Hi Squad,

Happy Monday!

How was your Easter? Did you manage to have a mini-break or at least a pause? Did you over-indulge in chocolate and hot cross buns like I did? Or simply spend a peaceful, reflective time with those around you? Whatever you did, I hope it was just the balm you needed.

Speaking of pausing…

The WSC Newsletter is going on a little pause itself. But I promise, it’s only a momentary pause.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Doesn’t it feel like we are right in the middle of a storm? A moment in history that in years to come they will teach about in schools?

From the international political landscape, the rapid development of AI, and the realisation that big tech and social media have impacted our lives in a way that we’re only just beginning to understand.

It’s a lot to unpack. And a lot to try and get our heads around. Which is why I need a little pause.

You may have seen I have joined with a couple of change movements. There is this petition for protecting our stories from big tech and AI put together by author Sandie Docker who asked me to support and contribute a quote to (and without hesitation did so!)

And I have also joined with fellow writers who have decided to move towards leaving Meta because their platforms no longer align with our values. There are many other reasons also, and the last straw was Meta’s blatant disregard, disrespect and dishonesty when it used a pirated database of millions of books (including mine) and research papers to train it’s generative AI machine without consent or compensation to the copyright holders.

Leaving Meta platforms isn’t a simple or straightforward process. It’s one that will be lengthy and involve various iterations and steps that will be different for each and every person. If you’re interested in this journey and process, whether simply out of curiosity or if it’s something you’re considering too, please join our Substack. Each of us will be sharing our own transition experiences as well as resources, information and tools. We hope to build the Substack into a community of likeminded souls who are open to being free of problematic platforms and building more meaningful connections both on and offline. You will find us here:

Writing off Meta

Supporting Australian writers and readers to sever ties with problematic platforms strategically – making space for better connections.

By Emma Young

So yes, there’s a lot going on! And while I do not want our WSC space here on Substack to be impacted by political noise, it is an important issue to me both personally and professionally which is why I want to press pause for a moment.

Pressing the pause button will not only allow me the space to breathe, but give me time to refocus professionally and ensure my values align with what I’m offering in both the writing and publishing space.

Writers and readers and books all intersect. Readers love books. Writers love books. Writers are all readers. Some readers are writers. But we all share the common love of story. And it’s important to me that this space reflects that so I can support writers through this space and with the services I offer.

So squaddies, you do not have to do anything except promise me you’ll keep writing and moving forward with your passion for words and stories. I’ll be back in your inboxes before you know it with a further update.

Until then, here are some things you can catch up on in the meantime.

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Flash Fiction Competition
Date: Register now, comp kicks off May 30th
Details here.

☘️ Australian Fiction Prize
Date: closes 30th May
Book length fiction. Details here.

☘️ The Black List Unpublished Novel Award
Date: 27th June
Various genre categories. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ We’re Writing Off Meta. Join Us.

⚡️ Three Little Words That Will Unlock Your Revision

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ Catch Up on the Ask The Author podcast…
Have you caught up with the latest on the pod?

I recently finished my Genre Series with a wrap up episode
I also chatted about a controversial topic - Does Social Media Sell Books?
And this week I answered 4 quick fire questions on different topics.

So if you haven’t listened lately, hop to it!

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to this free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Happy Monday! We often hear about the ‘messy middle’ in writing. Many a book has lost its way at this point! Sometimes it can be really helpful to have a refresher on what this part of your book is trying to achieve. More below.

And if you haven’t already, come join the chat over on Instagram @jfgibsonwriter—I’d love to hear how your writing week is going.

Follow me on Insta

What should your midpoint do?

If the beginning of your story is the setup and the end is the payoff, the midpoint is the hinge—the moment everything changes. It’s the part of your story where your protagonist stops being swept along by events and starts making bold, often irreversible choices.

But what exactly should your midpoint do?

Here are three key things to keep in mind:

📍 1. Raise the Stakes

By the midpoint, your character should understand what they’re really up against—and what they stand to lose. Maybe they uncover a new piece of information that shifts their goals. Maybe a personal cost becomes clear. Either way, the midpoint should make things more urgent, not less.

Think of it as the “no turning back” moment. After this, your character’s path narrows, the pressure builds, and we, the readers, lean in.

🍃2. Change Your Environment

This is the moment where your character often moves from reacting to acting. They’ve been pushed, tested, confused—but now something clicks. They may not have all the tools yet, but they have clarity. And that internal shift—from doubt to determination, or fear to boldness—gives the story momentum.

A good midpoint deepens your character’s emotional investment. They care more now. And so do we.

💔3. Create Consequences

Your midpoint should carry weight. It’s not just a plot twist—it’s a turning point that creates ripple effects. Whatever choice your character makes here (or whatever revelation they face), it should lead to fallout in the second half of the book.

This is where your story tightens. What happens here shapes everything that follows.

💡 The Takeaway

A strong midpoint isn’t just the centre of your story—it’s the pulse. It should reframe the journey, deepen the stakes, and push your character into the second half with purpose (and probably a bit of panic).

Think of it as the part where your protagonist realises: Oh no... this just got real. And then they do something about it.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Publishable - QLD Writers Centre
Date: 20th May
Manuscript development competition. Details here.

☘️ Peter Cowan Short Story Competition
Date: 30th April
Short stories of 600 words or less! Details here.

☘️ Varuna Fellowships
Date: 5th May
Now open for 2026. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Is the self-publishing model damaging the industry?

⚡️ Children’s comics are booming…and creating a new generation of readers

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Writing a sci-fi or fantasy? In this week’s episode of Ask The Author, I give you the top genre essentials of sci-fi and fantasy so you can nail reader expectations. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Happy Monday! I hope this week brings you a little more flow and a little less frustration at the keyboard. This week, we’re tackling a big one—writer’s block. What it is, why it hits, and three practical ways to get through it.

Also, a quick heads-up: we’re shifting to fortnightly newsletters from here on out. Same helpful tips and writing inspo, just a little more breathing room between instalments.

And if you haven’t already, come join the chat over on Instagram @jfgibsonwriter—I’d love to hear how your writing week is going.

Follow me on Insta

🧠 Three Tips to Beat Writer’s Block

Writer’s block. It’s something every writer faces at some point, whether you’re working on your first manuscript or your tenth. But the good news? It’s not permanent. With a few simple strategies, you can ease through the stuck moments and keep moving forward.

📍 1. Lower the Stakes

Often, writer’s block is less about having no ideas and more about putting too much pressure on the words to be perfect. When every sentence has to sound polished from the start, it’s easy to freeze up.

Instead, give yourself permission to write a rough version—something you know you’ll come back and revise. Tell yourself, this is just a sketch, or no one else will see this yet. Taking the pressure off can help free up your creativity and get the words flowing again.

🧱 2. Change Your Environment

A small change of scenery can make a big difference. If you usually write at your desk, try moving to another room, heading to a local café, or even just sitting outside with a notebook. Writing by hand can also help if you’re feeling stuck on the screen.

