Write Squad Weekly News
Prologues - and celebrating another community member success!
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.
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.
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
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.
Thanks for the shoutout Jodi! And a big congratulations to you 🎉