The creative writing blog

The Novelry

Explore this extensive list of the best creative writing competitions and contests of 2025, with options for writers of all genres. Your story could win a cash prize!

Ella McLeod

Discover the definition of a novel, explore its various genres, and enhance your understanding of its history with this comprehensive guide from The Novelry.

Jessica Read

Delve into the industry guidelines on how to format a novel manuscript, whether it’s for a writing competition or to submit to a literary agent.

Clare Mackintosh

Before embarking on your crime fiction novel, how much research do you need to do? Bestselling crime novelist and former police officer Clare Mackintosh demonstrates how to tackle the problem of accuracy in your novel.

Amanda Reynolds

Discover the role of antagonists and how writers can use them to enhance a story by shaping conflict and character growth, with suspense author Amanda Reynolds.

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.

Elsa Doig

Inspire your fiction with unique writing wisdom brought to you by The Novelry, from bestselling authors including Tayari Jones, Tami Hoag, Hannah Kaner, Talia Hibbert, and Lessons in Chemistry’s Bonnie Garmus.

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.

Jessica Read

We recap our first season of The Novelry on Writing, featuring tips from bestselling writing coaches and Big Five publishing editors.

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.

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.

Melanie Conklin

Is your character curious and conscientious, or vicious and vain? This article defines what character traits are and how to use them, with a comprehensive character traits list to help you build compelling characters.