Sometimes a fresh setting helps you approach your work with fresh eyes.

🌀 3. Skip Ahead

If you’re stuck on one part of your story, don’t be afraid to move past it. Jump ahead to a scene you’re excited to write—whether it’s a dramatic turning point, a romantic moment, or the ending you’ve had in mind from the start.

Writing scenes out of order is completely valid, and it can help you build momentum. You can always go back and fill in the gaps later.

💡 The Takeaway

Writer’s block is a normal part of the creative process. It doesn’t mean you’re out of ideas or doing something wrong. Often, it’s a sign you need to shift gears—ease the pressure, mix things up, or simply write something else for a while.

Be kind to yourself, keep showing up, and remember: the words will come.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Publishable - QLD Writers Centre
Date: 20th May
Manuscript development competition. Details here.

☘️ Peter Cowan Short Story Competition
Date: 30th April
Short stories of 600 words or less! Details here.

☘️ Varuna Fellowships
Date: 5th May
Now open for 2026. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Australian Children’s Author signs 8 figure book deal!

⚡️ From Indie Publishing to a Six Figure Deal

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
How well do you know your MC? In this week’s episode of Ask The Author, I give you my five top tips on getting to know your characters. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Happy Monday! I hope this week is full of writing wins for you. This week, we’re getting into tropes—what are they and how can you wield them to your advantage?

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

🔍 What is a Trope?

Tropes are the secret sauce of storytelling. They’re the patterns, themes, and character dynamics that make stories feel just right. Readers don’t just enjoy tropes—they expect them. And when done well, they love them.

The Building Blocks of Genre

Every genre has its own well-loved tropes. Romance? You’ve got enemies to lovers, fake dating, and the there was only one bed moment. Fantasy? Think chosen ones, magical prophecies, and found families. Crime fiction thrives on red herrings, morally grey detectives, and locked-room mysteries. Horror loves final girls, cursed objects, and, of course, don’t open that door.

These tropes aren’t clichés (unless they’re done lazily). They’re a shared language between writers and readers—signposts that tell us what kind of story we’re in and where it might be heading.

Why Tropes Work

Tropes aren’t just familiar—they’re comforting. Readers pick up a romance knowing they’ll get an HEA (happily-ever-after). Mystery readers want justice (or at least a satisfying answer). Fantasy readers crave epic quests and reluctant heroes. It’s not about being predictable—it’s about delivering on expectations in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

Playing with Tropes

The trick isn’t to avoid tropes—it’s to own them. Put your spin on them. Subvert them when it serves the story. Give them depth. A grumpy/sunshine romance is fun, but why is the grumpy character the way they are? A prophecy is intriguing, but what happens when the chosen one refuses their destiny?

Tropes are tools. They help shape your story, but they don’t have to define it.

The Takeaway

Don’t fear tropes. Celebrate them. Use them as a way to connect with readers, to set up expectations and then deliver (or twist) them in a satisfying way. Because at the end of the day, tropes aren’t a crutch—they’re a promise. And when you keep that promise, readers will keep coming back for more.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

☘️ The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
Date: 15th March
Please note the submissions process for this one is a little complicated. Details here.

☘️ Furphy Literary Award
Date: 30th April
5000 words max. First prize is $15,000. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Booksellers 2025 Author Salary Results Are Out…

⚡️ Bookstores Are Thriving—We Have TikTok to Thank

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
We’re back and exploring genre essentials. What do you need to know to meet readers expectations? The next genre up…horror! And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Congratulations!

A huge congratulations to WSC VIP Hannah McCarthy who has been announced as a finalist in the RWANZ First Kiss Contest! Another ‘squaddie’ kicking goals. We wish you all the best in the final round.

Also a congratulations to me. Well, me and the other 11 amazing authors who were part of the ‘12 Tropes of Christmas’ anthology, as the anthology is a finalist in the 2024 Australian Romance Readers Awards for Favourite Romance Anthology. I am so proud of this anthology and it was such a pleasure working with the other talented authors, so this is a wonderful thrill.

The podcast is also back up and running, currently two eps in, and there will be another one out Monday with tips for those writing crime fiction.

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

Why you need to tune-in your mindset

Mindset is a bit of a buzz word at the moment. We’re told to have a positive mindset. A growth mindset. A resilient mindset. But it’s more than just buzz, it’s important, especially for writers.

I don’t need to tell you that writing is a tough gig. There’s many obstacles, set backs and challenges to be faced and that’s even before you’ve started the first draft! And your mindset matters. In fact, it is your secret weapon.

So how do you make your mindset work for you?

Each time we sit down to write we face challenges. Self-doubt, writer’s block and procrastination are all part and parcel of a writer’s day, but rather than let these things stop you, by simply changing your mindset, you can turn these challenges into stepping stones that take you forward rather than obstacles.

When you sit down to write, take a moment to choose your mindset. Choose to see the session ahead of you as positive. Acknowledge that it might be difficult, that the self-doubt monster might sit on your shoulder, and then do it anyway. Tell yourself that you are going to focus on the process, not the end product. That you are going to focus on the joy of creating and the reason you’re here in the first place - because you love writing. You love the process. There’s no use fixating on what might or might not happen. You have no control over end-goal things right now such as ipublishing deals, reader reviews or bestseller lists. But, what you can control is the fact you showed up. Today. You chose to put your writing first and you are going to make the most of the session in front of you. No matter what.

This simple ‘pep talk’ can be a game changer and help turn your session into a productive one.

Your mindset is a powerful tool. Sharpen it each time you set to work and you’ll be amazed at what you can do.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Mulga Bill Writing Award
Date: 24th February
Poetry and short stories accepted. Details here.

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

☘️ The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
Date: 15th March
Please note the submissions process for this one is a little complicated. Details here.

☘️ Furphy Literary Award
Date: 30th April
5000 words max. First prize is $15,000. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Understanding Australian Fiction

⚡️ Literary Speed Dating

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
We’re back and exploring genre essentials. What do you need to know to meet readers expectations? The next genre up…crime! And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

This week we’re discussing how to sprinkle that backstory in like the story chef you are! A little can go a long way and there are a few tricks to it. Read on below…

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

👌 How to Write Backstory Without Boring Your Reader to Tears

Ah, backstory. That tricky beast. You know your character’s past shapes everything about them—their decisions, their fears, the way they flinch when someone raises a hand too fast. But dump too much of it at once, and suddenly your reader is slogging through a history lesson they never signed up for. So how do you weave in backstory without grinding your story to a halt?

Make It Relevant to the Scene

Backstory should feel like a natural extension of what’s happening right now. If your character is sneaking into an old house, that’s the perfect moment for them to recall the time they were caught breaking curfew at 15—not when they’re casually eating a sandwich. The key is to let the past inform the present, not interrupt it.

