Mandi Grace

Kansas, United States

The day Ania reached out to me completely changed everything. I'd written (and published) 10 novels alone. I wasn't even sure I needed a community, but her enthusiasm was infectious so after my first Prickle, I decided I'd try it and see what happened. And almost immediately, I knew I'd finally found my way home. These were my people.

On top of the writing accountability, and the women who care about my work, I found teachers to challenge me, friends to guide me, sisters to hold my hand when I have a mental breakdown entirely unrelated to writing ❤ I've grown as a person, not just a writer, and I can't wait to see how much I learn and how deep these relationships grow during my next year in Quill & Cup.

Author of a Robin Hood series and Dystopian Trilogy

Carmen Norris

Texas, United States

Quill and Cup makes me want to show up for my story each week. 

When Ania reached out to me, I felt the prickle magic right away. She described what Q&C was, and I just felt like I'd made a new friend who told me about this cool secret society (because who doesn't want to join one of those) of women who love writing and wanted to support my writing journey. And I went to my first prickle and it solidified everything Ania said. The writing community is available so you can write with others anytime -- but you still have to show up. When you have other women who are there ready to support, motivate and cheer on even your smallest wins, how do you not show up for that? Quill and Cup is a part of my life now. It's the virtual kitchen table where I have friends from all over who are writing with me. In the first month, I went from having an idea that had just been sitting there untouched to an outline and 11 chapters written out. Joining today is the best writing decision you can make for yourself.

Currently writing her debut thriller novel

Nicole Jorge

Dominican Republic

Right after my very first writing session as a guest with Quill and Cup, I realized I wanted to become a part of the magic I had witnessed. These women support, encourage, lift and empower fellow writers on their unique journeys. They boast an arsenal of tools and resources to help writers grow and stay motivated. Quill and Cup has quickly become the safe space in which I am able to share my highs and lows and feel understood. So much so, that within days I felt fearless. I consistently showed up to write, I finished my first draft, and I felt proud of myself–something I cannot say I had felt in nearly 36 years. These inspiring women have unknowingly helped me discover my worth as a writer, and now there is no going back for me.  

Megan Cousins

Elzevera A. Jelgersma

The Netherlands

It's refreshing to be in a writing environment where I'm learning as well as teaching, and I was surprised at how easily I fit in with all the other hedgies. I already considered joining Quill & Cup before I got a taste of the inside, but actually experiencing it for a while made me take action that much sooner. I was amazed by how much of a difference Prickles make to my mental capacity and how energized working on my writing with other writers makes me feel.

Creator of the Self-Editing Academy.
Currently writing her debut steampunk fantasy novel
The Spheres of Mehr: Elin

Krysann Joye

Washington, United States

Joining Q&C gave me a “workplace” for my writing where I was previously just trying (and failing) to “squeeze it in.” I have “coworkers” and "appointments" for which people expect me to show up. But unlike a 9-5, rest is encouraged and celebrated. Nobody is expected to “grind,” but to show up faithfully to the thing in you that compels you to tell this story. There’s built-in accountability. Even though we’re all working on our own projects, we share a vision to write good words that matter.

Currently writing her debut historical fiction novel

Samantha Cullen

Chile

Quill & Cup is the place where I found not only the accountability to just write the damn book,
but a whole group of women who provide so much more than a place to write.
With the support of my friends and sisters, I’m about to dive into edits on a story that I’m proud of.
I love to write. But it can be hard. And lonely.
I thank Q&C for not letting me give up on something that brings so much meaning to my life.

Currently writing her debut women's fiction novel

Margot Bestie

Malta

I became an official Hedgie with Quill & Cup,
a fiercely supportive and incredibly knowledgeable digital sisterhood of women who write.

Here, I have found an instant source of experience, accountability, discipline, respect, motivation and guidance -
along with a healthy dose of fun and laughter, which make the writing journey all the better!

Both me and my writing have never been better, and that's down to Quill & Cup.

Currently writing her debut dystopian speculative fiction novel

Rachel Opeskin

Canada

Quill & Cup has been vital to my writing. There are so many writing times that I basically never write alone. The community has kept me accountable and although I never expected it I have developed genuine friendships with these women and I look forward to seeing their faces. Not to mention I have learnt so much, both from the workshops Ania organizes and from the other members. I think a year ago when I started my book, I really hoped I would see it through but I secretly thought I would give up on it. But now I can call myself a writer, and I know in the future I’ll call myself an author, in no small part thanks to Quill & Cup.

Currently writing her debut novel, a modern re-examination of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray

CK Sorens

California, United States

Many of the groups I have tried proved cliquish or judgemental and I didn't stick around for long. I have found a few valued individuals who have come with me, but nothing structured. Then, in October 2021, I found Quill & Cup. This group has changed my writing life.

I want to show up to and for them. I want to find ways to help. I want to show up to the page.

All this because of how open, supportive and authentic these women are. This is a safe place where vulnerability is shown and accepted. Where our feminine and masculine sides have space. The friendships I found have blown be away in their honesty and compassion. There's something about Quill & Cup that makes you feel like a whole person. I'm a mom. I'm a wife and a friend. I'm a writer. And now, I'm a hedgie, with my very own room.

YA Author of Afflicted, Trimarked, and Eighteen Wishes