Hey W.R.I.T.E. Society friends, If January didn’t go as planned, you’re in good company. So many of us start the year with big hopes, only to find ourselves slowed down by life—or just the heaviness of the world right now. Let’s give ourselves permission to feel it, but also to find gentle ways forward. If you need encouragement or a creative reset, here are a few of my recent Substack posts—choose whichever speaks to you most: - For when you’re starting over or need a reset:Why I’m Starting Over (And What’s Changing) - For when self-doubt creeps in:Growth Syndrome: Why ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Means You’re On the Right Track - For when you need permission to go slow:Winter Writing Isn’t Lazy. It’s Incubation. - For when you want sustainable, gentle progress:The Minimum Viable Writing Week - For when you’re seeking structure without pressure:Soft Structure: The Kind That Holds Your Writing (Not the Other Way Around) Browse, read, or just bookmark for later—take what you need and leave the rest. If you'd like to check in below: - How are you really doing? - What’s one small thing you could do for your writing or your well-being this week? Every fresh start counts, even in February. We’re in this together.

Hey writers! I’ve just uploaded a brand new resource to our classroom: “What’s Actually Happening in Publishing Right Now: 2026 Trends & Opportunities” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by industry headlines or unsure about your next steps, this report is for you. I’ve pulled together the real numbers, emerging opportunities, and actionable insights you need to navigate the publishing world with confidence—whether you’re indie, trad, or somewhere in between. Inside, you’ll find: - What’s actually working in publishing right now - Where publishers are investing (and what they’re looking for) - The truth about self-publishing in 2026 - How to position yourself and your book for success - Three things you can do this week to move your author business forward You can download the full PDF now in the classroom. As always, let me know what surprises you, what questions you have, or what you’d like to dive deeper into! Keep writing—your story matters. Tracy Founder, Freshly Press & The W.R.I.T.E. Society

https://open.substack.com/pub/portobelloliterary/p/so-you-signed-with-an-agent-what?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web https://portobelloliterary.substack.com/p/so-your-agent-has-received-an-offer @Tracy Stewart Thank you for bringing Portobello Literary to my attention. l found their recent posts insightful - enabling me to further understand the process of what happens when working with an agent. Sharing links for those who are curious, to learn more on this aspect of traditional publishing. The second link shines a light on what happens after your agent has received an offer from a publisher.

Hi fellow authors, I just wanted to share something that’s really helped me get my books more visible. I used to spend a lot on ads and promotions, but it didn’t bring the results I hoped for. Then a fellow author introduced me to a podcast expert, and it’s honestly been a game-changer for my books. Podcasts have helped me reach readers who genuinely care about my stories, and it feels much more authentic than just running ads. If you’ve been wondering how to get your book noticed, I highly recommend giving podcasts a try. Happy to share more about how I got started if anyone’s interested! Renee Rose

Write a scene where your character finds something unexpected in their pocket. Or, in the pocket of someone else...