Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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Guest Authors
The Writing Routine
M.L. Rio on Why You Don’t Have to Write Alone
January 25, 2026
M.L. Rio on Why You Don’t Have to Write Alone
Crime and Suspense
Guest Authors
Craft and Technique
How to Write a Bestseller with Paula Hawkins
Nov 1, 2020
Paula Hawkins
How do you write a bestseller and what makes them so irresistible? Paula Hawkins, author of the page-turning thriller The Girl on the Train, reveals her secrets.
How to Write a Bestseller with Paula Hawkins
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Characters
Hero Books
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: Analysis and Inception
Oct 18, 2020
Louise Dean
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a modern classic, and not just for its opening line. We explore its style, structure, and characters as a model of great writing.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: Analysis and Inception
Literary Agents
The Publishing Industry
Meet the Agent: Marina de Pass
Oct 11, 2020
Marina de Pass
Literary agent Marina de Pass from The Soho Agency joins us for an interview on publishing, fiction trends, and what she looks for in an author submission.
Meet the Agent: Marina de Pass
Crime and Suspense
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process
Ruth Ware: Writing Process
Oct 4, 2020
Ruth Ware
Books by Ruth Ware are always great reads, so how does she write her bestselling psychological thrillers? Read about her writing process and inspiration here.
Ruth Ware: Writing Process
Craft and Technique
Characters
Close Encounters: the Narrative Point of View
Sep 20, 2020
Katie Khan
What is a narrative perspective and how can it create great storytelling? Know your options and work out which point of view best fits your story with Katie Khan.
Close Encounters: the Narrative Point of View
How to Get Published
Confidence and Motivation
Is My Writing Good Enough?
Sep 17, 2020
Louise Dean
What is good writing? If you’re not sure your writing is any good, don’t worry. The answer can often be found by owning your original ambition to be a good writer.
Is My Writing Good Enough?
Guest Authors
Contemporary Fiction
Memoir and Autofiction
How to Find Your Writer’s Voice with Clare Pooley
Sep 13, 2020
Clare Pooley
How do you find your true voice in writing? Bestselling author Clare Pooley shares her wisdom, insights, and top tips on finding your voice as a writer of fiction.
How to Find Your Writer’s Voice with Clare Pooley
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Guest Authors
Crime and Suspense
Confidence and Motivation
Harriet Tyce: One Last Throw
Sep 6, 2020
Harriet Tyce
Bestselling crime writer Harriet Tyce on her writing journey, overcoming self-doubt, and why resilience is essential when your confidence turns traitor.
Harriet Tyce: One Last Throw
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine
September for Writers
Aug 30, 2020
The Novelry
So, you'd rather be writing. How about writing when you're not writing? Here's how to get away with it.
September for Writers
Craft and Technique
Plotting and Planning
Historical Fiction
Writing Dual Timeline Books
Aug 16, 2020
The Novelry
Dual timeline books can be impactful, elegantly weaving alternate timelines through a story. We explain how writers can get this tricky narrative structure right.
Writing Dual Timeline Books
Confidence and Motivation
How to Fall Back in Love With Your Novel
Aug 11, 2020
Emylia Hall
Feeling unstuck with your novel? Emylia Hall’s tips on focusing on the details in your writing and paying attention to your original aims will get you back on track.
How to Fall Back in Love With Your Novel
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Craft and Technique
Contemporary Fiction
Atmosphere of a Story: Set Your Mood
Aug 9, 2020
Emylia Hall
What is atmosphere in literature? How does it affect the mood and tone of your story? Emylia Hall looks at how to set the atmosphere of a book, with examples.
Atmosphere of a Story: Set Your Mood
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