Welcome to The Ink Circle
A Writers’ Group for Sharing, Learning, and Creative Growth
Hi everyone,
I’m so pleased to hear how much you’ve been enjoying my Genre Gauntlet journey, thank you for all the kind words and encouragement. It’s been really fun and, if I’m honest, mildly daunting (read: completely terrifying!) to read, write, and share across so many genres each month. Developing my style as a writer through this process has been a wild, eye-opening ride, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the tips, feedback, and reading recommendations you’ve shared along the way.
Now, most of you I know as amazing people with fantastic taste and reading recommendations (my work included, of course!).
But some of you are also fellow writers—writers I’ve had the privilege of meeting through courses, workshops, and writing groups. And after discussing this with different people, I had an idea .. (I know another idea. But bear with me…)
I’m setting up a private writers’ group here on Substack, and I’m excited to officially open it up to those of you who want to be part of something a little more focused on writing, process, and creative connection.
It’s called:
The Ink Circle
(Yes, The Ink Circle is a not-so-subtle nod to The Inklings. Tolkien had Oxford. We have Substack. Go with it.)
This group is inspired by all the incredible writers I’ve met in different corners of the writing world—people who’ve challenged and supported me, and who remind me why community matters. The Ink Circle is a space to keep that creative energy going and gather those people (and more) in one place.
🧠 What It’s All About
The Ink Circle is a free, private group where we’ll:
🖊️ Share WIPs (work-in-progress) in a safe, encouraging space
💬 Give and receive feedback with a focus on growth, not perfection
📚 Swap resources—from books and podcasts to courses and writing tools
📅 Meet monthly for a virtual creative catch-up focused on process and what we’re learning
This is a group rooted in motion, learning, and creativity—not critique circles or submission deadlines. Just space to keep the writing going and the ideas flowing.
🛠️ How It Works
Once you’re in the group:
You’ll be able to post short excerpts of your work privately (or share links to longer pieces such as goggle docs)
Ask for light feedback or reader impressions
Share what’s helping you stay creative, and respond to others doing the same
If the group becomes large, we’ll explore a buddy system to make feedback more personal and manageable.
📆 Monthly Meetups
Once a month, we’ll gather online to:
Share writing resources and discoveries
Talk about courses, craft tools, or methods we’re exploring
Celebrate progress and exchange ideas with fellow writers
No formal readings or critiques—just a chance to learn from each other and stay connected.
✉️ Want to Join The Ink Circle?
If this sounds like your kind of space:
👉If you haven’t already subscribe.
👉 Send me a message (or reply to this post) with the word “Ink.” For those of you I’ve already spoken to about this—since everyone’s email is unique, this will help me easily find you in my subscriber list and add you to the group.
👉 I’ll add you to the private group list so you receive exclusive posts, invites, and updates
And if you have a fellow writer friend you think would enjoy this space, feel free to share this post with them.
They can then follow and then message me. The more creative minds around the table, the better.
Thanks again for all your support, it means a lot.
Let’s keep the ink flowing (I know so cheesy but why not…)
Jessica Holme