Use Action or Thought to Prompt a Memory

Ever smelt a particular scent and been yanked straight back to childhood? That’s how backstory should work. A character hears a song, sees an old scar in the mirror, or watches a stranger gesture a certain way, and—bam—they’re remembering something. But keep it brief. A single, potent line can say more than a paragraph of exposition. He hadn’t heard that song since his mother sang it to him, the night before she disappeared. Intriguing, right? No explanation needed—just a breadcrumb to pull the reader forward.

Sprinkle It Throughout, Like Seasoning

A little backstory goes a long way. Instead of dumping everything at once, reveal it in pieces, scattered through dialogue, actions, and subtle references. Readers love to piece things together—they don’t need the full explanation straight away. If your protagonist has a past they’re trying to hide, let the reader sense it in the way they avoid eye contact or deflect certain questions.

No Info Dumps, Ever

Look, no one enjoys a long-winded backstory monologue. If you’re writing a page-long flashback explaining a character’s childhood trauma, ask yourself: Does the reader need all of this right now? Chances are, they don’t. Keep it moving, keep it relevant, and let the past leak into the story naturally.

At the end of the day, backstory is like an iceberg—most of it should be beneath the surface. Trust your reader to pick up the clues, and only give them what they need, when they need it. Less is always more, and when done right, backstory won’t bore your reader—it’ll make them desperate to know more.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Mulga Bill Writing Award
Date: 24th February
Poetry and short stories accepted. Details here.

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

☘️ The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
Date: 15th March
Please note the submissions process for this one is a little complicated. etails here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Fantasy fiction doesn’t need reclaiming for women—they already write and read it.

⚡️ ‘It will be dire for readers’: the disappearing voices of Australia’s independent publishers

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Returns February 2025. Don’t forget you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes in the meantime. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

We are celebrating a great success in the Write Squad Community!

CONGRATULATIONS!

A huge congratulations to Write Squad Community VIP members Casey Nott and Kylie Eklund-Denman on being long listed in the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize. This is a fabulous achievement and we wish them all the best in the next round! Hard work and persistence does pay off!

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

🔍 Why Writers Need to Be Curious

If you’ve ever spent time with a child, you’ll know their favourite word: why? They ask it about everything. Why is the sky blue? Why can’t I eat dirt? Why does the dog hate the vacuum? It’s relentless. But also? It’s brilliant. Curiosity is how we learn. And if you’re a writer, it’s one of your most valuable tools.

The Writer’s Superpower

Great writing starts with great questions. Why do people do the things they do? What would happen if this character made a different choice? What’s the real story behind this piece of history? Writers are detectives, archaeologists, and scientists all rolled into one. Every book you love started because someone was curious enough to follow a question down the rabbit hole.

Where Curiosity Leads

The best stories come from what if? What if a secret society controlled history from the shadows? (Looking at you, The Da Vinci Code.) What if a reality TV competition was actually a fight to the death? (Hello, The Hunger Games.) When you’re open to wondering about the world—history, psychology, folklore, relationships—you start to see stories everywhere. That odd newspaper article? That overheard conversation at a café? Gold.

Cultivating Curiosity

The good news? Curiosity is a skill you can train. Read widely—things you wouldn’t normally pick up. Watch documentaries. Ask people about their lives (writers are excellent at making small talk weird). Take a different route home just to see what’s there. The more you let your brain wander, the more it will surprise you with connections and ideas.

Following the Thread

So next time you get that little hmm feeling, chase it. Dig deeper. Let yourself wonder. Some questions might not lead anywhere. Others might change everything. Either way, staying curious keeps your writing fresh, your ideas flowing, and your stories compelling. And really—who wouldn’t want to be intellectually playful and curious like a child sometimes?

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Tasmanian Writers’ Prize
Date: 14th February
The prize is for short stories up to 3,000 words having an island, or island-resonant, theme. Details here.

☘️ Mulga Bill Writing Award
Date: 24th February
Poetry and short stories accepted. Details here.

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

☘️ The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
Date: 15th March
Please note the submissions process for this one is a little complicated. etails here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Colleen Hoover is a Terrible Writer who Glorifies Abuse Lacks Depth and Doesn’t Deserve the Hype

⚡️ Publishing Giants are Suing Idaho Over Book Banning

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Returns February 2025. Don’t forget you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes in the meantime. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Can you believe it’s already February? We’ve got some exciting things lined up for the community in 2025. Today we’re asking what does it mean to read with your writing hat on?

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

🎩 How to read with your writing hat on (and off)

If you’re a writer, you’ve probably been told to read like one. But does that mean you can never just enjoy a book again? Not necessarily! The trick is knowing when to zoom in and when to zoom out. Let’s talk about it.

Reading with Your Writing Hat On

Think of it like being both a detective and an apprentice. You’re analysing how an author weaves a story together—how they build tension, develop characters, and craft compelling prose. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Pacing: Notice how the author moves the story forward. Are the chapters short and snappy or long and immersive? Do you feel compelled to keep reading?

• Character Development: Pay attention to how characters evolve. Are they complex and believable? What details make them feel real?

• Dialogue: Is the dialogue natural and engaging? Does it reveal personality or move the plot along?

• Conflict & Stakes: How does the author introduce tension? What keeps you invested in the story?

• Language & Style: Take note of striking descriptions or unique phrasing. What makes the writing stand out?

• Structure: Observe how the story is put together. Are there multiple timelines? Unreliable narrators? Flashbacks?

Keeping a reading journal can be a game-changer—jot down what works, what doesn’t, and how you might apply it to your own writing.

Knowing When to Take It Off

But reading doesn’t always have to be homework. Sometimes, you just need to let a book sweep you away, no analysis required. Losing yourself in a story reminds you why you love storytelling in the first place. And here’s the secret: your brain is still learning, even when you’re not consciously dissecting every word.

Finding Balance

The key is to read with intention. When studying craft, dig deep. When reading for fun, let go. Both approaches feed your creativity, and both will make you a better writer. So, next time you pick up a book, ask yourself: is this for study or escape? Either way, you’ll benefit.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Tasmanian Writers’ Prize
Date: 14th February
The prize is for short stories up to 3,000 words having an island, or island-resonant, theme. Details here.

☘️ Mulga Bill Writing Award
Date: 24th February
Poetry and short stories accepted. Details here.

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Top 10 Publishing Trends for 2025

⚡️The Best Debut Novelists of 2025

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Returns February 2025. Don’t forget you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes in the meantime. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Hello and welcome to a brand new year of the Write Squad Community. It’s so great to have you here. How was your new year?

The new year is my favourite time of the year. Yes, I’m one of those crazy ones who love planning forward, setting goals and intentions for the year ahead. But, that’s good news for you and we have some exciting things planned for the WSC in 2025.

If you’ve signed up for these newsletters don’t forget you can also follow me over on insta to join in the conversation. You’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter.

Follow me on Insta

⭐️ Are you a WSC VIP Member?

