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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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
Genres
Craft and Technique
5 Top Tips for How to Write a Murder Mystery
Jun 12, 2022
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
How to Get Published
Guest Authors
The Publishing Industry
The Stages of Publishing: After the Book Deal
Jun 5, 2022
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
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
Guest Authors
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine
Sophie Kinsella on Motivating Yourself to Write
May 22, 2022
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
Crime and Suspense
Craft and Technique
Suspense Writing: 5 Top Tips
May 15, 2022
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
Novel Writing Process
Confidence and Motivation
Writing Your Next Best Novel
May 8, 2022
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.
Writing Your Next Best Novel
Craft and Technique
Genres
Characters
What is a Trope?
May 1, 2022
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?
Children’s Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Genres
What Is Middle-Grade Fiction and How Is It Different From YA?
Apr 24, 2022
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?
Characters
Guest Authors
AJ Pearce on Writing a Complex Character
Apr 10, 2022
AJ Pearce
Writing a complex character can feel challenging, but we've got six proven methods from bestselling author AJ Pearce!
AJ Pearce on Writing a Complex Character
Literary Agents
The Publishing Industry
Guest Authors
Madeleine Milburn on Publishing Trends
Apr 3, 2022
Madeleine Milburn
Top literary agent Madeleine Milburn gives us the rundown on this year's publishing trends: what's popular, and what's a trickier sell right now.
Madeleine Milburn on Publishing Trends
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Confidence and Motivation
How to Get Published
Clare Mackintosh on Why Writers Should Never Give Up
Mar 27, 2022
Clare Mackintosh
Author Clare Mackintosh explains how writers can turn setbacks into hope, stay motivated through challenges, and keep moving forward in their writing journey.
Clare Mackintosh on Why Writers Should Never Give Up
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Novel Writing Process
Starting to Write
The Basics
How to Write a Novel in 9 Steps
Mar 20, 2022
The Novelry
The question of how to start writing a book can feel overwhelming. It’s a big task! We break it down into 9 steps that’ll make writing a book manageable and fun!
How to Write a Novel in 9 Steps
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