Newsletter: June 1, 2026

Dear Writers-at-heart,

Welcome to my June newsletter, with ideas and resources to help you get your ideas out of your head, onto the page and into the world, and news about my upcoming writer development program, Write Now, June 30 - September 8.

Something useful: Mutual accountability pact (MAP)

Mutual Accountability Pacts are a great on-ramp to a project you've been delaying - including a dream writing project.

I pulled out a MAP recently to help a friend who was struggling to get started on a course plan:

The next day, I uhm . . . forgot about the pact, until my friend zapped to say that she was at her desk. Thanks to her nudge, I got going on my own task, to prepare workshops for the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival. We checked in every few hours, and by day's end, I had a solid framework for all three workshops. Turned out, I needed the MAP more than anyone. (Lovely to meet many of you at the Tunbridge Wells workshops, btw! Thank you for playing all out.)

Mutual Accountability Pacts work best in pairs, for maximum accountability, where there is a specific task, a clear start time, and an end point. (e.g., completing a draft to submit to a competition.) Not only does it promote follow through, but you can cheer one another on for camaraderie, shared purpose and the satisfaction of helping someone else progress their dreams.

Something fun: Create an alphabet or counting book

Creating an alphabet or counting book (or song) is an inviting way to explore an idea, theme, or character -- or simply, play with words. You can write the down the text, or turn your draft into an e-book, photo album (real or digital) or physical book.

For example, if you are developing a new character, you can write an alphabet book of words associated with him/her. You can also use it as a brainstorming tool when starting a project such as a memoir for travel log. You can even create one for a loved one or friend of any age. (I believe we should keep reading picture books throughout life. More of that, another time.)

Some of my favourites:

A is for Bee: An Alphabet Book in Translation, by Ellen Heck

One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller, by Kate Read

Pride & Prejudice: A BabyLit Counting Primer, by Jennifer Adams

Here's one my son and I created for his toddler sister, many moons ago.

Coming Up: Write Now writer development program

Write Now is designed to help you evolve from dreamer to writer in ten weeks, and as you progress a dream project. I designed it as the program I needed during my many years of recurring writer's block, to provide structure, support and strategies to stay the course. All you need is a willingness to commit 10 minutes a day, plus a 1-hour weekly session.

As your guide through this process, I will: 

✏️ Invite you to articulate an audacious writing goal.

✏️Connect you with a supportive community.

✏️Challenge you to establish a consistent writing habit.   

This is the calendar -- click here for registration and more details.

Tu. June 30, 7p.m. UK time	Kick-off online workshop: Set your 10-week writing goal
Tu. July 7 - Tu. Sep. 8, 7p.m. UK time	Online writing session - Optional prompt provided. We log on,set our intention, write for an hour, then we debrief and I open the floor for questions.
June 30 - Sept 8, 24/7	Access to a designated WhatsApp group. Share your progress and challenges. I post daily with thoughts to support your practice, and answer questions.
Tu. Sept 8, 8 p.m. UK time	Wrap-up online workshop: Celebrate your progress and set your intentions for your next steps as a writer
At your convenience	1-1 online coaching session with Jo to explore your vision, overcome obstacles and see fresh possiblities in your work.

Thanks for reading, make it a great June - and if you'd like to talk about your writing goals, and how I can support them, get in touch for a free discovery call.

Warmly,

Jo

PS: Congratulations to coaching student, Ellie Zeegen!

It's been a Magnificent May for theatre maker, Ellie Zeegen, who developed her one woman show, The Land Beyond the Forest, through my 10-week writer development program this January for a premier at the Duns PlayFest in Scotland, followed by a performance at the Stoker Gathering in Whitby. The Land Beyond the Forest spotlights Scottish author, Emily Gerard, whose research on Transylvanian folkore inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.

 Thank you so much ⁨Joanna⁩ . Write in Ten was nothing less than transformative & I am eternally grateful for the support & inspiration Jo & our community provided throughout. The Land Beyond the Forest is now out there in the world as a direct result of the course xx

Ellie Zeegen, Founder of Firebrand Theatre