Write Squad Weekly News
👋 Hello for the first time in 2025
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.
Accessibility for writers no matter their circumstances, and,
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 💕
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.
I’m excited to start the WSC in 2025. See you on Thursdays. Thanks Jodi 🤗
Excited for the year ahead, and am definitely joing the VIP. Your sessions are brilliant, Jodi, and at $10 a month, it’s an excellent value bargain ☺️