October 2025 Reflections

This October on Nantucket was a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. Four talented writers — Alex Heller, Alex Murawski, Nik Dodani, and Julie Sharbutt — came to Almanack Pond Farm with exciting projects, open hearts, and a generous spirit of curiosity and collaboration. We were joined by extraordinary mentors Charles Randolph and Minhal Baig, whose wisdom, clarity, generosity, and friendship shaped both the work and our time together in deep and meaningful ways. And as always, we’re grateful for our Nantucket friends and colleagues whose support and presence make this program feel like a warm creative home.

Across the weeks of October and into November, the writers settled into long, immersive work days; offered thoughtful feedback on each other’s scripts; shared late-night talks, movies, and many laughs; enjoyed delicious meals; wandered the nature trails; breathed in the ocean air; celebrated Halloween; and explored town as the island eased into its quieter season.

Each writer found their own rhythm and reached genuinely inspiring levels of productivity. And, as always, the magic of artists gathering and working with intention in a shared creative space added up to a powerful sense of collective momentum.

We’re thrilled to welcome Alex, Alex, Nik, and Julie into our alumni community and look forward to watching their work continue to expand out into the world!

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