If you’ve signed up to be a WSC VIP Member I’m super excited for the year ahead. I have locked in most of our guests who’ll be joining us for our monthly guest zoom including some wonderful authors and also a literary agent! We’ll also make a commitment to writing with our writing zooms which I can’t wait for. (I’m super keen to get back into writing after a break.) And, to kick of the year we have a very special guest for our first zoom which will be on Wednesday February 5th with author VA and marketing specialist Annie Bucknall which is one not to miss (and don’t forget all our guest sessions are recorded and available in our private group if you can’t make it), so pop that one into the diary.

Still on the fence? 👉 Find more info here.

📰 Just here for the newsletters?

If you’re here just for the newsletters, that’s all good too. There’ll be lots of writing tips to come over the coming months, as well as links to competitions and opportunities. And don’t forget if you have something exciting happening in your writing world I’d love to hear about it and share it with the squad so just hit reply to any of the newsletters or leave a comment for me here.

Leave a comment

Congratulations for committing to your writing for 2025, and I can’t wait to share the ups and downs, fun and games and happy ever afters with you.

Until next week,

Jodi 💕

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Tasmanian Writers’ Prize
Date: 14th February
The prize is for short stories up to 3,000 words having an island, or island-resonant, theme. Details here.

☘️ Mulga Bill Writing Award
Date: 24th February
Poetry and short stories accepted. Details here.

☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Jane Friedman’s Key Book Publishing Pathways for 2025 - 2026

⚡️ Penguin Random House Acquires Text Publishing

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Returns February 2025. Don’t forget you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes in the meantime. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

Although I’m not officially back til January 27th, I couldn’t resist popping in and saying my first hello for 2025.

I hope you had or are continuing to have a great holiday period and start to the new year. It’s been a hot summer here so the days have been filled with early morning walks, river visits, lazing by (and in) the pool, and watching the cricket in between reading and prepping for the year ahead.

I love this time of year as it’s when I set my mind to planning, goal setting and working on my intentions for the year. I’ve also been finishing off my study in mindset coaching which is also exciting. I can’t wait to bring that skillset to the Write Squad Community, my mentoring and also my own writing.

But in even more exciting news…

🎉 I’ve finalised what the Write Squad Community will look like in 2025. 🎉

For those who have been here since the start (early 2024) you’ll know our first year was a year of dipping our toes in the water, change, pivoting and working out the best way to deliver the Write Squad Community to writers. And, it seems my thoughts towards the end of the year were echoed in the feedback from my survey. (Thanks to all who contributed their thoughts!)

So with all that taken into account, I’m excited to let you guys be the first to know how the Write Squad Community will be delivered in 2025.

👇

Two things that are super important to me when it comes to the WSC.

1. Accessibility for writers no matter their circumstances, and,

2. Offering a safe space for writers.

Which is why the WSC in 2025 will offer three options:

Option 1.
Write Squad Weekly news on Substack

Obviously if you’re reading this, you’re already subscribed, so you know what to expect. 2025 will keep the same routine with the free newsletter featuring a writing tip or discussion point for the week, as well as links to news, articles and writing and publishing opportunities. There’ll also be a couple of new features introduced.

Option 2.
Follow along on Instagram

Hang out with ‘the squad’ and join in the chat on Instagram by following me [at] jfgibsonwriter You’ll also be able to join in on our weekly writing sessions which run Thursday mornings at 10am (Melb Australia time). I love insta as it’s like my online coffee shop where I catch up with all my writing friends and colleagues. Where we share and celebrate each other and have lots of fun conversations.

Option 3.
Become a WSC VIP member

If you’re ready to take the plunge in 2025 and invest in your career as a writer there’s no better way than becoming a Write Squad Community VIP member. You can still of course sign up for the weekly news on Substack and join in on instagram, but being a VIP will also give you access to our private Facebook group where we chat on a deeper level about the ups and downs of our writing lives. It’s a safe, secure place where we can share the challenges, revel in the excitement and learn and grow together. VIP members also have free access to our private weekly zoom writing sessions (alternate Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings Melb Au time) as well as our monthly professional development sessions where I invite a guest along to chat and answer all your questions. From published authors to industry professionals these sessions are a fun and valuable opportunity for everyone. As a VIP WSC member you also get 50% off all of my learning sessions, workshops and intensives. VIP Membership is only AU$10 per month.

🙌

Those of you who signed up for the group last year will know the love/hate relationship I have with Facebook. But, (unfortunately) it is the best platform to host the group due to the interactive nature of it’s group feature and it’s also the fact that it’s a safe and private space, which is a high priority for me. So yes, it’s back to FB we go!

But, I think we will have the balance right this year. Something for those who aren’t able to commit to the VIP, and something for those who are and want that extra boost of community and friendship. It’s a win, win!

How you decide to be involved is totally up to you. Stay here on Substack only, follow on Insta, do both, or sign up for the VIP membership, or do all three! Whatever works for you.

I am super excited about the year ahead. I have lots planned, many guests already locked in for the podcast and VIP zooms, and lots more to make the WSC one of the best online writing communities. I don’t want to grow to hundreds of writers, but more a small, supportive place that fosters life-long friendship, and a safe place for writers no matter where they are in their career. Some will come and go, others will stay, some will float in and out. But we will always have each other’s backs. 💪 Once a squaddie, always a squaddie.

If you have any questions, feel free to hit reply to this email. And if you’re wanting to become a VIP stay tuned for the official call out in the next couple of weeks in time for the 27th of Jan kick off.

In the meantime, enjoy the start to 2025.

Jodi 💕

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Affirm Press - General Submissions Now Open - Today Only
Date: 6th January
Submit your manuscript to the general submissions team today only (general fiction only)

Food for Thought

⚡️ The 10 Top Publishing Trends for 2025

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Returns February 2025. Don’t forget you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes in the meantime. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next time, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad,

This will be the final weekly news for 2024. I’ll be taking the next six or so weeks off to spend with family over the holiday period as well as plan for a big 2025 for the WSC.

I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your support and friendship over what has been a huge learning curve for the WSC. Thank you for your patience and commitment during the year. Thank you to those who have reached out to share their support and feedback along the way, and a big thank you to those who have been able to contribute to supporting the WSC at first through paid subscriptions and then through donating through ko-fi. Your support makes everything possible and I am truly grateful.

Take the next few weeks to enjoy the holiday period. Don’t forget to take stock of your year and celebrate those little and big wins. You are so much further forward now, than you were at the start of the year. And every step counts. Well done!

I have lots in store for the WSC in 2025. Thanks to the feedback from my annual survey there will be some changes to come, so again I ask for your patience. This year, as I mentioned before, was a huge learning curve on how to offer this community in the most beneficial way for all writers. There’s been lessons learned and mistakes made. I’ve had to pivot and dodge my way through the year but it’s been worthwhile and I’m positive that the structure for 2025 will be valuable for everyone from early writers just dipping their toes in the water to more advanced writers.

I know many of you have been asking about a retreat and I can now say there is 100% something in the works. It will take some time to put together and I have a crew of wonderful people working towards making it the best it can be. But more on that and announcements for the WSC in 2025.

