Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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This week’s blog
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?
Starting to Write
Novel Writing Process
The Writing Routine
How to Become an Author
Dec 25, 2022
The Novelry
How do successful authors really write their books? We asked over 200 famous authors to tell us their secrets. Get advice and tips to write your book here.
How to Become an Author
Podcast
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine
The Best Writing Podcasts
Dec 18, 2022
The Novelry
Writing podcasts are packed with insights and inspiration, and there are hundreds to choose from! To help narrow your search, we’ve rounded up some of the best.
The Best Writing Podcasts
Historical Fiction
Meet the Team
Genres
Saga Fiction: Why Should You Read (and Write) It?
Dec 11, 2022
Gillian Holmes
The term saga fiction might not be instantly recognisable to you, but you’re doubtless familiar with these bestselling stories – you may even be writing one!
Saga Fiction: Why Should You Read (and Write) It?
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Guest Authors
Historical Fiction
Novel Writing Process
An Interview with Kristin Hannah
Dec 4, 2022
The Novelry
Bestselling author Kristin Hannah on The Nightingale, her writing process, and creative tips—a must-read for both readers and writers alike.
An Interview with Kristin Hannah
Revision and Editing
Craft and Technique
Show, Don’t Tell
Nov 27, 2022
Josie Humber
‘Show, don’t tell’ is a classic piece of writing advice, but many writers aren’t sure if they’re doing it—and if not, how to start. Here, we show you how!
Show, Don’t Tell
Craft and Technique
Plotting and Planning
The Basics
A Guide to Story Structure
Nov 25, 2022
The Novelry
Story structure is a foundational element of any book. But with so many factors and so many possible structures, how do you find the right fit for your story?
A Guide to Story Structure
Guest Authors
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Novel Writing Process
Alix E. Harrow on Breaking the Writing Rules
Nov 20, 2022
Alix E. Harrow
Alix E. Harrow shares her love of breaking the writing rules on perspective, tense, structure and more. Find out how you, too, can bring your story to life!
Alix E. Harrow on Breaking the Writing Rules
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Literary Agents
How to Get Published
The Basics
How to Write a Query Letter That Gets a Literary Agent’s Attention
Nov 18, 2022
The Novelry
Wondering how to write a query letter for your book? Follow these simple steps to craft a pitch letter that gets agents excited to read your manuscript.
How to Write a Query Letter That Gets a Literary Agent’s Attention
Writing a Series of Novels
How to Get Published
How to Write a Book Series
Nov 13, 2022
Piers Torday
Most writers have pondered how to write a book series. We want to stay in the rich universes we create - but how do we keep readers hooked, too?
How to Write a Book Series
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process
Revision and Editing
The First Draft of a Book with Laura Purcell
Nov 6, 2022
Laura Purcell
Writing the first draft of a book is exciting, but it brings many questions and challenges. See how award-winning author Laura Purcell navigates the process!
The First Draft of a Book with Laura Purcell
Gothic and Horror
Genres
Guest Authors
How to Write Ghost Stories and Supernatural Fiction
Oct 30, 2022
Anna Mazzola
Great ghost stories strike fear into the heart of a reader with well-written tropes, supernatural elements, and haunting themes. Write your own with these top tips!
How to Write Ghost Stories and Supernatural Fiction
Literary Agents
Genres
Guest Authors
Literary Agent Rebecca Scherer Shares Her Publishing Wishlist
Oct 23, 2022
Rebecca Scherer
Rebecca Scherer, a literary agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, explores current trends in the publishing industry and what's on her wishlist!
Literary Agent Rebecca Scherer Shares Her Publishing Wishlist
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