The Alignment Edit... a calm way to begin the year
Hello friend,
I wanted to share something new I’ve quietly and excited building over the last few months.
As The Austen Pathway has wrapped up, I’m transitioning to more teaching opportunities here at The Literary Assistant and with History Through Fiction this year. (Scroll down the page to see the workshops Colin will be teaching and then the marketing series I will be share every other month.)
I love having the opportunity to share what I’m learning in real time with my clients and to help fellow creatives see social media and their newsletters in a new creative way.
Starting in January, I’ll be hosting a monthly, low-touch mini challenge for The Literary Assistant community called The Alignment Edit.
This isn’t a hustle challenge… we are letting that go.
It’s not about fixing everything… because that will never happen.
And it’s definitely not about chasing algorithms… because we are looking for real connections, not flash virality here.
The Alignment Edit is a gentle, guided space to pause, observe, and realign how you’re showing up online… so your social media and newsletter actually support your creative life instead of draining it.
January’s Theme is Observation
For our first month, we’ll be doing a calm, pressure-free audit of your social media and newsletter.
Not to criticize.
Not to overhaul.
Just to notice…
what’s working
what feels like you
what feels heavy or forced
and what you might be ready to shift—eventually
Think of it as stepping back from your work and saying…
“Let me really see what I’ve built.”
Over the course of the challenge, you’ll receive short, thoughtful prompts I’ve designed specifically for authors and creatives… the kind you can do with a notebook, a cup of coffee, and 10–15 quiet minutes. This of this as a mix between analog and tech.
I’ll send out the day one challenge to everyone, and then then next 5 days will be available to paid subscribers.
For $7, you’ll get…
Full access to The Alignment Edit each month for a new mini challenge
All challenge emails and reflections
Access to the paid subscriber chat, where you can ask questions, talk things through, and get feedback directly from me
It’s kind of like having a social media strategist on speed-dial… without the pressure of a full consult or a long-term commitment.
This month’s challenge will be sending out January 12th-17th
You can join just for the month, take what you need, and move forward with more clarity.
If you’ve been feeling…
unsure what to change
tired of “fixing” things
or craving a calmer, more intentional approach to showing up online
This space was made for you.
You don’t need to do more.
You just need a little alignment.
If that sounds like the kind of support you are looking for right now, you’re warmly invited to upgrade and join us.
With care,
Melissa
PS: If January already feels full, please know this challenge is intentionally low-touch. You won’t fall behind. You can move through it at your own pace—and even revisit it later when things feel quieter.
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I also love the idea, and know that I will eventually need your help going forward, as the only social media I do is replies on other people's sites like this one. And I am on Discord for Warhammer 40,000 fanfiction, but I can't even leave comments or questions on that site, because I don't know how to start a thread.
I have already left Colin questions for your first session, which he kindly acknowledged and said he would address. Unfortunately, as you know, I work nights and have to sleep days, so I will be watching a recording of the session.
Love the idea of alignment and a “Melissa-in-our-pocket” ✨💭😻