I will be back on deck early February so keep your inboxes open. I’ll also be floating around and popping in and out of the Instagram coffee shop over the holiday period so keep in touch there for any early-bird special announcements. (Because I can’t keep a secret!)

Once again thank you for your time, patience, support, and feedback and for making the WSC one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m grateful for each and every one of you and love the wonderful sense of community we’ve created here and the support you all give each other.

See you in 2025!

Jodi

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Adaptable: Turning the Page to Screen 🎬
Date: 21st January
Submit a manuscript - published or unpublished - for a chance to pitch to leading producers and showrunners!

☘️ Black&Write! Writing Fellowships
Date: 31st January
Fellowships open for First Nations writers.

☘️ Prime Minister’s Literary Awards
Date: 4th February
Various categories. Check the website for details

Food for Thought

⚡️ Seth Godin claims AI is contributing to book publishing’s decline

⚡️ Harper Collins CEO has said audiobooks are continuing to outsell ebooks

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
We’re on break! From now until February 2025, you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes. And don’t forget to submit your own questions if you’ve got a burning writer query.

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

But first…

Before I share my tips on how to format your manuscript, I have a couple of things for you.

First up, thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say in my annual WSC and Podcast survey. Your feedback has been so valuable. There were lots of kind words, lots of suggestions, and loads of feedback - some surprising (but good). I have drawn the winner of the book pack (well, the winner spinner did) and drum roll please….

The winner is….

Lucinda D!

Congratulations Lucinda, you’re in for some great reading this holiday season. I’ll be in touch, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Also, this will be the final Thursday Thread topic for 2024. Monday will be the final WSC Weekly news so check that out for more details on what’s to come in 2025.

Okay, now on to our Thursday Thread Topic!

How To Format Your Manuscript

When you’re preparing your manuscript for submission to agents and/or publishers, it’s important that your manuscript looks professional. Even for self-publishing your manuscript needs to be formatted correctly.

I always think it’s a good idea to start how you intend to end, which means from the very first draft, it’s good to get into the habit of setting up document with the correct formatting. This way you get used to working within the manuscript as it should look.

There are particular guidelines for formatting your manuscript.

If you are planning on submitting to a specific agent or publisher, my advice is to read their submission guidelines thoroughly. Most will have their guidelines on their website and will indicate how they want the manuscript formatted. If they don't, the following are the most common guidelines for how to format your word document. And you’ll find them suitable for most submissions.

Formatting Guidelines for a fiction manuscript

Font: A standard serif font such as Times New Roman is recommended

Font size: 12pt (black, don't use any colour)

Margins: 3cm all round

Line Spacing: Double

Justification: Left

Paragraphs: Indented 1.25cm. The first line of new chapter or scene not indented.

Dialogue: Use either single or double quotation marks. Either are acceptable as long as you keep it consistent throughout the manuscript.

Page numbers: Number your pages in the header or footer, usually centred or right aligned.

Tips: Add a header justified to the right with BOOK TITLE / Author name

If you follow these guidelines your manuscript will look professional and polished. But again, please check the submission guidelines first and follow those if provided.

If you are submitting shortly, good luck!

Leave a comment

Ask the Author Podcast is on break till February 2025.

A Love Letter to Writers 💌

Dear Writer,

It’s been a long year. Sometimes it has moved faster than a hummingbird’s wings, at other times it’s felt more like a sloth crossing a road, but you made it. You survived another year of ups and downs. Highs and lows. Successes and rejections. Your skin is a little thicker, your heart a little softer. It’s time to reflect on the year, not in terms of success vs failure but in terms of progress.

Writers, authors whatever you prefer to call yourself, if you write you are. Believe it.

You’ve made progress this year even though it may not seem like it. Even though it may feel like you’re not where you want to be… you have made progress.

Every word you wrote, every scene you pulled together, every character you brought to life with the wave of your magic creativity wand has made you a better writer.

Even the darlings you’ve killed have made you a better writer. Especially the darlings.

And although it may seem like the steps to your goals seem to rise endlessly into the sky ascending into the cloud blanketed unknown you are sharpening your skills. You are making progress. You are taking another step.

If your writing and creativity has caused you despondency and frustration this year, it’s etched another notch into your heart. Another notch of progress. Another notch of growth.

And it’s the small wins that mean the most.

Finishing a chapter. Completing a draft. Rewriting the draft. Hours and hours and hours of editing that draft. Submitting to a competition. Pitching to an agent or publisher. It’s all progress. They’re all mini wins.

You may feel like stunted, but you’re not. These steps, these mini wins are all part of your growth as a writer and as a human. A human with the power of creativity in your mind, the passion in your heart, and the joy in your soul to know what it’s like to bring a story to life. Your superpower!

Well done you. Be proud of you. I’m proud of you. Shout it from the rooftops, or at least from your desk, or in the car alone. But be proud of the writer you are becoming.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me and others. It’s a great privilege to be part of the writing community, especially the Write Squad Community and I feel grateful each and every day for you all.

Jodi

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Date: 13th December
Submit unpublished manuscripts of adult or young adult commercial fiction or nonfiction up to 80,000 words.

Food for Thought

⚡️ Ali Hazlewood on her Exclusive Spotify Deal

⚡️ All the ways to research a literary agent

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
We’re on break! From now until February 2025, you can head through the backlist of amazing episodes. And don’t forget to submit your own questions if you’ve got a burning writer query.

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

With December upon us, it’s time to start reflecting on our writing year and thinking ahead to 2025. What are you hoping next year will bring to your writing?

A reminder, the 12 Tropes of Christmas anthology is out now!

🎄 Grab it here: mybook.to/12TropesofChristmas.

On with the newsletter 👇

Writer Chat

Why is Your Favourite Book Your Favourite Book—and What Can You Learn From It?

Every writer (and reader!) has their favourite book—or more likely, books. But how often do you stop to consider why a particular book holds that top spot in your heart? And if you’re a writer, have you thought about what your favourite books might teach you about your craft?

Let’s break it down: what makes a book unforgettable, and how can we use that as a guide for our own storytelling?

The Power of Character

Your favourite book isn’t just your favourite story—it’s probably filled with your favourite characters. What draws you to them? Is it their strength, their flaws, or the way they evolve through the story? Maybe it’s their vulnerabilities that mirror your own or their ambitions that inspire you. A well-crafted character can stay with us for years, feeling as real as a close friend.

Ask yourself: Are my own characters this vivid? Do they have enough agency, flaws, and growth to feel authentic? These questions can help bring your storytelling to life.

Nailing the Genre

Favourite books often sit comfortably in our favourite genres. Whether it’s a lush regency romance, a nail-biting thriller, or a whimsical romantasy, these stories don’t just meet genre expectations—they elevate them. They hit every beat, delivering the tension, atmosphere, and tropes we love while adding something unique that keeps us turning the pages.

