No items found.
No items found.
Creative writing blog hero imageCreative writing blog hero image
Inspiration for writers

The creative writing blog

Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals

Subscribe
Latest

This week’s blog

A range of different punctuation marks hover over the pages of an open book against an illustrated mountain landscape.
The Basics
Craft and Technique

Using Creative Punctuation to Elevate Your Writing

November 2, 2025
Genres
The Publishing Industry
Getting Feedback
The Basics
Beginning and Endings
Plotting and Planning
Finding Novel Ideas
Prize
Gothic and Horror
Magical Realism
Podcast
Writing Skills
Contemporary Fiction
Literary Fiction
Literary Agents
Meet the Team
Positive Coaching Method
Young Adult Fiction
Starting to Write
How to Get Published
Fantasy
The Writing Routine
Editing
Craft and Technique
Romance
Dual Timelines
Writing a Series of Novels
Success Stories
Historical Fiction
Getting Published
Crime and Suspense
Writing Competitions
Hero Books
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Children’s Fiction
Guest Authors
Characters
High Concept Fiction
Up Lit
Last Sentences
Novel Writing Process
Motivation
Memoir and Autofiction
Confidence and Motivation
Show filters
Filter by topic
Filter by author
Clear
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
An illustrated figure laying down naked with their knees pulled up and head on a pillow, a blanket covering their face.
Confidence and Motivation
Meet the Team

Kate Davies: ‘Write Like Nobody’s Watching’

Mar 30, 2025
Read more
Kate Davies
What scares you the most? Kate Davies explains how we can use our fears of writing certain things to elevate a story not just for ourselves but for readers, too.
Illustrated figures stand in a row, comprising different styles and poses.
Starting to Write
Novel Writing Process

Why Fan Fiction is Big News in Publishing

Mar 23, 2025
Read more
Bea Fitzgerald
Have you been seeing fan fiction news online? Bea Fitzgerald’s author guide to fanfic explains why it’s grown so popular—and why publishing is watching.
A small ladder leans up against a stack of books, above which is an illuminated light bulb.
Starting to Write

Shiny New Idea Syndrome: How to Choose Which Story to Write

Mar 16, 2025
Read more
Clare Mackintosh
Too many story ideas and not enough time to write them? Here’s bestselling author Clare Mackintosh’s guide on how to assess your ideas and pick the best one.
A headshot of author Chris Whitaker on a dark jade background beside a packshot of his bestselling novel All the Colors of the Dark.
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process

Chris Whitaker on Writing All the Colors of the Dark

Mar 9, 2025
Read more
Elsa Doig
Author Chris Whitaker talks with The Novelry about his genre-bending novel All the Colors of the Dark and how he writes his bestselling books.
A piece of toast stands upright, casting a shadow on the ground, ready to fall either backward or forward.
Craft and Technique

What is Situational Irony?

Mar 2, 2025
Read more
Amanda Reynolds
What is the definition of situational irony and how can writers use it in a novel? Discover its meaning here, with several literature examples from different genres.
Looking through a doorway at a woman in a white dress sitting comfortably across an armchair, reading a book.
Contemporary Fiction

What is Women’s Fiction?

Feb 23, 2025
Read more
Gina Sorell
Women’s fiction: what does it mean? Explore the definition of this genre and find out why books are categorized as women’s fiction with author Gina Sorell.
A line of cooking pots and pans in differing shades of peach.
Memoir and Autofiction
Starting to Write

5 Essential Ingredients for Writing a Memoir

Feb 16, 2025
Read more
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.
A small bottle labeled Love Elixir stands on a green background, its stopper in the shape of a heart.
Romance
Fantasy

Ashley Poston’s Recipe for Romance: Just Add Magic

Feb 9, 2025
Read more
Ashley Poston
Learn how to weave magic into the writing of your speculative fantasy romance books with these tips from bestselling author Ashley Poston.
A female character in a large sweater, face partially hidden, staring straight ahead with her hand on her hip.
Characters

What is a Fictional Character?

Feb 2, 2025
Read more
Alice Kuipers
The principal character in a work of fiction is the reader’s guide through your novel. But who are they, and how can we write them? Read our best advice here.
A stack of books written for Young Adult readers
Young Adult Fiction

The 25 Best YA Books of All Time

Jan 29, 2025
Read more
Ella McLeod
Reading or writing a YA novel? Discover the best Young Adult books in this genre deep dive, from classic lit by famous authors to contemporary popular stories.
Gothic novelists include Stephen King and Shirley Jackson
Guest Authors
Gothic and Horror

American Gothic: Katharine Beutner on Writing ‘New England Gothic’

Jan 26, 2025
Read more
Katharine Beutner
What defines a fiction novel as New England Gothic instead of Southern Gothic, American Gothic, or dark academia? Writer Katharine Beutner reveals all.
What are some 2025 writing competitions and contests?
Writing Competitions
Prize

Writing Competitions

Jan 22, 2025
Read more
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!
Someone writing in a notebook

Which course is right for you?

Whether you’re just starting out or polishing your final draft, we’ll help you choose the perfect course to achieve your ambitions.

Start your journey
creative writing course team members