I have a cool idea that I've been turning around in my head for a long time.

It has to do with Works in Progress.

Many of us go years on a WIP with only a tiny number of readers--an indulgent partner, our kids, our best friend. Some of us are lucky enough to have a critique group. But for many, the work may not see the light of day for a very long time.

And that means readers are missing out on our work.

I have this idea to use my newsletter as a sounding board--a place where we can pull the curtain back on people's process, and I can give back to you, my readers.

Here are some possibilities:

1. Once or twice a month, I could critique of one page of some brave writer's WIP, which I'd post in the newsletter. Maybe it needs to be the first page, maybe not. Thoughts?
2. We could have a kind of Q&A or "Dear Kate" column, where you send me writing questions and I answer them. Maybe sometimes I'd turn the tables and ask you questions. Maybe you could also answer other writers' questions. It could be things like what to do with a particular snarl in your plot, or how to get back your writing mojo. What do you think?
3. I (or you) could offer writing challenges each month and then I'd post the names of people who completed them. An accountability opportunity.
4. I might sometimes interview one of you about your WIP, your process, etc. This could be a written interview or I could record it as an audio or video.
5. I could record "audio-excerpts" of selected WIPs.

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I know I would have to take submissions for all of these things, and I'd only feature a limited number. (Otherwise I'd never get anything else done.) I wouldn't be looking for perfection, but for fresh, robust work.
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I love letting you know about my classes, retreats, coaching, etc. But my greater goal is to gather together a welcoming community of writers. Eventually, I'd probably create a dedicated space for this, possibly on the teaching platform I am currently using.

I've got even grander ideas about that dedicated space, but those are for later.

In the meantime, could you let me know what you think?​

Love,

Katherine
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PS One way we're already doing community--and getting a ton of work done--is with the FREE Labyrinth Write-Ins every Thursday. Since I'll be traveling the next couple of weeks, we're starting back up again on July 17. Do join us. ​