by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago
Amelia Schmidt, a lawyer based in Washington, DC, never expected her first published short story would earn such immediate recognition. But when "The Maid's Reproach" appeared on Fiction on the Web in October 2025, it wasn't just published—it was selected as the website's Pick of the Month. For a writer who hadn't penned a short story since college, this wasn't just a win. It was validation that taking a chance on herself had been worth it.
The story behind this success began during a sabbatical to Alsace in 2022, where Amelia immersed herself in the region's complex World War II history. That research sparked a novel—a sweeping narrative about a woman in the 1960s hunting for her brother's Nazi-era betrayer. But as she waited for beta reader feedback on the manuscript, Amelia felt restless. She needed a creative outlet, something to remind her why she loved writing in the first place.
That's when she discovered WritingWorkshops.com and enrolled in Jenny Bhatt's Historical Fiction Workshop in summer 2023. For someone writing about World War II, Jenny's class was transformative. "Jenny's workshop taught me a lot about how to approach writing historical fiction and weaving in details that elevate the story instead of bogging it down," Amelia recalls. The workshop gave her crucial techniques for balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling—skills that would prove essential when she returned to her Alsatian characters.
But perhaps even more valuable was the community. Having heard "so many nightmare stories about toxic writer workshops," Amelia had been hesitant about peer feedback. Jenny's class shattered those fears. "That entire group was so supportive and talented and everyone was working on these fascinating projects—I realized pretty quickly how invaluable good peer feedback can be and I was a happier person and a better writer for having it."
Still, when Amelia decided to write a short story featuring characters from her novel, doubt crept in. She hadn't written short fiction in years, and the more she worked on "The Maid's Reproach," the more her confidence wavered. That's when she enrolled in Kelly Luce's Short Story Submission 1-on-1 Bootcamp in summer 2025—a decision that would change everything.
"This story probably wouldn't exist, let alone have been published, if I hadn't taken the Short Story Submission 1-on-1 Bootcamp with Kelly Luce this summer," Amelia reflects. "The whole time I was writing and revising this thing bleary-eyed, I was despairing that I didn't know what I was doing, and I dreaded getting dozens of rejections confirming as much. But Kelly boosted my confidence when I needed it, even while giving me feedback I surely needed just as much."
The one-on-one format proved perfect for Amelia's needs. Kelly provided detailed craft feedback while also demystifying the submission process—helping her identify appropriate magazines and polish her cover letters. "I can't credit the workshop enough with helping me finding a home for my story," Amelia says. "And now I'll always have a byline to look at and remind me that I'm capable of more than I might think I am."
For writers facing their own moments of doubt, Amelia offers practical wisdom. When stuck on a specific scene, she reads it aloud to her spouse or shares it with her writing group. When facing bigger creative blocks, she steps away—prioritizing outdoor exercise and reading other books. "Usually that helps something inspire or shake loose."
And for those considering a WritingWorkshops.com class? Amelia's advice is refreshingly honest: "Assuming you've decided it fits your goals and your schedule, but you're still just not sure if it's worth it, I'd read the instructor's writing if you haven't." Once she connected with her instructors' work, she felt confident she could "learn from them and trust their feedback."
Now, as Amelia queries the novel that started it all—currently a finalist in the 2025 Screencraft Cinematic Prose Competition—she carries that Pick of the Month badge as a reminder. It's proof that with the right guidance, supportive community, and willingness to push through self-doubt, the leap from unpublished to published isn't just possible. It's inevitable.
Ready to write your own success story? Join a community of writers who are transforming their craft with expert instruction and supportive feedback. Whether you're working on your first short story or polishing a novel, our online creative writing workshops offer the guidance and community you need to reach your publishing goals. Your byline is waiting.
