The Writers in Paradise had already been supporting and encouraging each other for about two years when a 2020 COVID-19 lockdown brought them a need to find inspiration.

Retired family doctor Dave Davis said the group was looking for ways to be productive during the stressful time.

“Let’s kill someone,” Davis said one of the members suggested.

Instead, they decided to write short, two-page stories in a variety of genres — like science fiction, romance and eight more: including the subject “let’s kill someone.”

And “Two-Page Tales,” an anthology book featuring stories in 10 genres by group members Davis, Julie Bragdon, Cynthia Carpenter, Linda Helson, Aliza Prodaniuk and Jessica Veter, was born.

“We had a lot of fun with it,” Davis said.

Writing very short stories in 10 different genres proved a challenge for the members. Several said it pushed them past their boundaries to write in ways they hadn’t considered before.

“It was a good stretch of our creative muscles,” Veter said.

Some of the group members originally met through a previous Dundas writers group, and the late Dundas musician and writer Steve Parton.

The group has had a significant impact on its individual members.

“The feedback is so helpful,” Helson said.

Davis said having the support has made him a better writer.

“I found my voice in the group,” Carpenter said.

Veter said the Writers in Paradise group provides a real audience to write for, rather than a “fake audience” in her head.

Carpenter said a key takeaway is that anyone can do what they’ve done. She said if someone wants to write, or paint, they can start their own group to find support and encouragement.