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Build your story. Bring your idea to life. Reach more people.

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Hi, Reader,

I did a thing last week. I applied for a research grant … for my book.

Believe me, Imposter Syndrome made itself known, loud and clear.

But I pushed it aside. And you know what? It more or less quieted down.

Why?

Because I told myself that, no matter what happened, putting in the time to apply for grant money was not a waste of time. Sure, I’ve never applied for a research grant in my life. Sure, I’ve never written a work of historical fiction. Sure, I am far from an expert on the subject matter I am writing about.

But that’s why research is important. That’s why a grant like this exists in the first place – to give folks opportunities to pursue dreams that might not otherwise be realized.

Besides, even if I don’t receive a grant, here is what the process of applying accomplished:

1) It forced me to get clearer on what exactly it is I am writing. What is the story, anyway? What does it encompass? What does it not encompass? Where are the boundaries? Where will my story start and where will it end?

2) It made me articulate why this story is important – not only to me, but also who else might find value in it. I had to think more pointedly about who I want my readers to be, and where those readers are.

3) It showed me in clearer detail what my research for this book must entail, and it made me think more critically about how I intend to pursue that research.

From the get-go, I saw this research grant as a win-win – a double opportunity, if you will. First, I have a chance at earning some money that would pay for my research and bring attention to the work I am pursuing. Second, it helped me to get super clear on the parameters of the story and exactly what I need to learn and discover in order to make this idea in my head a reality on the page.

One way I’ll never get grant money: Never apply for it. By putting my name in the ring, I am reminding myself that I believe in this story and its potential impact. I am giving myself a chance.

Is there an opportunity in front of you that is whispering for you to do the same?

-Kate

​WRITE-INS

Get your writing done in these regularly scheduled virtual work sessions! We gather on Zoom on the first Wednesday and third Thursday of the month. We spend 5-10 minutes talking about our writing projects and what we’re working on, and then we’ll get to the actual work of writing! The idea behind a write-in is that it provides structure and accountability for a craft that is all-too-often lonely and lacking in peer support. We’ll write for an hour or so, and then reconvene for a quick de-brief. Participate in one or both monthly sessions – come when you can!

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UPCOMING SESSIONS:

Apr. 2 @ 11 a.m. MT (1 p.m. ET)

Apr. 17 @ 2 p.m. MT (4 p.m. ET)

​Click here for the Zoom link and to receive monthly reminders.​

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Want to get MORE out of a WRITE-IN?

Imagine having dedicated time to write, surrounded by like-minded writers who get it.

I'm considering a weekly/bi-weekly Zoom community where we:

• Write together for 90 minutes

• Share struggles, goals, and achievements around our writing projects

• Receive regular, brief group coaching bursts

Would this help you stay accountable and motivated?

Please let me know by completing this brief survey.​

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​The Threepenny Review​

• Seeks essays, stories, poems and memoirs, as well as black-and-white photography. Deadline: April 15.

​Consequence​

• Consequence is the print and digital publication of Consequence Forum, and addresses the human experiences, realities, and consequences of war and geopolitical violence through literature and art. Deadline: April 15.

*Hat-tip to the Sub Club newsletter​

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​The Memoir Prize for Books​

• THE MEMOIR PRIZE FOR BOOKS awards up to $5,000 for full-length memoir, essay collection, graphic memoir, creative and narrative nonfiction works of exceptional merit. There are no restrictions on subject matter, page count, type of publisher, or the year of publication. Deadline has been EXTENDED to: April 30.

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At Kate Meadows Writing & Editing, we offer a variety of editorial services to fit your needs and your budget. Receive a thorough manuscript critique on up to 5,000 words, or book a one-time Project Roadmapping Session to gain a clearer idea of the parameters of your story. Learn more here.

If you would like help with a specific writing project, you can connect with me here.

​6 Benefits of Group Write-Ins​

For almost two years now, I’ve been hosting community write-ins twice a month, and the experience has been nothing short of inspiring. Over time, I’ve watched writers of all levels make incredible strides in their projects. The breakthroughs they’ve had—whether it’s pushing through writer’s block, achieving a personal word count goal, or simply finding their creative flow—have been nothing short of remarkable. The feedback I’ve received from participants reflects not only the power of these group sessions but also the sense of connection and motivation that comes from writing alongside others. Keep reading.​

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​Should You Write Every Day?​

It’s probably one of the most debated questions in the writing world.

Should you write every day?

Do some research, and you’ll find the answers bounce from one side of the world wide web to the other – from the hard, “Yes” to the ardent, “No.”

To prove my point, here is a sampling of responses I’ve received to the question, "Should you write every day?” inside my Writers Salon community ... Keep reading​

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Happy writing,

-Kate

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Build your story. Bring your idea/brand to life. Reach more people.