Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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Revision and Editing
The Writing Routine
Why Your Novel Needs a Big Edit: Introducing The Big Edit Challenge 2026
May 3, 2026
Why Your Novel Needs a Big Edit: Introducing The Big Edit Challenge 2026
Guest Authors
Confidence and Motivation
Starting to Write
Femi Kayode on How to Keep Writing Your Novel
Jun 20, 2021
Femi Kayode
Writing motivation can be hard to sustain. This advice from award-winning author Femi Kayode on how to motivate yourself to work on your novel will help!
Femi Kayode on How to Keep Writing Your Novel
Guest Authors
Contemporary Fiction
The Publishing Industry
Kathy Lette’s Advice for New Writers
Jun 13, 2021
Kathy Lette
Kathy Lette, author of 15 bestselling novels, knows a thing or two about the writing life. Read her top tips for new writers on what she’s learned along the way.
Kathy Lette’s Advice for New Writers
Science Fiction and Fantasy
The Publishing Industry
Genres
Publishing Fantasy Fiction
Jun 7, 2021
Katie Khan
What types of fantasy books are hot right now? It’s a great era for the fantasy genre and author Katie Khan is here to explore the trends, tropes, and subgenres.
Publishing Fantasy Fiction
Guest Authors
Writing a Series of Novels
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Fantasy Writing Tips from Tricia Levenseller
Jun 6, 2021
Tricia Levenseller
Writing a fantasy story? This genre contains key elements! Let bestselling author Tricia Levenseller guide you with her top tips on how to write a fantasy novel.
Fantasy Writing Tips from Tricia Levenseller
Guest Authors
Contemporary Fiction
I Write Because... Adele Parks
May 30, 2021
Adele Parks
Top tips on writing, staying with it and seeing it through from Adele Parks, the multi-million copy bestselling author of 21 novels in 21 years.
I Write Because... Adele Parks
Guest Authors
Historical Fiction
Novel Writing Process
How to Research for a Novel with Mike Gayle
May 23, 2021
Mike Gayle
Many writers wonder how to research for a novel. Here, renowned author and journalist Mike Gayle shares top tips and less traditional resources.
How to Research for a Novel with Mike Gayle
Characters
Plotting and Planning
Writing Relationships Between Characters
May 23, 2021
Louise Dean
If you're thinking about writing a series of novels, you're looking for constancy and change. Here's how to plan and structure your series.
Writing Relationships Between Characters
Finding Novel Ideas
Guest Authors
Thriller Story Ideas and the Influence of Fairy Tales
May 16, 2021
Harriet Tyce
Are you looking for thriller story ideas? Don't wait for inspiration to fall from the sky; root around in your favourite tales like bestselling authors!
Thriller Story Ideas and the Influence of Fairy Tales
Confidence and Motivation
Novel Writing Process
Revision and Editing
Tackling My First Draft
May 9, 2021
Emylia Hall
Not sure how to write a book? It all starts with the first draft. Author Emylia Hall shares her experience of finishing the first draft of a story and preparing for edits.
Tackling My First Draft
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process
Literary Fiction
Sarah Winman on Still Life
May 4, 2021
Sarah Winman
Sarah Winman, author of Still Life, discusses the magic and joy that inspired her latest novel and explores why the tone of a story can say so much.
Sarah Winman on Still Life
Children’s Fiction
Characters
Guest Authors
How to Write Villains for Children’s Books
Apr 18, 2021
Polly Ho-Yen
The famous children’s book characters we remember are often the villains. If you’re wondering how to write great fictional baddies, here are some top tips!
How to Write Villains for Children’s Books
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process
Confidence and Motivation
Veronica Henry on Trusting the Process
Apr 11, 2021
Veronica Henry
Author Veronica Henry on her writing process, from ideas to motivation, and how she has learned to trust the creative journey after writing more than 20 novels!
Veronica Henry on Trusting the Process
