Writing Groups Go Online by Diane Bator

Happy New Year!

Have you made any resolutions this year?

For the first couple months of the pandemic, I had a hard time writing. I found my creativity swirled around in a little ball in the pit of my stomach but refused to come out. I was able to edit and be critical of my work, but had a tough time to release that creativity into words. There were a few things that happened that allowed me to release that swirling little ball into the world.

First of all, restrictions relaxed. I felt less afraid to be outside and walk. Walking always loosens up my creative energy.

Secondly, I discovered a writing group I belong to, WYCR, was starting an online Write In every Monday night. I was a bit nervous since I'd never met any of the other writers in person but over the past 5 months, we've become friends and I rarely miss a Monday night session. It's enabled me to finish my Nanowrimo book as well as a new mystery novel. Basically, we meet for two hours talking for 15 minutes before we write for 45 minutes. After a 15 minute break, we write for another 45 minutes before we call it a night.

Third, Nanowrimo. Having that goal of writing 50,000 words in 30 days was a real kick in the butt. As usual, I was a bit burned out afterward, but I will go back to the novel I finished and eventually publish it. I was thrilled to reach my goal and even finished the book at 78,000 words.

What else? Writing boost Number 4 came because of Nanowrimo. Suddenly, I became part of another online Write In on Sunday mornings with the same group and mostly the same people. This one was so much fun, that we're keeping it going as well. It has the same format as the Monday night group.

Number 5 begins in January thanks to The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC) and will be a one hour, once a week session. Another great opportunity to meet new like-minded people and write. 

So how do all these things helps with my writing? 

I have designated times to write. 

I have new people to write with.

I get awesome ideas for my books.

I get encouragement!

Since I work from home, I get to see familiar faces once or twice a week.

How do you plan to move forward with your dreams and goals in 2021?

I'm setting up my day planner as well as my notifications on my phone to make sure I have writing time daily - on top of having designated writing meetings. I have two books and a novella to prep for publication later in 2021. 

I hope you will also check out my personal blog http://dbator.blogspot.ca/ where I also feature other authors on Escape with A Writer. I'm thrilled to say I featured 80 authors in 2020 and look forward to many more.

Have a wonderful New Year and let me know what you plan to do to reach your goals in 2021!

Diane Bator

http://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

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