I often need a push from a force outside of myself to do the things I long for. Today I am using such a tool. I joined an online writing group. This is different from other groups I have attended in the past. A lot of times, they are about critiquing each other’s writing. While that can be helpful, I find what I really need is incentive to write. I am hoping that this experience provides that. Before joining this morning, I was excited. I think that is a good sign. The format is introductions and discussion for the first 15 minutes. Then each person works on her writing for 45 minutes. After that are a 15-minute break for more discussion and another 45-minute block of writing.

I hope I can become more free and fluid in my writing. As you may have noticed, I tend to write “small.” Sometimes I think that maybe I don’t have anything interesting to say, but I know that isn’t true. Maybe what I have to say is controversial or deeply personal. I want to take risks in my writing. Smart risks. But also daring risks.