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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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A book lies on a floral armchair against a dark green background, with another small pile of books on the floor beside it.
Guest Authors
How to Get Published
The Publishing Industry

Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Oct 16, 2022
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Jack Jordan
Self-publishing a book is easier than ever, but why do some authors prefer this choice? We compare self publishing a novel to the traditional publishing pathway.
Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
Illustration of a child reading a book intently, while fantastical images circle around their head.
Children’s Fiction
Meet the Team
Genres

How to Write a Children’s Book

Oct 5, 2022
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Piers Torday
Learn how to write children’s fiction with top tips from a bestselling author in this friendly guide to crafting stories that will engage young readers.
How to Write a Children’s Book
Headshot of the author Catriona Ward beside some of her books against a dark background.
Guest Authors
Gothic and Horror
Genres

Catriona Ward and the Power of Writing Horror

Oct 2, 2022
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Catriona Ward
Writing horror fiction can be a powerful experience. Bestselling author Catriona Ward shares her thoughts for what makes a great horror story.
Catriona Ward and the Power of Writing Horror
Illustration of a woman dressed in black holding a gun, set against a dark background.
Crime and Suspense
Genres

Three Key Elements of Crime Fiction

Sep 25, 2022
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Tash Barsby
Which elements of crime fiction can make your novel stand out to readers and publishers? Tash Barsby, seasoned editor, shares her best insights and tips.
Three Key Elements of Crime Fiction
Image of a doll's house-type scene depicting a home office, set against a stripy blue and green background.
Craft and Technique
The Basics

How to Structure a Scene

Sep 18, 2022
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Amanda Reynolds
Amanda Reynolds shares practical tips and examples to help you write scenes that keep readers hooked and move the story forward.
How to Structure a Scene
Portrait image of Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree, beside some of her book covers against a spotlit background.
Guest Authors
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Craft and Technique

Samantha Shannon on Language in Fantasy Fiction

Sep 11, 2022
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Samantha Shannon
Language in fantasy fiction can be powerful. Here, bestseller Samantha Shannon shares her process, insights, and the roots and significance of her words.
Samantha Shannon on Language in Fantasy Fiction
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Characters
Children’s Fiction
Young Adult Fiction

Main Characters in Children’s Books and YA Novels

Sep 4, 2022
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Krystle Appiah
Fantastic main characters make a children’s book magical. In this article, our children’s fiction editor Krystle Appiah explains how to create your own.
Main Characters in Children’s Books and YA Novels
Illustration of a silhouetted female figure working at a desk, an anglepoise lamp illuminating a coffee cup and a cat beside them.
Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

Back to School For Writers, Too

Aug 28, 2022
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The Novelry
It’s not only the kids who are starting a new year! If you’re working on a novel and need a refresh of resolutions, here’s some great advice and motivation.
Back to School For Writers, Too
Illustration of a woman with her eyes closed against a dark background, with a full moon hanging over her head.
Characters
Craft and Technique

Static vs Dynamic Characters: Giving Your Character Agency

Aug 21, 2022
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Louise Dean
Character agency is the ability to affect a plot, and its absence is one of the biggest reasons for agent rejections. Find out why it’s so vital!
Static vs Dynamic Characters: Giving Your Character Agency
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Characters
Craft and Technique

3 Character Development Exercises

Aug 14, 2022
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Mahsuda Snaith
Try these three original character development exercises created by writing coach and author Mahsuda Snaith to write engaging, believable characters.
3 Character Development Exercises
Illustration of a woman with birds rising from her hair.
Characters
Guest Authors

How to Write a Three-Dimensional Character Using Psychology with Dr. Stephanie Carty

Aug 7, 2022
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Dr. Stephanie Carty
Find out how to use the principles of psychology to create fully rounded characters in your novel.
How to Write a Three-Dimensional Character Using Psychology with Dr. Stephanie Carty
Illustration of an older woman wearing a headscarf in muted tones.
Characters
The Basics

Character Development in Novels

Jul 31, 2022
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The Novelry
What does character development mean? With our guide, you can write a great story by learning how to create novel characters who act in believable ways.
Character Development in Novels