Cycle 2 — Begins January 3
Goals & Rules
The Inkwell Circle is built on a simple idea: writers supporting writers. Write. Read. Review. Grow.
Our Goals
Our goal is to create a supportive space where writers can receive thoughtful critiques, celebrate milestones, build confidence in their work, and connect with fellow authors on the same journey.
Through consistent reading and meaningful engagement, we aim to help every member improve their craft while making sure their work is read, seen, and supported.
Weekly Reading Goals
Each week, members support one another through three pillars:
🤝
Paired Readers & Critique Partners
Members are paired with another author to read, comment, and provide meaningful feedback on their work.
⭐
Featured Author & Book of the Week
Each week, one author and their book receive extra support from the entire club, giving every member an opportunity to have their work featured during the cycle.
💬
Meaningful Engagement
Our goal is not simply to increase numbers. Comments should show that you genuinely read the chapter and give the author encouragement, reactions, or constructive feedback they can actually use.
Our Community Values
Honest Feedback
We value genuine reactions and constructive criticism. You are never required to love every story or give every book five stars.
Continuous Learning
Every writer is still learning. Feedback should help authors recognize what is working while giving them opportunities to strengthen their craft.
Mutual Support
Support before self-promotion. Give fellow members the same attention, effort, and encouragement you hope to receive when it is your turn.
Respect for Every Writer's Journey
Our members come from different backgrounds, genres, experience levels, and writing styles. Critique the work, never the writer.
Growth Over Perfection
The goal isn't perfection. It's progress. We are here to help one another become stronger writers, one chapter at a time.
Book Requirements
- Your book must have at least 5 chapters at the start of the cycle. Author's notes, aesthetics, character pages, and extras do not count toward the five-chapter minimum.
- The book must be written in English.
- Follow your assigned reading partner and add their book to your Reading List.
- Be respectful and provide honest, constructive feedback.
- Support before self-promotion. This club works when everyone gives the same support they hope to receive.
- Keep your commitments. Please do not join if you cannot reasonably complete the weekly reading requirements.
- Do not remove or undo votes, likes, or comments you've given fellow club members.
- Please refrain from submitting AI-written stories. Using AI for editing, grammar, or sentence structure is okay, but the story itself should be your own work.
Weekly Reading Commitments
Featured Book of the Week
- Read 2 chapters
- Leave a full-sentence chapter comment on each chapter
- Follow the author
- Like the book
Reading Partner
- Read 2 chapters
- Leave 1 full-sentence chapter comment on each chapter
- Follow the author
- Like the book
New for Cycle 2 — Review Weeks
Mid-Cycle Review Week
Halfway through the Book Club Cycle, members will complete their first review requirement. This gives everyone time to read and become familiar with the books before leaving a thoughtful and honest review.
End-of-Cycle Review Week
Our second Review Week will take place at the end of the Book Club Cycle. Members will complete their final review requirement based on the books and authors they have supported throughout the cycle.
- ⭐Reviews should reflect your genuine reading experience.
- ⭐Five-star reviews are never required.
- ⭐Reviews should remain respectful, thoughtful, and constructive.
Participation & Accountability
The Inkwell Circle only works when everyone participates. Your fellow members are committing their time to reading and supporting your work. Please return that same commitment when it is their turn.
If you fall behind, please catch up as soon as possible. Repeatedly failing to complete weekly commitments may result in removal from the club so that another author on the waiting list can participate.
Please make sure you can reasonably commit to the reading schedule before signing up for Cycle 2, which begins January 3.
Ready for Cycle 2?
Cycle 2 begins January 3
Cycle 1 ends November 13. Applications for Cycle 2 are open now — complete your membership form and join us on January 3.
Write. Read. Review. Grow.