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This week’s blog

Two eggs are seen. One is a full egg, the other has hatched, sprouting flowers.
Craft and Technique
Starting to Write
The Basics

Should You Be Writing in Past Tense or Present Tense?

March 15, 2026
Should You Be Writing in Past Tense or Present Tense?
Genres
The Publishing Industry
Getting Feedback
The Basics
Beginnings and Endings
Plotting and Planning
Finding Novel Ideas
Prize
Gothic and Horror
Podcast
Contemporary Fiction
Literary Fiction
Literary Agents
Meet the Team
Young Adult Fiction
Starting to Write
How to Get Published
The Writing Routine
Revision and Editing
Craft and Technique
Romance
Writing a Series of Novels
Success Stories
Historical Fiction
Crime and Suspense
Writing Competitions
Hero Books
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Children’s Fiction
Guest Authors
Characters
Novel Writing Process
Memoir and Autofiction
Confidence and Motivation
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The Novelry graduates inside baubles including authors Emma Nanami Strenner, Claire Leslie Hall, Brisa Carleton, Holly Race, and Kelly Mullen against a purple background.
Success Stories
How to Get Published

Bright Lights of The Novelry: Our 2025 Success Stories

Dec 21, 2025
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Tash Barsby
Our 2025 success stories—from agent signings to book deals and publications. An inspiring review of what’s possible when you keep believing in your writing.
Bright Lights of The Novelry: Our 2025 Success Stories
A book lies open on a table with a mug and sparkly lights in the background.
Craft and Technique
Genres

How to Read Like a Writer

Dec 14, 2025
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Mahsuda Snaith
Discover how to read like a writer by uncovering the secrets behind the stories you love, deepening your understanding of the craft by learning from the greats.
How to Read Like a Writer
A man and a fox stand in front of a log cabin in the forest at night, looking at its lit windows.
Gothic and Horror
Genres
Meet the Team

Why is the Horror Genre So Popular Right Now?

Dec 7, 2025
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Katalina Watt
Horror is all the rage in books and on screen right now. We explore why that is, what it means for writers, and why readers turn to the genre in tough times.
Why is the Horror Genre So Popular Right Now?
Ilustration of a female figure in the foreground, glancing over her shoulder at a man walking behind her.
Crime and Suspense
Characters
Hero Books

The Talented Mr. Ripley at 70: Why It Still Thrills

Nov 30, 2025
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Amanda Reynolds
Dive into our Talented Mr. Ripley analysis and explore the novel’s characters, themes, and legacy 70 years on. Perfect for writers, readers, and adaptation fans!
The Talented Mr. Ripley at 70: Why It Still Thrills
A woman holding a mirror in front of her face against a meadow background, reflecting a cloud-spotted blue sky.
Memoir and Autofiction
Starting to Write
Genres

The Autobiographical Novel: How Writers Fictionalize Their Lives

Nov 23, 2025
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Alice Kuipers
How do authors turn real life into fiction? This guide to autofiction explores writing a story about yourself and how to fictionalize truth with imagination.
The Autobiographical Novel: How Writers Fictionalize Their Lives
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Craft and Technique

What is a Metaphor? A Creative Guide for Fiction Writers

Nov 16, 2025
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Ella McLeod
What is a metaphor? Explore the art of comparison and discover how metaphors can bring your fiction to life by adding color, texture, and emotion to a story.
What is a Metaphor? A Creative Guide for Fiction Writers
A writer's desk with a notebook for outlining a book against a blue wall background.
Plotting and Planning
Novel Writing Process

8 Effective Strategies For Outlining a Book

Nov 9, 2025
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Melanie Conklin
Ready to outline your book and organize your story? From visual aids to practical layouts, we show you how to plan a novel with clarity, creativity, and structure.
8 Effective Strategies For Outlining a Book
A thin novel with a plain cover propped up against the wall in sunlight.
Craft and Technique
The Publishing Industry
Genres

What is a Novella? The Power of the Short Novel

Nov 5, 2025
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Tara Conklin
How does a novella compare to a short story or novel? Learn about ideal word count, key elements, and why novellas matter to readers, writers, and publishers.
What is a Novella? The Power of the Short Novel
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

Nov 2, 2025
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Evie Wyld
Discover how creative punctuation elevates fiction by shaping rhythm, mood, and meaning—and how you can use it—in this fun yet practical guide for writers.
Using Creative Punctuation to Elevate Your Writing
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Gothic and Horror
Genres

The Gruesome Appeal of Body Horror Books

Oct 29, 2025
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Natasha Qureshi
Dig into this essential guide to body horror books as we explore grotesque transformations, visceral themes, genre elements, and some recommended reads.
The Gruesome Appeal of Body Horror Books
An arrangement of fruit and flowers against a dark background, with insects crawling over the display.
Craft and Technique
Finding Novel Ideas
Genres

Exploring the Magic of Fairy-Tale Writing Inspiration

Oct 26, 2025
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Ella McLeod
Use fairy tales as writing inspiration by stirring timeless ingredients into your creative pot. Season with prompts and reading ideas to cook up a whole new story!
Exploring the Magic of Fairy-Tale Writing Inspiration
Illustration of a tree with pink blossom blooming from the pages of an open book.
The Basics
Confidence and Motivation

What is a Story? Uncovering the Art of Great Storytelling

Oct 22, 2025
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Piers Torday
Piers Torday explores the art of storytelling (and why it matters) in this thoughtful reflection on how stories give us comfort and shape the way we see the world.
What is a Story? Uncovering the Art of Great Storytelling