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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
Novel Writing Process
Starting to Write

The Messy First Draft: Why Done Is Better Than Perfect

October 11, 2026

Struggling to silence your inner editor? Branford Boase–nominated author Ella McLeod shares why a messy first draft might be the key to finishing your novel.

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A fluffy pink armchair, a laptop, and stacks of books lit by a lamp inside a snowglobe.
Success Stories
How to Get Published

Bright Lights of The Novelry: Our 2024 Success Stories

December 29, 2024
Katie Khan

Discover the writers who have got a book deal, had a book published, or signed with a literary agent in 2024 through The Novelry, the world’s top-rated writing school.

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A highly illustrated scene of a fairy-tale cottage in the countryside.
Craft and Technique
Beginnings and Endings
Genres

Writing Books with Happy Endings

December 8, 2024

How do you want to leave your readers feeling? In this article, author and writing coach Libby Page explores various happy endings and how best to finish your novel to leave your readers feeling satisfied.

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Illustration of a young person sitting in the frame of a window, reading a book.
Characters
Young Adult Fiction

Writing for Teenagers vs Writing About Teenagers

December 1, 2024
Ella McLeod

In this article, YA author and coach Ella McLeod explains the distinction between writing for and about teenagers, demonstrating how to write a Young Adult novel that connects authentically with teenage readers.

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Illustration of a small tree sapling growing from the earth as rain falls around it.
Literary Fiction
Genres

The Captivating World of Magical Realism: What It Is and How to Start Writing It

December 15, 2024
Sadé Omeje

Editor Sadé Omeje takes a deep dive into magical realism as a form of fiction writing, shares her best tips, her favorite books, and tidbits from our writers and editors.

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Two illustrated figures embracing side by side, one in a white dress and one in a black dress.
Characters
Craft and Technique
Genres

What is a Foil Character?

December 18, 2024
Amanda Reynolds

What is a foil character, and how can you incorporate one into your novel? In this article, bestselling author Amanda Reynolds clarifies this literary device, provides examples of famous foil characters, and offers ten tips for writing an effective foil character.

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Portrait image of bestselling author Julia Quinn beside the cover of The Duke and I, the first novel in the Bridgerton series.
Guest Authors
Romance
Historical Fiction

5 Secrets from Julia Quinn on Writing Bridgerton

November 17, 2024
Elsa Doig

Binge-watched every season of Bridgerton so far? Get your Regency romance fix with five secrets from Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series, shared during a live writing class with The Novelry.

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Memoir and Autofiction
Starting to Write
Genres

5 Essential Ingredients for Writing a Memoir

February 16, 2025
Alice Kuipers

What is a memoir and how can you write one? Start writing your own life story today with these essential tips from award-winning memoirist Alice Kuipers.

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Illustration of a female figure sitting in a yoga pose atop the pages of an open book.
Craft and Technique
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

How Learning About the Flow State Can Help You Write a Book

January 5, 2025
Alice Kuipers

Find ways to enter a flow state with these tips from author and writing coach Alice Kuipers, and you’ll see your focus and mental clarity improve, helping you reach those writing goals.

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Portrait image of author Emylia Hall beside the book covers of her Shell House Detectives series.
Craft and Technique
Writing a Series of Novels
Crime and Suspense

5 Tips for Writing a Detective Novel Series

November 10, 2024
Emylia Hall

Emylia Hall, bestselling author of the Shell House Detectives series, shares five insightful tips on writing a gripping detective novel series.

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