The creative writing blog

Emma Nanami Strenner

Emma Nanami Strenner offers a study of the working life of a journalist turned author. Do journalism skills make writing fiction easier? Emma explains all.

Nikki Allen

It’s common for writers to explore heavy topics in books—even in beach reads. But how can we write about tough themes in commercial thrillers? Find out here!

Louise Dean

If you want to know how to win a writing contest, look no further. Here’s our founder Louise’s best advice for writers on how to win The Next Big Story prize.

Mireille Harper

Sensitivity readers have become an important part of publishing for good reason. In this article, an authenticity editor explains sensitivity reading for all writers.

Holly Race

Ever been blown away by a paragraph from a novel? Aim for your best writing ever with these top tips from author Holly Race on how to write a great scene.

Gina Sorell

‘What should I write about?’ Authors get their book ideas in all sorts of ways—and so can you. In this article, we delve into how and where to find story ideas.

Susie Bower

Zero draft: what does it mean? Here’s everything writers need to know about starting to write ‘draft 0’ with children’s fiction author, Susie Bower.

Melanie Conklin

What is theme? In this blog, we define themes in literature and look at some theme examples to help writers find their story’s thematic statement.

Kate Dylan

The book trope of insta love doesn’t always inspire love among readers, but why? Bestselling author Kate Dylan explains what it is and how writers can avoid it.

T.J. Emerson

Female rage books are everywhere, but what do these stories say about the agency and power of the antiheroine? Thriller author T.J. Emerson takes a look.

Amanda Reynolds

In medias res (not in media res) means starting a story in the middle. We define the technique and give some examples for writers in this helpful blog.

Gina Sorell

Chris Hadfield may be best known for orbiting the Earth, but he is also a multiple New York Times bestselling author. Read on for his stellar writing advice!