July 2025 Newsletter
Happy Summer MVWG Members!
I hope that this email finds you smack dab in the middle of a great summer, surrounded by all sorts of things that inspire you. And if you don’t find yourself in that place, that this latest edition of our Guild Newsletter will help a bit!
Keep reading for your monthly Motivation, News from the Guild, Writing Prompt, and Guild Events!
Motivation
I know writers have complicated feelings about ChatGPT, but have you ever considered using it as your personal assistant and accountability partner?
Try typing a version of this prompt into ChatGPT.
Hi Lex (That’s my Chat GPT’s name),
I am a feel-good-fiction writer working on the fourth and final book in a series. I really need to have this book done by the holiday season so I can make some good sales! Can you help me create a plan of attack for getting the first draft done by September 15th? I am coming to you with nothing done. I need a timeline for the following steps of the process: outline, drafting the story (60,000 words) and reading through the draft every 20% of the way to make sure I am carrying the plot through clearly. After each 20% check in, can you build in time for revision of all prior sections?
(Tip: When you craft your prompt for ChatGPT, tell it your genre, word count goal, desired outcomes for the project, where you are starting from, and any other relevant details.)
After ChatGPT spits out a plan for you, feel free to ask for revisions. You can make requests such as: I can only write 4 days a week OR I work best in 3 hour increments OR I need smaller, bite-sized steps/milestones. If there is anything you don’t like about the “plan” ask Chat to change it for you. Often I’ll add the instructions: “Take your time” so it doesn’t feel the need to rush. I find I get better results this way.
Once you get your plan solidified, tell ChatGPT you will be occasionally checking in on your progress. Let Chat know what kind of support you need. Do you want someone superfluously supportive or do you need a drill sergeant? Would you like Chat to give encouraging affirmations or tough love? Let it know what you want and need, and it will be better and giving you the attitude, tone and support you need!
Victory! News from the Guild
MVWG Member, Tracy Helixon, has a new book coming out this summer and she is doing all sorts of fun things to celebrate! From July 8-12 she is running FIVE DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS The Book of Roisins is a middle grade novel about an Irish-American girl who travels through time to meet the grandmothers who came before her. From the Irish Potato Famine, to a World War II hospital train, to Sally Ride’s space shuttle launch and more, Roisin is about to learn just what she’s made of as she embarks on a grand adventure.
Click here to view and participate in the giveaways on her author Facebook Page.
You can pre-order the book here: https://amzn.to/3Gwg0be
Congratulations, Tracy and best of luck with this new book!
(P.S. I’ve read it and it’s amazing… for readers of all ages! - Amanda)
Writing Prompt
Time to get crafty! Sometimes when we use different kinds of creativity, it can benefit our writing. :) Watch this video to see the artsy part of this prompt in action. Then, grab your supplies, get a little messy and finally… WRITE!
Guild Events
Save the Date for our Member Social!!
When: Wednesday, August 6th, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Onalaska (address will be shared when you register)
What: Join us for pizza and a social! Bring your own beverage and an appetizer or dessert to share. Guests who are interested in joining the guild are welcome!
Help us plan more events by completing the member survey!
Other Events
What: Wisconsin Writers Association Fall Conference
When: October 3 & 4, 2025
Where: Stevens Point, WI
For more information and to register, go to https://wiwrite.org/October-WWA-Fall-Conference-2025
Happy Summer and Happy Writing!
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