Easton Mountain is a source of inspiration and respite for artists of all kinds.
One such artist is novelist, playwright, and longtime member of Easton Mountain: Gianni Caminiti.
Here are Gianni’s own words, upon reflecting on how Easton Mountain has influenced his writing:
“When I first came to Easton in 2003, I was immediately seduced by its beauty, mission, and overall feeling of welcome and community. Twenty-three years later, it is still an integral part of me.
“Easton Mountain not only plays a central role in my novel Pre-Ordained Betrayal, but I held a reading and book signing there during Summer Gay Spirit Camp 2023 at the first “Author’s Night” along with Lui Gervais who read from his book, The Nipple Whisperer. The reading was very meaningful since quite a number of the men in attendance were personally familiar with events portrayed.
“My play Casual Encounters, formerly titled Twosomes (which will have its world premier at the Swivel Theater in Wilton Manors, Florida on January 13, 2027) had its first full cast reading at Easton Mountain during Sun Clad 2025. During the rehearsal and performance of the reading, I was able to learn things from the cast that helped me to greatly improve the play. I was very moved by the attention that the men paid to their preparation and the respect they had for the process.
“I was then asked to adapt a chapter from the novel Gay Retreat, written by Sun Clad veteran Thomas Russell, about two men who meet at a naked week at a gay retreat center in upstate New York, for a performance at Sun Clad 2026. The two-act play, Nourished, was performed by a wonderful cast of naked actors at the 2026 “Theater in the Nude”. Again, the men took their preparation very seriously and were very dedicated to performing their best. They really made all of the action come to life.
“My latest book, Keystone, comes out later this year and, once again, reference to Easton Mountain is made in the book. While the stories are tales of men in Pennsylvania, spending time and participating in workshops at Easton Mountain has had some influence on some of the characters.”
Gianni
Next time you visit Easton Mountain, keep an eye out for Gianni’s publications in our library (published John J. Caminiti). Matter of fact, keep an eye out for Gianni himself too! You’ll likely see him in colorful jewelry and flowing caftans… or nothing at all!
