Hello 2025!
A new writing community and a 4 week writing challenge!
Hi friend,
How are you?
It has been a long time since sharing anything on Substack. I’ve had a big break from work due to my health which has been a sh*tshow for months. My therapist suggested that I’ve been in burnout for a long time and the only way to break the cycle is to rest (which I wouldn’t have been able to do without the support of my partner and family)!!!!
And honestly, after The Little Black Book of Publishing came out, I felt like I didn’t have anything more to say. Silly, I know, but I poured so much of myself and my knowledge into the book that I didn’t feel like I had anything left. The book really does say it all!
Despite poor health, 2025 has been wonderful so far. I moved in with my partner, built a new library in our home, spent time camping with loved ones, and have attended a gazillion medical appointments too. I’ve been cooking and nurturing my body with delicious food, spending time outdoors (I am so grateful the weather is finally cooling off ) and I planted my first two trees!!
I am so excited to be back at work. I love what I do so very much and I’m ready to continue supporting and celebrating aspiring and debut authors the best I can!
(That’s you, friend!!)
To celebrate, I have two very exciting things to share.
Write & Seek podcast is back! I have been recording interviews for a month now and the next episode will return tomorrow. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Debut Books has a brand new Facebook group! I am working towards building a community writing group. Write Stuff will continue as a weekly writing session via Zoom (returning next week) AND it is growing to include the Facebook group too!
Write Stuff is a community writing group created to support you to achieve your writing goals, show up more consistently for your writing practice, and work toward completing your manuscript.
To celebrate the new writing community, I am hosting a 4 week writing accountability challenge via the Facebook group. It runs from April 22 to May 19.
The 4 Week Accountability Challenge is a space for you to make progress on your current writing project with support, accountability and community!
THE CHALLENGE
To set a word count writing goal and work towards achieving it over 4 weeks.
THE EXPECTATION
You will:
Attend the welcome call
Set a writing goal and attempt to achieve it within the 4 week period
Reply to 4 x weekly check ins
Attend 4 x weekly Write Stuff sessions
THE REWARD
Receive a free 1:1 30 minute coaching call when you complete the challenge to workshop and receive feedback on your writing project, and answers to any writing and publishing questions you may have!
THE PROCESS
Fill in the Google form inside the FB group
Add the welcome call to your calendar: 7.30pm on 22 April 2025. More details will be sent once you join!
JOIN BY 17 APRIL 2025 - I hope to see you there!
And finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported my little black book so far. I am still immensely proud of it and love seeing it on shelves in bookshops, and in your hands too.
I even made it onto the Readings Books IG grid! You can find The Little Black Book of Publishing at all Readings stores! Alternatively, check in with your local library. If they don’t have a copy yet, put in a request!
AND! Two incredible Australian writers have some very kind things to say about my little black book 😍
Yes, they still have the ability to make me blush, and get teary!
Friend, it’s good to be back 🥰
Until next time,
Katherine x
P.S. Don’t forget the freebie available at debutbooks.com.au - it will teach you all the steps to write and publish your book!
The Ultimate Checklist to PREPARE, WRITE and PITCH your Book!
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