

Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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This week’s blog

Characters
International Women’s Day: Female Literary Characters We Can’t Stop Thinking About
March 8, 2026
International Women’s Day: Female Literary Characters We Can’t Stop Thinking About
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Craft and Technique
Genres
How to Read Like a Writer
Dec 14, 2025
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
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Gothic and Horror
Genres
Meet the Team
Why is the Horror Genre So Popular Right Now?
Dec 7, 2025
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?
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Crime and Suspense
Characters
Hero Books
The Talented Mr. Ripley at 70: Why It Still Thrills
Nov 30, 2025
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
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Memoir and Autofiction
Starting to Write
Genres
The Autobiographical Novel: How Writers Fictionalize Their Lives
Nov 23, 2025
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

Craft and Technique
What is a Metaphor? A Creative Guide for Fiction Writers
Nov 16, 2025
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
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Plotting and Planning
Novel Writing Process
8 Effective Strategies For Outlining a Book
Nov 9, 2025
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
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Craft and Technique
The Publishing Industry
Genres
What is a Novella? The Power of the Short Novel
Nov 5, 2025
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

The Basics
Craft and Technique
Using Creative Punctuation to Elevate Your Writing
Nov 2, 2025
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
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
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Craft and Technique
Finding Novel Ideas
Genres
Exploring the Magic of Fairy-Tale Writing Inspiration
Oct 26, 2025
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
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The Basics
Confidence and Motivation
What is a Story? Uncovering the Art of Great Storytelling
Oct 22, 2025
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
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Guest Authors
Craft and Technique
Novel Writing Process
Bringing the Landscape of a Story to Life with Catriona Silvey
Oct 19, 2025
Catriona Silvey
Catriona Silvey explores how place can shape mood, meaning, and character with 5 tips for writers on using landscape and location to bring stories to life.
Bringing the Landscape of a Story to Life with Catriona Silvey

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