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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
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

Tips for Planning a DIY Writing Retreat

October 4, 2026

Planning a DIY writing retreat or going away to write? Our team of published authors give their tips for making your writing retreat successful and productive.

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Children’s Fiction

Why Diversity in Children’s Books Will Always Be Important by Jasmine Richards

March 22, 2026

Jasmine Richards, author and founder of the inclusive fiction studio Storymix, examines the ongoing importance of celebrating diverse stories from different cultures in children’s books and children’s fiction.

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Craft and Technique
Characters
Contemporary Fiction

The Best Literary Easter Eggs Across Fiction (and How They Could Help Your Book)

April 5, 2026

Breaking the fourth wall, secret codes, messages in maps. Authors have relished including “Easter eggs” for their readers in their works—we look at some of the most fun meta references across literature, from Game of Thrones to Alice in Wonderland.

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Craft and Technique
Starting to Write
The Basics

Should You Be Writing in Past Tense or Present Tense?

March 15, 2026
Nic Caws

A Big Five editor weighs up the pros and cons of writing your novel in past tense or present tense, and what this could mean for the style of your story, plot, and characters.

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Book covers by writing coaches of The Novelry against a purple background.
Characters

International Women’s Day: Female Literary Characters We Can’t Stop Thinking About

March 8, 2026

From Anne of Green Gables to Lyra from His Dark Materials, we asked The Novelry team to tell us about standout female fictional characters and literary feminist icons across the decades for International Women’s Day.

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Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine
Novel Writing Process

Writing Together: The Comfort of Writing Groups

March 1, 2026
Mahsuda Snaith

As a writer, do you prefer to collaborate with others or go it alone? Learn how to set up a writing group, discover creative communities online, or simply hear the case for why a writing group could help you.

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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
Urban Waite

What is the premise of your story? What are the stakes your main character must encounter? Learn how to nail a great premise for the novel you're writing—and how to mold that idea or concept into something attention-grabbing.

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Novel Writing Process
The Writing Routine
Confidence and Motivation

Why Your Novel Needs a Big Idea: Introducing The Big Idea Challenge 2026

February 15, 2026
Lizzy Goudsmit Kay

Discover why your book needs a “big idea” to apply pressure to your story, and take part in The Big Idea Challenge at The Novelry in March 2026.

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Romance
Contemporary Fiction

Sports Romance Books: Where Competition Meets Chemistry

February 8, 2026
Emily Kitchin

Sports romance books are having a moment. Here’s why locker-room love stories are booming and what writers can learn about passion, pressure, and payoff.

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The Publishing Industry
Genres
Contemporary Fiction

What is Book Club Fiction? The Key Characteristics Explained

February 1, 2026

How does book club fiction shape reading culture? Discover the core elements that help certain books get picked with these practical tips for writers.

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