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2026-03-02
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Inspiration for writers

The creative writing blog

Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals

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This week’s blog

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Plotting and Planning
Novel Writing Process
The Basics

Why a Strong Premise is the Foundation of a Great Story

February 22, 2026
Why a Strong Premise is the Foundation of a Great Story
Genres
The Publishing Industry
Getting Feedback
The Basics
Beginnings and Endings
Plotting and Planning
Finding Novel Ideas
Prize
Gothic and Horror
Podcast
Contemporary Fiction
Literary Fiction
Literary Agents
Meet the Team
Young Adult Fiction
Starting to Write
How to Get Published
The Writing Routine
Revision and Editing
Craft and Technique
Romance
Writing a Series of Novels
Success Stories
Historical Fiction
Crime and Suspense
Writing Competitions
Hero Books
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Children’s Fiction
Guest Authors
Characters
Novel Writing Process
Memoir and Autofiction
Confidence and Motivation
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Two illustrated figures hugging each other.
Romance
Characters
Genres

How to Write a Love Story: 5 Top Tips (For Every Genre!)

Jul 5, 2022
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Tasha Suri
Are there rules on how to plot and plan a love story or a formula to follow? Follow the steps of great example novels in this guide to writing a romance story.
How to Write a Love Story: 5 Top Tips (For Every Genre!)
Illustration of three women jumping for joy.
Starting to Write
Novel Writing Process

Can Creative Writing Be Taught?

Jul 3, 2022
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Katie Khan
Can creative writing be taught? It’s something many have pondered. Author, Katie Khan, who’s taken several creative writing courses, investigates their value.
Can Creative Writing Be Taught?
Portrait image of author Patrick Gale beside the covers of some of his books.
Guest Authors
Historical Fiction
Novel Writing Process

Patrick Gale on Researching Historical Fiction

Jun 26, 2022
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Patrick Gale
Researching historical fiction is hugely important – but can you research too much? Bestselling author Patrick Gale shares his top tips and insights.
Patrick Gale on Researching Historical Fiction
Portrait image of author Tess Gerritsen beside some of her books against a sunrise background.
Guest Authors
Plotting and Planning
Novel Writing Process

Writing a Novel Without an Outline with Tess Gerritsen

Jun 19, 2022
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Tess Gerritsen
Is writing a novel without an outline madness, or sacrilege? International bestseller Tess Gerritsen doesn’t think so! Here, she shares her process.
Writing a Novel Without an Outline with Tess Gerritsen
Illustration of an open doorway revealing someone lying on the ground beyond it. Only their legs are visible and they are wearing red high-heeled shoes.
Crime and Suspense
Genres
Craft and Technique

5 Top Tips for How to Write a Murder Mystery

Jun 12, 2022
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Emylia Hall
Learn how to write a murder mystery with these expert tips on plot, clues, suspense, and crafting unforgettable detectives and twists to keep readers hooked!
5 Top Tips for How to Write a Murder Mystery
Illustration of a woman peering out from behind a wallpapered wall.
How to Get Published
Guest Authors
The Publishing Industry

The Stages of Publishing: After the Book Deal

Jun 5, 2022
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Billy Lindon
What happens after you sign a book deal? This essential guide covers all the key stages, helping writers along the publishing journey from contract to pub day.
The Stages of Publishing: After the Book Deal
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Novel Writing Process
How to Get Published
The Basics

How to Write a Hook for a Novel

May 29, 2022
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The Novelry
Wondering how to write a hook for a novel? In the current publishing climate, it needs to be pitch-perfect, so try The Novelry’s five steps to a killer hook!
How to Write a Hook for a Novel
Portrait image of the author Sophie Kinsella beside the covers of some of her books.
Guest Authors
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

Sophie Kinsella on Motivating Yourself to Write

May 22, 2022
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Sophie Kinsella
The bestselling author of the Shopaholic series as well as ten standalone novels, Sophie Kinsella explains how to stay motivated when writing a book.
Sophie Kinsella on Motivating Yourself to Write
Portrait image of author Kate Riordan beside her books Summer Fever and The Heatwave.
Crime and Suspense
Craft and Technique

Suspense Writing: 5 Top Tips

May 15, 2022
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Kate Riordan
Suspense writing needn't be a mystery! Bestselling author Kate Riordan shares 5 simple tips to create tension and keep readers turning the pages.
Suspense Writing: 5 Top Tips
Illustration of an open book forming a sunrise in a desert.
Novel Writing Process
Confidence and Motivation

Writing Your Next Best Novel

May 8, 2022
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Louise Dean
Writing a book is hard, but it gets easier as you write another. Louise Dean looks at how writing happens via the sophomore novel as reassurance for all writers.
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Craft and Technique
Genres
Characters

What is a Trope?

May 1, 2022
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Craig Leyenaar
What is a trope? How is it different from a stereotype, archetype or cliché? And do tropes have a place in good writing? Find out how they can be great tools...
What is a Trope?
Portrait image of author and editor Krystle Appiah set against an illustrated castle background.
Children’s Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Genres

What Is Middle-Grade Fiction and How Is It Different From YA?

Apr 24, 2022
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Krystle Appiah
Ever asked yourself ‘what is middle grade fiction’ or wondered how it differs from YA books? This article, from our expert editor Krystle, clears it up!
What Is Middle-Grade Fiction and How Is It Different From YA?