience at Longleaf was lovely! The organizers work so diligently to create an atmosphere of care and hospitality, and that warmth is truly felt. This is not just a place where you can workshop your writing or build new craft skills through the amazing talks. It is also a place where you can build your literary community and recharge on the beach! It was such a delight to work with January Gill O'Neil. She is a tremendous workshop facilitator who gave careful feedback and encouraged us all to reimagine possibilities for our work! I'm truly grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from her. Overall, I had a tremendous experience! I appreciated the diversity of the programming, which included a workshop that was both generative and also offered feedback on submitted poems, experience teaching an element of poetry craft to high school students, the curation of craft talks across genres and down time at the beach!

I loved my time at Longleaf! It's a great conference for writers at all levels who are looking to learn more about craft, build a literary community, and get a sneak peek at some of the most talented established and emerging writers out there. I can’t say enough about how awesome this conference is: warm and welcoming and packed to the gills with talented, fascinating people to talk to and learn from!

This was such a wonderful conference -- I was really blown away by the community Longleaf has built, which felt remarkably supportive and generative for both writers and faculty. Everyone I met was so kind, thoughtful, and passionate about their work, and about supporting other writers in their creative process. And the week was also just a lot of fun, with some really great programming and lots of opportunities to explore Seaside. I really loved having the chance to visit, and am very grateful to you all for your incredible work and thought in putting this conference together.

Overall, the conference was a very beneficial experience for me as a fellow. I was able to enjoy the Seaside area, build community, make new friends, and collect so many valuable memories. The readings and the time to build community were extremely valuable and fun! Also, the workshop was top notch. I was also excited and happy that I could serve the local community with the Writers in the Classroom program, where I met some passionate and talented students. The Longleaf experience was unforgettable!

Longleaf is a great combination of workshop, seminars, socializing and relaxation. Really, I loved that there was a day "off" in the middle of the week. It felt very necessary (I know it wasn't off for the scholars and fellows and by their accounts, that day seemed a little overwhelming for some of them). The seminars were EXCELLENT, and there are a lot of things I plan on borrowing for my classroom. Was great opportunity to get some new material for teaching! I didn't really anticipate that as a takeaway. The bonfire was really lovely. Was such camaraderie between everyone! Jamie was an excellent workshop leader. He navigated the various levels of skill in the workshop. We could have a pretty good discussion about the work but there were moments when he slowed down to really demonstrate a technique (and later he sent the workshop handouts). I felt like he tried to make it a good experience for everyone involved.