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?
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
Guest Authors
Confidence and Motivation
Erin Kelly on Writing with Music
Mar 28, 2021
Erin Kelly
If you like writing with music, you’re not alone. Erin Kelly, bestselling author of psychological thrillers, discusses how music and writing can blend into inspiration.
Erin Kelly on Writing with Music
Genres
Finding Novel Ideas
High-Concept Fiction
Mar 18, 2021
Katie Khan
Does your book have a high concept? Should authors be considering high concept vs low concept? Katie Khan defines high-concept fiction and how to write it!
High-Concept Fiction
Crime and Suspense
Guest Authors
Craft and Technique
Val McDermid’s Crime Fiction: Narrative Structure
Mar 14, 2021
Val McDermid
Val McDermid, author of blockbusting crime fiction, breaks down the narrative structure of crime novels and offers expert advice on how to write a crime story.
Val McDermid’s Crime Fiction: Narrative Structure
Guest Authors
Memoir and Autofiction
Nikesh Shukla on Writing with Soul
Feb 21, 2021
Nikesh Shukla
Nikesh Shukla, award-winning author and editor of The Good Immigrant, explores the spiritual side of writing, how to write with soul, and why it matters.
Nikesh Shukla on Writing with Soul
Romance
Novel Writing Process
Falling in Love with a Setting
Feb 14, 2021
Emylia Hall
Love stories aren’t just about the characters; the backdrop of their romantic journey can be just as important. Author Emylia Hall explores setting in romance.
Falling in Love with a Setting
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Genres
Guest Authors
Writing Dystopian Fiction
Feb 7, 2021
Polly Ho-Yen
Writing dystopian fiction or reading a lot of dystopian books? Read our insights and tips on this great genre, where a writer’s imagination can run free.
Writing Dystopian Fiction
Literary Agents
Children’s Fiction
The Publishing Industry
Literary Agent Silvia Molteni on Children’s Book Trends
Jan 31, 2021
Silvia Molteni
Literary agent Silvia Molteni discusses trends in children’s publishing and the types of children’s books she and other agents are currently looking for.
Literary Agent Silvia Molteni on Children’s Book Trends
Guest Authors
Starting to Write
Finding Novel Ideas
Emma Stonex: What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write
Jan 24, 2021
Emma Stonex
Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters and other books under a pseudonym, discusses research, ideas, and what to do when you don’t know what to write.
Emma Stonex: What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write
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