by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Four years ago, as a newly published
author of a short story anthology,
writing and rewriting my first novel,
I didn’t have much of a direction for
my blog. The few articles I posted
were met with overwhelming
disinterest.
One April day I noticed a Facebook
post by someone named Madison
Woods on the Ozarks Writers League
page announcing the time had come
for Friday Fictioneers. I found the title
intriguing so I asked her about it.
She explained that every Wednesday she put up a photo and each participant was to insert it into his or her own blog page and write a short story to go with it. I decided to try my hand at it. From the first hundred words, I was hooked. I quickly learned that less really can be more. This revelation spilled over into my longer pieces.
Even more addicting than the writing was the interaction of an international group of writers. Although it took me a few weeks to catch onto comment protocol, I soon learned how to give and receive. I was fascinated by the variety of stories and poems one photograph can inspire. The themes range from light and funny to dark and sinister.
Soon, I developed close friendships with some of the other writers. I looked forward to my weekly serving of magic until one morning my friend, Doug, on the Big Island asked, “Are you going to take over Friday Fictioneers?”
“Why would I do that?”
“Didn’t you get Madison’s email?”
Sure enough, I found an email from Madison saying it was time for her to move on. She offered Friday Fictioneers to anyone who might be interested in taking over after October. I felt like I’d lost my best friend.
When I shared the news with my husband, Jan and cousin, Kent, they, too, encouraged me to bid for the facilitator role. Never one to take on leadership roles, I couldn’t see myself in that position.
“Why not you?” asked Kent. “You know the ropes and you have the chops. I think you should go for it.”
Jan agreed with Kent.
I bounced the idea around in my head for a few hours. Nothing will change. I haven’t missed a week in six months. I’ll still post my stories. The only difference will be that I’ll be choosing the photos.
Apparently the impassioned plea I sent Madison convinced her, too, for she announced my adoption of her baby that very week. The photo prompt she chose was of a bus and I knew I was in for an exciting ride. Here’s the story I posted:
COMMUNITY
Herding Cats
- Inside the Workings of the Friday Fictioneers