AK Notes Day 2- August 7, 2025

What we did... reflected on Day 1, visualized and colored "Why we write", discussed writing more, planned for focused writing time, reviewed introduction methods results and discussion (just one word), left to read and write, welcomed a new author, made a life graph, and our earliest memories of writing (our life up to this point impacts how we show up as a writer and reader of good writing), discussed and reviewed the worst papers published, found honesty and connection about PhDs, DrPHs, egos, and academia. Discussed ethnobotany, plants, salves, alternative medicines, cancer, hrt, and life. Ended with just two words.

What I felt... excited for authors, open to learning from others, interested in hearing why authors want to publish papers, creative and connected to the writing process, part of something bigger than just writing, a movement to elevate the work and the communities we serve.

What I noticed... authors more comfortable and confident. Authors seeing their potential and the possibilities of writing and publishing. Authors reflecting on their lives and how they got to this place of writing and working and doing... and listening to events in their life that have shaped them (significant, challenging, proud, and early memories of writing).

What I hope... I hope all authors publish a paper in 6 months and use the paper to elevate good, change deficit-based narratives, find ways to use papers to influence policy and practice, and stay connected and remembering who they are and why they write. I see a paper published by our authors about publications coming from Epi centers in 2026.

Sticky notes to in the day.

• Write one word that describes today/how you feel ... inspired, excited, poised

• Write one word that describes what you still need... time, support, words