Writing a story (short fiction) for the Off Campus Writers Workshop’s (OCWW) 80th Anniversary, TILT: Off-Kilter Stories For A Topsy-Turvy World, an anthology of 39 short stories, was one of the most challenging yet fulfilling writing experiences I’ve had.
I’m thrilled to share my story, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at The Book Loft Oak Park, 1047 Lake St., where I will be joined by two other Oak Park TILT authors: award-winning poet Sheila Elliott and internationally-acclaimed sculptor and artist Margot McMahon, who will also share their stories. Both have been members of OCWW for many years.
I’ve written memoirs, poetry, essays and non-fiction features for local newspapers for many years. I write “Favorite Things” Wednesday Journal/Newswell, where I share creative and unique places and spaces in our community.
But I had never written fiction before.
One of my top New Year’s resolutions last year was to write a fictional short story and try to get it published. Since I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this, I asked several friends who had published stories to recommend classes and writing groups. Off Campus Writers (OCWW) was the group they all mentioned. OCWW, founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and most respected volunteer-run writers groups in the country.
I’ve been a member since January 2025 and have attended many workshops hosted by this supportive writing community, which covers a spectrum of writing genres.
Soon after I joined, I learned of critique groups for a short-story anthology. The topic was “Didn’t See that Coming,” but you couldn’t use those words in the story. Without a full picture of what OCWW or the anthology were all about, I signed up. The idea of writing fiction, working with a small group, and having my piece published both scared and thrilled me.
At the short story anthology orientation, I asked about the cost and imagined it would be hundreds of dollars, or more. I wondered if I could afford to participate. “It’s free,” they answered. “We’re volunteers,”
Most of the six members of my critique group were experienced and published. We met on Zoom weekly for four months. One of our group members Zoomed in from Hong Kong, where it was 14 hours later.
And there I was, a fiction newbie who wasn’t clear what I was doing. For several weeks at the beginning, I was tempted to email my group telling them I was dropping out. The whole process felt overwhelming. I was humbled. But I also wanted to stay and give feedback on their stories, all different from mine, and learn new ways of improving my story. So I hung in there.
I went in thinking my first draft was pretty good. Looking back, I shake my head. In school, I had always gotten excellent grades in English. I had to remind myself frequently that the critiques were not the same as mediocre or bad grades. My critique group was kind yet straightforward in their feedback. They asked pointed questions that encouraged me to think strategically.
For me, learning to write fiction was like learning to write in a new language. It was diving into another world and inhabiting other people I invented. I got to try on characters’ clothing, hair color, friends, and enter their worlds. All this was very new to me.
After many revisions and weekly group critiques, we each got to work with a volunteer developmental editor. My editor started her feedback on my story with: “Great start, Joy, and a fun set up for an ‘I didn’t see that coming’ story. We definitely have some work to do on this story.” She supported me with Zoom and draft critiques. And her final words before sending me on to the next step with my managing editor were, “You earnestly pursued this process with spirit.” I worked with the managing editor on tightening up my dialogue and polishing the narrative.
I’m so grateful for the time and energy the Off Campus Writers Workshop Anthology editors and committee members dedicated to the 39 authors and to publishing this book.
At the TILT event, 2 p.m., Oct. 4, books will be available for sale and signing. To accommodate seating, please RSVP at https:www.thebookloftoakpark.com
After Oct. 4, books will be available at Book Loft. You can also support local independent bookstores by ordering from bookshop.org, an online bookstore that splits profits with independent local bookstores. Specify which local bookstore you want to support.
TILT can also be ordered from barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.