Releasing Plain Old Kirby Carson: Summer Camp Chronicles last week felt like catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in years—one who still makes you laugh, still feels familiar, but has grown just a little.

It’s been almost 14 years since I first introduced Kirby to the world. Back then, I was just trying to prove to myself that I could do it—write a story, finish it, and put it out there. I poured so much of myself into that book, and in many ways, Kirby became a mirror of who I was at the time.

But this time around?

I came back to the page with a new energy. Focused. Reinvigorated. I didn’t need to prove anything—I just wanted to have fun with it. And I thought Kirby deserved to be a part of that.

The goal with Summer Camp Chronicles was simple: let Kirby and the crew have a good summer. Let the story unfold with humor, awkwardness, curiosity, and those little bursts of courage that only seem to show up when you're miles from home and out of your comfort zone.

Writing this book brought me back to my own summer memories. I only got to go to camp once as a kid—but I still remember the feeling:

The awkwardness of the unknown.
The friendships that formed fast.
The activities that made no sense but were still a blast.

That’s what I wanted to capture.

I hope this story brings readers that same kind of nostalgic smile. The kind that makes you say, “Yep... I remember when that happened at camp...” and laugh all over again.

And the best part?

You don’t have to read the first book to jump into this one. While I’ve always imagined Kirby’s world as a series, each book is written to stand on its own—like a new adventure waiting for you whenever you're ready to dive in.

Thanks to everyone who’s joined Kirby at camp so far.

I’ve got more stories to tell... and Kirby’s just getting started.

—Ryan