As a writer, reflect on your favourite genre: What is it about the pacing, tropes, or world-building in these stories that hooks you? How can you deliver that magic in your own work?

Emotional Connection

The books we love most don’t just entertain us—they make us feel. Whether it’s heartbreak, joy, terror, or hope, they move us to emote with the characters, often in ways that linger long after we’ve turned the last page. Think about the most powerful scenes in your favourite book: What did you feel? Why did it resonate so deeply?

For writers, this is a reminder that crafting a memorable story isn’t just about clever twists or intricate plots—it’s about creating moments that resonate with readers on an emotional level.

What Can You Learn From It?

Reflecting on why a book is your favourite isn’t just a nostalgic exercise—it’s a roadmap to what you value most in stories. If you’re a writer, these reflections can guide your approach to character, pacing, and emotion in your own projects. And if you’re a reader, they can help you discover more books that feel like they were written just for you.

So, grab your favourite book and spend a moment with it. What does it teach you about storytelling? About yourself? Whether you’re working on the next bestseller or searching for your next great read, those answers might just lead to something extraordinary.

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Judy Nunn Short Story Competition
CLOSES Soon: 5th December
Penguin Random House and Woman’s Day are searching for another great storyteller to celebrate the release of Judy Nunn’s latest book. Cash prize $1,000 and a chance to be published by PRH!

☘️ Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Date: 13th December
Submit unpublished manuscripts of adult or young adult commercial fiction or nonfiction up to 80,000 words.

Food for Thought

⚡️ List of Australian Writers Festivals in 2025

⚡️ Key Takeaways From Author Nation 2024

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
This week it’s our season 2024 wrap-up! What were the top 10 most listened to episodes? Did you catch them all?

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next week, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

There are many things that go into getting a book published.

The first, and possibly the easiest, is getting the book written. Not that doing that is easy. We know it’s not. But what comes after is certainly more challenging, just in a different way.

Getting your book published is undoubtedly the hardest part of the process.

If you’re indie publishing it involves tireless effort, money, and juggling a lot of balls. But, you will get there.

If you’re heading down the traditional publishing route you will be faced with pitching and rejection, time and time again. And, there’s no guarantees you will find an agent and/or publisher.

So, let’s talk about that. How in trad publishing there is no guarantee you will get your book published.

Start at the start

First of all you have to start with the quality of your book. You have to write a good book. It has to have a great hook, a tight premise, be structurally sound as well as be an engaging story. We know this. It’s what we spend months, even years trying to do.

So let’s say you have done that. You have a “good” book. A book that hits all these nails on the head. And now, you’re heading off into the pitching abyss.

Let’s also say that you’ve done your research and you’re pitching to the correct publisher, you’re following all the submission guidelines and have prepared a decent pitch and synopsis and you’ve polished your first three chapters.

You’ve done all the right things and ticked all the boxes. You’ve done all you can do.

Now, there comes the one thing that you also need at this point, and it’s something that doesn’t often get mentioned. Yet it’s the one thing that can bring you huge perspective and therefore make the pitching process a little easier and the rejections less harrowing.

It’s luck. 🍀

What is it with luck? And can’t I just make my own luck?

Now, you might be thinking, ‘I know this already.’ But do you? Have you really thought hard about how big of a role that luck plays in getting your book through the traditional publishing gatekeepers? And also beyond?

You already know books are subjective. One person’s favourite book can easily be another person’s ‘DNF’ (did not finish). A twist that floors one reader, might be a mere shrug of the shoulders to another. A premise that you find intriguing, will be boring to someone else.

When you are pitching this subjectivity comes into play.

Your book might not grab the publisher/agent personally? They might not think the voice is strong enough? The idea not unique enough? Maybe they found it too predictable or similar to something else they’ve read/signed recently. Perhaps the characters didn’t engage them enough.

All of these points are ‘subjective’ and comes back a lot of the time to the person reading the pitch.

The other part of ‘luck’ that comes into it is what the publisher is looking for right now, at the moment your pitch comes to their attention.

Is it the genre they are looking for right now? Does the tone and style fit they’re check list? Have they just signed something similar? Do they feel the book could be difficult to market?

So much of this comes down to timing and luck.

You of course make your own luck by doing the work, continuing to do the work and working on your craft and writing. You make your own luck by doing your research, reading widely and often, and keeping an eye on publishing trends and the ebbs and flows of the industry (not saying you should write to trend, but knowing what they are and the state of the market is super important.) All of this is the part of the luck you can control.

What you can’t control is the subjectivity of the publisher at that point in time.

It’s hard to find exact stats, but most stats suggest the percentage of manuscripts that get rejected each year would be in the 90s. Yes, it’s disheartening.

So why keep trying?

It’s not my intention to dishearten you even further. My intention is to keep you writing by helping you to understand the market and deal with rejection. Because it’s inevitable.

Even after you’re published you will face rejection.

Rejection from readers who may not like your book. Rejection from ‘the market’ who might not buy your book. Rejection from writing panels & opportunities, podcasters, book reviewers. Rejection from your publisher who might not offer you another deal.

Rejection isn't something that stops after you get a book deal.

So what now?

If you’ve read this far, you want this. You want to see your book/s published and in the hands of readers. So my advice is simple.

Do the following.

• Write the best book you can write

• Edit as thoroughly as possible before you pitch

• Prepare for pitching by doing your research beforehand

• Prepare your pitch, synopsis and chapters and make them the best you can

• Have a process to follow when pitching that helps you keep track of your pitches

• Prepare yourself for rejection by understanding you’ve done all you can and the rest is down to ‘luck’

• Keep writing your next book and your next and your next.

What else can you do?

• Keep writing

• Keep working on developing your craft

• Keep up with the publishing industry trends, changes, and developments (if there’s one thing in trad publishing that moves fast, it’s these things.)

• Be openly seeking other opportunities such as entering writing competitions, taking part in anthologies, applying for residencies etc

• Keep developing and building writing connections and community with other authors

• Consider other ways of publishing (but please do your research first!)

Getting a trad publishing deal isn’t easy. Keeping a publishing deal isn’t easy. A lot of it is hard work and repeatedly doing the work. And a lot of it is luck. Making your own luck and the luck that you unfortunately can’t control.

I’d love your thoughts on this topic. How much of the trad publishing process do you feel comes down to luck? I’d also love to know what other challenges (apart from marketing and lack of time) you feel are prominent for you right now?

Leave a comment

Hi Squad!

This is our second last Wednesday writing session for the year and the perfect way to get some #writesquadcommunity500 words down before we chat.

Come along tomorrow ——

WEDNESDAY 13th NOVEMBER 10am - 11am Melb AU time

As always we’ll get straight into writing once you enter the zoom room. We will write for around 45 minutes and then we’ll have a chat at the end to finish up.

IMPORTANT: If you are joining for the first time you will need to let me know you plan to attend either by via the message me box below or emailing me direct jodi@jfgibson.com.au so I can let you in through the waiting room.

