About Creative Slingers of Ink
A community built to inspire, connect, and support writers, authors, readers, and creatives.
Creative Slingers of Ink (CSI) is more than a writing group. We are a growing literary community dedicated to helping creatives build connections, gain visibility, develop their skills, and celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
Our Story
Creative Slingers of Ink (CSI) began with a simple question.
Founder Mandy Jo Squires approached Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Novi, Michigan, about hosting a pop-up book signing. That one conversation led to the creation of a community where writers, authors, readers, and creatives could connect, learn, and support one another.
What started as a local writers group quickly grew beyond its original roots. Today, CSI serves members across multiple states, including South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond. Through writing sessions, author events, book festivals, networking opportunities, and educational resources, CSI continues to connect people who share a passion for storytelling and creativity.
Our Mission
Creative Slingers of Ink (CSI) began with a simple question.
Founder Mandy Jo Squires approached Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Novi, Michigan, about hosting a pop-up book signing. That one conversation led to the creation of a community where writers, authors, readers, and creatives could connect, learn, and support one another.
What started as a local writers group quickly grew beyond its original roots. Today, CSI serves members across multiple states, including South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond. Through writing sessions, author events, book festivals, networking opportunities, and educational resources, CSI continues to connect people who share a passion for storytelling and creativity.
What We Do
Writing Sessions
Through virtual and in-person writing sessions, we provide dedicated time, accountability, encouragement, and community for writers at every stage of their journey.
Author Events
From book festivals and expos to author interviews and promotional opportunities, we help authors connect with readers and showcase their work.
Community Building
We foster meaningful relationships through networking opportunities, collaboration, shared experiences, and ongoing encouragement.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Resources & Growth
CSI provides educational opportunities, industry connections, creative resources, and support designed to help members move forward with confidence.
Who We Serve
Creative Slingers of Ink welcomes individuals from all stages of the creative journey. Whether you’re writing your first chapter, publishing your next book, discovering new authors, or supporting the literary community through your creative services, there’s a place for you here.
Writers
Whether you’re just getting started or have been writing for years, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, resources, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the writing journey.
Authors
Gain visibility, connect with readers, participate in events, share your books, and become part of a growing network of authors who support one another.
Readers
Discover new books, meet authors, attend literary events, and connect with a community that celebrates storytelling and creativity.
Creatives
Editors, illustrators, cover designers, formatters, coaches, artists, photographers, website designers, and other creative professionals play an important role in helping stories come to life.
Meet the Founder
Creative Slingers of Ink was founded by Mandy Jo Squires, a multi-genre author, community builder, and passionate advocate for writers and authors.
As an author herself, Mandy Jo understands both the challenges and rewards of the creative journey. She created CSI to provide a welcoming space where writers, authors, readers, and creatives can connect, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Since its founding, CSI has expanded beyond its Michigan roots into a growing multi-state community that hosts writing sessions, book festivals, networking opportunities, educational events, and creative collaborations.
When she’s not writing or organizing events, Mandy Jo enjoys traveling with her husband Rick, genealogy research, photography, discovering new restaurants, and supporting fellow authors.
Creative Slingers of Ink welcomes individuals from all stages of the creative journey. Whether you’re writing your first chapter, publishing your next book, discovering new authors, or supporting the literary community through your creative services, there’s a place for you here.
The Future of CSI
Creative Slingers of Ink continues to evolve as we create new opportunities for writers, authors, readers, and creatives to connect and thrive.
Our vision extends beyond events and writing sessions. We’re building a trusted ecosystem where members can discover resources, connect with professionals, participate in events, share their work, and find support throughout their creative journey.
Future initiatives include expanded directories, community resources, literary events, educational opportunities, creative collaborations, and tools designed to help members grow with confidence.
We’re not simply building a community.
We’re building a creative ecosystem.
Join the Creative Slingers of Ink Community
Whether you’re a reader looking for your next great book, a writer pursuing a dream, an author seeking greater visibility, or a creative professional supporting the literary world, there’s a place for you within CSI.
We believe creativity grows stronger when people come together to share ideas, support one another, and celebrate success.
Join us as we continue building a community where stories matter, creativity thrives, and meaningful connections are made.