Writing Support Questionnaire

Help Shape WIPmate

A gentle writing companion for works in progress

WIPmate is a new project from A Whim Away—a writer-first tool designed to offer calm, compassionate support during the often uncertain middle stages of a writing project.

Whether working on a short story, novella, or a full-length manuscript, many writers experience moments of doubt, disconnection, or overwhelm. WIPmate is being built to meet those moments gently—with encouragement, reflection, and respect for each writer’s unique voice and process.

Before development continues, we’re inviting writers to share their experiences through a short survey.

What the survey is about:

This 5–10 minute form asks about writing habits, common creative challenges, and what kind of support would genuinely help—especially for those navigating their first or most personal projects.

There are no right or wrong answers—just honest insight. All responses are confidential.

Why this matters:

This is a rare chance to influence a tool before it launches—to help shape something truly supportive, neuroinclusive, and built around real writing lives.

Selected participants may also be invited to:

• Preview early drafts of materials
• Join feedback groups in the future
• Be acknowledged (with consent) as early contributors

A note on confidentiality:

WIPmate is still in development, and its methods, structure, and direction are confidential at this stage. Please don’t share or reproduce any part of this project without permission.

Thank you for being here. Your voice matters.

Survey drafted by ChatGPT.

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What’s been the hardest part of your writing process so far? Can you describe what that’s been like for you?

For example: maybe you keep editing what you currently have; you’re stuck in the middle; unsure how to end; worried your idea isn’t strong enough; or keep thinking about the publishing stage. Or perhaps life just keeps getting in the way.

Are there any tools, communities, or routines you’ve tried to help you keep going? How have they worked out?

For example: you might have tried a writing course; an AI tool; a peer group; setting a word count goal each day; or research how other authors wrote their book. What helped—or didn’t?

If you could wave a magic wand and have just one kind of support right now, what would that look like or do for you?

For example: would it keep you motivated; help organise your ideas; give you feedback; or just remind you that your voice matters?

What type of work is your writing (fiction/non-fiction and genre/s)?

For example: young adult; crime; sci-fi/fantasy; memoir; dramatised non-fiction; romantic comedy; N/A (if genre not identified yet).

What is your goal for your manuscript?

For example: creative expression, commercial success, leaving a legacy.

process your there

Email address (if you want to be contacted about your responses)

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