Zoom link:

- - -

Jodi Gibson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: WSC Zoom Writing Session

Time: Nov 27, 2024 10:00 AM Australia/Melbourne

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87891199821?pwd=weyffBWYDozFbRedqobbIJLZA0ilpy.1

Meeting ID: 878 9119 9821

Passcode: 337718

---

See you then!

A quick reminder that our guest author Q&A with Trish Bolton is tonight at 7:30pm AEDT! Be sure to join us online to gain some tips with this exclusive chat.

I’m slowly putting together the guest author schedule for 2025 and have some wonderful author already on the list. If there is an author, writer or publishing professional you’d love to hear from let me know by replying to this email. I’m open to all suggestions even the wild ones (I may have reached out to Beth O’Leary, not expecting to hear back but you never know if you don’t try!)

It’s that time of year again when I ask all of you for your feedback to help shape the future of both the WSC and the Ask The Author podcast for 2025.

If you’d like to take part, simply click on the link below. As a thank you, you can also go into the draw to win a 10 book prize pack (AU residents only). Your feedback is super helpful so that I can make sure I’m delivering the content you find the most valuable, so if you have a spare 3 minutes, please help me out!

🎁 Go in the draw for your chance to WIN

A reminder, the 12 Tropes of Christmas anthology is out now!

🎄 Grab it here: mybook.to/12TropesofChristmas.

On with the newsletter 👇

Writer Chat

Overcoming the Scary Blank Page

We’ve all been there—that moment when a blinking cursor on a plain, white page feels like the muse is mocking you. You want to write but you’re just not sure how to get started. It happens to us all! If this is you right now, it might be worthwhile taking a pause to ponder some of these points…

Are You Really Ready to Start?

Just like a seed needs to germinate, a story often needs time to percolate in our mind before it’s ready to be planted on the page. And even then, it’s going to need a lot of sunlight and water to become something strong and beautiful.

If the blank page is overwhelming you, it might be that you have the seed of the story down but you need more time to think your concept through.

Try journaling about your characters, writing snippets of dialogue, sketching out scenes or ideas, creating a Pinterest board full of inspiring visuals. Think of it all as fertiliser for that incredible story sprouting inside your psyche.

Are you a plotter and need to outline further?

Pantsers often are thrilled by the possibility of the blank page. What will happen? Where will these characters lead me? They thrive on the creative chaos of it all.

But if this isn’t you, it could be that you’re a plotter who simply hasn’t plotted enough before beginning. Maybe you need to get down to a scene level. Maybe your character’s internal motivations need more work. Maybe you need to do a skeleton draft.

Whatever it is, if writing to a roadmap is more your style, blank-page-anxiety can be a sure sign your directions just aren’t clear enough yet.

Are you falling into the procrastination or self-doubt trap?

Is that inner-critic sitting on your shoulder, whispering all of your worst self-doubts every time you open your document? We’ve all been there. And while developing a healthy creative mindset is a whole larger topic we can deep dive into, but here’s a quick tip you can try to put that inner-editor in its place.

Set a timer for 10 minutes and just writing, allowing yourself to be imperfect with your words and promising yourself you can edit them later. You don’t even have to start at the beginning of your story, just start at a place where you can see something happening and go from there.

Momentum is the antidote to fear.

Take Action, Not Pressure

The good news is beating the blank page often starts with a single sentence. Figure out what’s holding you back and give yourself permission to write that messy first draft.

Embrace the possibility of the page, get quiet inside your mind and invite those words to come!

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ CBCA Book of the Year Awards
Starts Soon: 30th November
Enter the The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards and help promote quality literature for young Australians by Australians.

☘️ Judy Nunn Short Story Competition
Starts Soon: 5th December
Penguin Random House and Woman’s Day are searching for another great storyteller to celebrate the release of Judy Nunn’s latest book. Cash prize $1,000 and a chance to be published by PRH!

☘️ Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Date: 13th December
Submit unpublished manuscripts of adult or young adult commercial fiction or nonfiction up to 80,000 words.

Food for Thought

⚡️How will the publishing industry respond to Trump 2.0 - THE CUT

⚡How to Find Joy in Writing Through Hard Times - Evelyn Skye Substack

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
This week we’re focusing on celebrating your wins! How do you focus on the good stuff?

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next week, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment

Hi Squad!

Here is your zoom link for Monday’s Q&A session with guest author, Trish Bolton.

Trish is a Melbourne based author, whose debut novel WHENEVER YOU’RE READY was published with Allen & Unwin earlier this year.

Trish is looking forward to sharing all about her book, transition from seasoned freelance writer to author, her path to publication, writing process and more, so please come ready with your questions.

You can find out more about Trish at https://www.trishboltonwriter.com/

IMPORTANT: If you are joining for the first time you will need to let me know you plan to attend either by via the message me box below or emailing me direct jodi@jfgibson.com.au so I can let you in through the waiting room.

Zoom link:

- - -

Jodi Gibson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: WSC Q&A with Trish Bolton

Time: Nov 25, 2024 07:30 PM Australia/Melbourne

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89523539073?pwd=mDdvg1n3bdX0jYAeukCbQKZSMVNLwX.1

Meeting ID: 895 2353 9073

Passcode: 886187

---

See you then!

PS. Don’t forget if you haven’t already completed the WSC Annual Survey you only have a short time left to do so. Your feedback will help me shape the direction of the WSC for 2025 so all feedback, good or bad, is welcomed. And, if you are an AU resident you will go into the draw for a 10-book prize back.

Here is the survey link: https://forms.gle/VNpcb9hKvYzQ3L649 

We all know how important the first chapter is, the first scene, first paragraph, that powerful first line. We know because we are readers. We know when we open the first page of a fresh new book we expect things.

The first chapter of your book needs to do a lot of hard work, including capture the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. Immediately. So how do we do that?

5 things your first chapter needs to do

1. Introduce your character

The first paragraph in your first chapter needs to introduce your main character. This is the character that readers are going to attach themselves to. The reason they will keep reading because they want to know what happens to the character.

You need to make sure they can identify your character, by name preferably, and also understand the type of person they are, which will be shown by the scene you are dropping them into. How your character is reacting to what is happening in this very first scene is a powerful way for the reader to understand who the character is and is so important to get your reader to connect in some way with the character and make them want to read on.

2. Introduce the character’s world

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, an out of this world sci-fi, or an everyday women’s fiction novel world building needs to be a key factor. And setting the scene of the character’s ordinary world at the start of the book is essential.

This is where that old nugget ‘show don’t tell’ really comes into play.

Get creative with where you’re starting your story and make the most of that very first scene, particularly the first paragraph, as you introduce your character and really show the reader where they are and who they are.

3. Introduce the character’s problem

This is sometimes easier said than done. As we know all characters need a goal - both an internal and external goal. The external goal is the plot of the story and the internal goal is the lesson the character is going to learn by the end of the story. (See our thread on characters for more on this which starts here.)

