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.

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

Let's do something a little different today. Let's take stock of what you've actually accomplished as a writer this year. In these in-between days, as we both reflect on what has passed and look forward, share one writing win from 2025 - and it can be ANY size. - Finished a draft (or a chapter, or a scene) - Started a project you'd been avoiding - Joined this community - Wrote more consistently - Figured out your process - Published something - Gave yourself permission to write badly - Showed up even when it was hard All wins count here. Drop a comment and let us celebrate with you. And if you're struggling to think of a win, tell us that too. Sometimes just showing up is the win.

Hello writers! I’m so happy to welcome you to The W.R.I.T.E. Society Cafe—your FREE, thoughtful, supportive space for writers who value depth over speed and connection over competition. This isn’t just another writing group—The Cafe is for writers of all backgrounds, genres, and experience levels. We’re here to cheer each other on, share real progress (and struggles), and make writing a little more joyful and a lot less lonely. I created The W.R.I.T.E. Society Cafe because we do our best work when we’re surrounded by encouragement, not pressure. Whether you’re writing your first poem or finishing your fifth novel, you are 100% welcome here. Come as you are. A little about me: I’m Tracy, your host and fellow wordsmith. I’ve helped writers find and share their stories, discover their writing voices, and build sustainable creative practices. The W.R.I.T.E. Society Cafe is my invitation for you to do the same, in good company. ☕ What you’ll find in The Cafe • Regular writing encouragement and open community chat • Peer support, accountability partners if you’d like one, and friendly “coffee and cake conversations” • Access to inspiring prompts and practical resources • Monthly Q&A session with me • Good company, thoughtful feedback on questions, and just the right amount of gentle accountability No pressure, no commitment—just supportive conversations and space to grow. ✍️ Before you dive in... 1. Introduce yourself in the pinned Hello - Introduction post! 2. Check the pinned resources for helpful guides, events, and announcements. 3. Be a great community member. Encourage, cheer, share what’s worked for you, ask questions, and give and receive equally. 💛 Community Guidelines - Be kind, generous, and respectful. We’re here to reflect, not to self-promote. - No pitching or private DMs about services/offers. We love authentic connection, not spam. - If you need help or want to report a problem, DM me or email tracy@freshlypress.com

December is well and truly here, and with it comes a whole new level of "should." You should be finishing strong. You should be planning for next year. You should be keeping up with everything while also being festive and present. But what if you gave yourself different permission? Today's discussion/food for thought: What permission do you need to give yourself as a writer this December? Maybe it's permission to: → Slow down instead of sprinting to year-end → Not finish that project before January 1st → Take a complete break and come back fresh → Write something just for joy, not productivity → Lower your creative output/focus expectations and be okay with it Drop a comment: What permission slip are you writing yourself today? Sometimes naming what we need is the first step to actually giving it to ourselves.