![]() Dateline: January 14, 2025… At last night’s virtual writing session with Creative Slingers of Ink, Drake and I wrote a total of 499 words. Now, that may not seem like a lot of words, but when you consider the project we were working on, I’d say it’s quite a nice achievement. This year, Pages Promotions is hosting a Flash Fiction Challenge as the 2025 Community Service Anthology project. The goal is to write a complete story, while using the prompt provided, in just 250 words or fewer. So you see, the degree of difficulty on this challenge is high. Last night, I was able to write and complete two of these stories, and still have time to chat about books and writing craft (and some other fun stuff) with the other writers in the group... all while sticking to the 250 word limit (for the writing, not the chatting). The Duck Muse and I haven't worked on Flash Fiction in about two years, and this is starting out to be a lot of fun. Drake has been pushing at me to write another short story collection, but it's been a while, and we're both out of practice. Working within the Flash Fiction criteria is interesting work. We are discovering that devoting our Monday virtual writing time to Flash makes sitting at the keyboard less stressful on that first day of the week. You see, the goal of working within a group that focuses on concentrated writing time (as opposed to a sharing & critique group) is that you are held gently accountable to actually get words written... but the temptation is still there to visit and chat because we only get to see this particular group once a week. What Drake and I are discovering is that Monday nights with CSI gives us dedicated writing time where we are gently nudged to be productive, but still allows us the social connection we crave with other writers... especially in wintertime, when we spend most of our days hibernating. Writing Flash Fiction offers a relaxed way to accomplish our writing and social goals simultaneously. The expectation to produce "amazing" prose is eliminated immediately. We understand clearly when walking in the door that we don't have to write more than 250 words... so we can take a little time, choose words carefully, and play with ideas that perhaps won't fit in the current novel project. When the requirement for word production is so small, there's virtually no pressure to finish a chapter, start a new chapter, or produce a character's entire backstory in just two hours' time. When the rules ask for limited production, the frustration surrounding "not writing enough" is gone. Drake and I love the weekly encouragement the group offers to show up at the keyboard for a two-hour block of time, once a week. This is the equivalent of meeting up with friends to go for a walk, workout at the gym, or practice music with a band. With writing, as with any other thing you'd like to get good at, consistency is key, and gentle accountability to that practice is the secret to growth. People are counting on me to show up every Monday night... it's hard to disappoint them; and a by-product of that is that if I show up, I don't disappoint myself, either. It's amazing to be reminded each week that there is a whole group of people out there... sporting your particular brand of weird... with whom you can share time slipping into your happy place. The reasons you joined clubs or scout troupes in childhood are the very same reasons to join a writing community in adulthood There is a terrific sense of acceptance that comes with others validating what you do by doing it with you. Hiding not-so-covertly behind that acceptance is also a gentle reminder that you didn't show up just to squander the time. You are there to be productive in that thing you love. In our experience, a group like Creative Slingers of Ink keeps us gently on track with our writing goals. Check-ins throughout the night ask you to report words written... but with kindness rather than judgement. We remind each other that Google research rabbit holes are just as valid as typing sentences. It's all part of the process, and there is no shame in getting to The End in your own way. That kind of support is tremendously empowering. At the end of the night, we can easily see that we've made progress in our writing practice. There are always words on the page (unless it's holiday time, and then we give ourselves a pass). It's a little like checking the scale and noticing that your "good eats and exercise program" is paying off as the number in the window gets smaller. Each time we produce positive results, we get that little bit of an endorphin buzz... and sharing that buzz with others intensifies the feeling, and helps to build confidence and momentum in sticking to our writing the rest of the week. There's a spectacular feeling of accomplishment when the following week, you share your weekly writing wins and the group celebrates right along with you. You can see how this builds on itself... almost to the point of addiction... but without all the nasty side effects and social stigma. But beware, detox can be brutal. If you decide to join a writing group, I recommend you not disconnect from the group for long periods of time. Not only can it be hard to walk back in the door (whether physical or virtual) after having skipped a month of practice, coming back to a regular writing practice after being away from it for so long means you'll almost need to start from scratch again... and that can be a frustrating path. We all know imposter syndrome often runs unchecked with creative souls. Participating with a writing group helps you battle that self-doubt, and remain confident in the small wins you achieve, surrounded by a squad of cheerleaders. It's a wonderful confluence of amazingness. We write, we chat, we visit, we feel creatively connected and productive, and we instill in ourselves and our friends, that momentum to carry us through creating more words throughout the week, which continues to build week after week. If there is a snowball of happiness (and I'm doubtful) writing groups would be it. Each week the writing snow rolls into itself, creating even more magic as it goes. Writing with a community like Creative Slingers of Ink isn't just about fun - although we DO laugh together quite a bit each week. It's about being reminded that focused practice is how we get better, even if it's just 250 words at a time. So, I invite you to check it out. Whether you join Creative Slingers of Ink, or another group, I know you'll be pleased with the progress, momentum, and confidence you find inside a regular writing practice. The friends you make will strengthen your craft and make life a lot more fun. Here is a (very small) list of writing groups for you to investigate. Be sure to learn what you can about their modalities and fees before you join. Make sure you can visit the group at least once before you commit, just to make sure the group meets your comfort level, aligns with your goals, doesn't exceed your budget, and fits in your calendar. Also, consider joining a critique group, if you have the time, and are emotionally ready. A writing group and a critique group have different expectations, and both can be valuable to your writing journey. Disclaimer: Some of these groups I have experience with, others I don't. Some have membership fees, others are free. Be sure to vet them on your own and make the choices of membership that are right for you. Creative Slingers of Ink First Draft Detroit Insecure Writer's Support Group Shut Up and Write Imaginative Storm Scribophile Critique Circle Writing.com Reddit Writer's Group She Writes Science Fiction and Fantasy Chronicles Also, you may want to check with your library, community center, community college, and the Meet Up page in your area for organizations that offer writing groups... do a Google search for a local writing group... or, you could start one yourself with a few friends. It doesn't take much to create an environment of kindness, support, and dedicated writing time. Just do it! Happy Writing!
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