The first chapter is the place where the reader needs to get an inkling of what lesson they’re going to learn or the overarching theme holding the book up. You also need to show the character facing a problem. This can be reflected in their goal for the first scene, or be referenced by showing them in their current world which may be challenging them in some way.

Both goals - scene and story - will give a sense of what the character is trying to achieve (or avoid) and hint at the complications they may encounter along the way.

4. Introduce the inciting incident

Gone are the days where we can start with our character slipping into their day at a leisurely pace. No more waking slowly, having breakfast and moseying off to work without any drama.

Thanks to the evolution of the media we consume and the way we consume it, readers too now want to get to the action fast. This means within the first chapter - definitely the first scene, if not the first page - we need to see the inciting incident.

The inciting incident is where your story kicks off. It’s the catalyst for your character needing to sit up and take notice. Where they’re world changes and they can’t go forward with their normal day to day life, as hard as they may try.

It’s this inciting incident along with who your character is and how they respond to it which will hook your reader, making them want to turn the page. So get it in early, and make it pack a powerful punch.

5. Pose a question or three

The number one way to hook your reader is to make them curious. This can be done through a couple of subtle easter eggs that you drop to make the reader curious, or with one big powder keg of an explosion. What genre you’re writing in and what your story is about will guide you as to what will work best.

Your goal here is to make the reader curious, to make their mind start wandering off with your story. Make them unable to not turn the page because they’re so intrigued and they want to know what’s going to happen next.

Not only are they invested in the character because they are getting a sense of who they are, where they are and what they want and possibly need, but because of this nugget of a question that you’re posing they want to read on.

A tip for your first chapter

Of course when you sit down to write, whether your a plotter or a pantser, your first chapter will be the first words you put on the page. But, by the time you get to the end of your first draft, it’s likely that your first chapter is going to need to change.

Maybe it’s not posing the right questions, maybe you’re not showing your character how they need to be shown, or maybe you simply haven’t started the story in the right place.

The first chapter, will and should be the very last thing you revise in each draft that you do. And it’s in the final draft after the structural edit and redrafting is done, where you’ll put the final polishing touches on the chapter to make sure it’s the best way for your reader to start the story and ticks all of the boxes.

So while you might be tempted to polish that first chapter over and over again during the redrafting, don’t spend too much time on it until the end. It’s when your story is structurally sound and redrafted that you can spend the effort getting the first chapter in shape to make sure it’s doing the best job it can for your story and the reader.

First Chapter Checklist

The final polish

• Have you introduced your main character (and possibly the antagonist if it fits the story?)

• Does it provide a vivid sense of place for the reader?

• Does it show what type of person your character is?

• Does it hint at theme?

• Is the goal of the main character clear for the scene and possibly the story to come?

• Have you introduced the inciting incident as early as possible?

• Is there conflict on the page - both external and internal?

• What questions are you posing for the reader? And what stakes do they have for the character?

• Does your first chapter fit the reader expectations for the genre?

A word on prologues

Using a prologue in your novel is perfectly okay if it fits the genre and works for the story. However, your prologue is not your first chapter in the sense of a first chapter. It’s a separate entity with an entirely different purpose focusing on a gripping premise and question at the forefront of the story. Prologues require a specific setting in a moment in time. We can talk more about prologues in a future Thursday Thread. For now though, your first chapter is your first chapter, prologue or not.

Do you love or hate writing the first chapter? Let me know in the comments.

And if you’re ready for feedback on your opening chapter please check out my opening chapter feedback service which is now available. More details here.

Leave a comment

A big congratulations to everyone who has been participating in the #writesquadcommunity500challenge! So many writers are getting words down and making great progress.

It’s been wonderful seeing everyone’s daily word count - good or bad - and seeing everyone supporting each other. We’re over halfway there!

Quick Note: The zoom guest author Q&A with Trish Bolton has been rescheduled from Monday 18th to Monday 25th, zoom links will be sent out later in the week. 

It’s that time of year again when I ask all of you for your feedback to help shape the future of both the WSC and the Ask The Author podcast for 2025.

If you’d like to take part, simply click on the link below. As a thank you, you can also go into the draw to win a 10 book prize pack (AU residents only). Your feedback is super helpful so that I can make sure I’m delivering the content you find the most valuable, so if you have a spare 3 minutes, please help me out!

🎁 Go in the draw for your chance to WIN

A reminder, the 12 Tropes of Christmas anthology is out now!

🎄 Grab it here: mybook.to/12TropesofChristmas.

On with the newsletter 👇

Writer Chat

Creating Memorable Characters

How do you get readers to fall in love with your characters? Over the past four weeks, we’ve been on a deep dive into character development and unpacked all the elements that make characters unforgettable.

Together we explored:

• Backstory: What happened to your characters before they landed on your page? What made them who they are today? Understanding their past is the key to helping you create a nuanced, relatable character…whilst not overwhelming your readers with unnecessary details.

• Emotional Wounds: Your character’s emotional wounds hold the key to their inner journey. What are their fears, their vulnerabilities, their scars or their actions? How do these things influence their decisions in your novel? Adding these layers in make your characters feel three dimensional and human.

• Goals and Motivations: A strong character has both external goals (that drive the plot forward) and internal needs (that fuel their growth). Creating a satisfying character arc is all about knowing what they want—and what will hold them back from getting it.

• Voice: What exactly is your character’s ‘voice’? It’s more than just what they say—voice is also how they speak, think and react. Shaped by their background, personality and experiences, your character’s voice should be unique to them.

👉 Have a read of the final thread and do the writing exercise to nail that voice!

Let me know how you go, and feel free to share your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear about the characters you’re creating! Happy writing!

Leave a comment

Comps & Opportunities

☘️ Judith Wright Poetry Prize for New and Emerging Poets
Starts Soon: 22nd November
Open to emerging writers who have published no more than one collection of poems. 

☘️ CBCA Book of the Year Awards
Starts Soon: 30th November
Enter the The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards and help promote quality literature for young Australians by Australians.

☘️ Judy Nunn Short Story Competition
Starts Soon: 5th December
Penguin Random House and Woman’s Day are searching for another great storyteller to celebrate the release of Judy Nunn’s latest book. Cash prize $1,000 and a chance to be published by PRH!

☘️ Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Date: 13th December
Submit unpublished manuscripts of adult or young adult commercial fiction or nonfiction up to 80,000 words.

Food for Thought

⚡️Who’s really writing celebrity novels?

⚡Olivie Blake of THE ATLAS SIX credits BookTok with her novel’s success

Ask The Author Podcast

🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
This week we’ve got a quick little motivational episode…perfect for writers at this time of year!

Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Until next week, happy writing!

Thank you for subscribing to the WSC Writers Hub, which is a free community on Substack. My vision is to create a community of likeminded people that’s accessible to all which is why I operate under the free subscription model. However, if you find what I’m offering is of value and you wish to contribute, you can drop me a tip via ko-fi,com. to show your support.

Leave a comment