Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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Guest Authors
The Writing Routine
M.L. Rio on Why You Don’t Have to Write Alone
January 25, 2026
M.L. Rio on Why You Don’t Have to Write Alone
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Starting to Write
Beginnings and Endings
First Lines of Famous Novels
Oct 10, 2019
The Novelry
How do writers compose the first lines of their books? In this article, we study some of the best and most memorable opening lines in fiction.
First Lines of Famous Novels
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Craft and Technique
Writing a Fantasy Battle Scene
Oct 6, 2019
The Novelry
Wondering how to write a good battle scene for your fantasy novel? Learn how some of the most epic fight scenes in fiction were written with these examples!
Writing a Fantasy Battle Scene
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Characters
Plotting and Planning
Good and Evil in Literature
Sep 29, 2019
Louise Dean
Good and evil exist in literature across all genres and eras. Here, we look at examples of good vs evil in theme and character to help you bring your story to life.
Good and Evil in Literature
Confidence and Motivation
How To Be a Good (Enough) Writer
Aug 11, 2019
Louise Dean
How can you become a better writer? By ignoring your need to overachieve! As John Steinbeck said, ‘Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.’
How To Be a Good (Enough) Writer
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Finding Novel Ideas
Genres
Disaster Story Ideas and Elements
Jun 30, 2019
The Novelry
Like the idea of writing a good old disaster story? Explore the key elements of this epic fiction subgenre and spark an idea for your own book.
Disaster Story Ideas and Elements
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Confidence and Motivation
Tackling Doubt When You’re Writing
Jun 16, 2019
Louise Dean
Most writers find themselves lacking in confidence at some point. Learn how to boost your self-esteem on the page with these words from The Novelry.
Tackling Doubt When You’re Writing
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Craft and Technique
Hero Books
Writing Like Tolstoy
May 12, 2019
Louise Dean
When a writer uses immersive storytelling, it means a reader becomes fully immersed in the novel. Find out how you can use this technique in your own book.
Writing Like Tolstoy
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Craft and Technique
Hero Books
Leo Tolstoy: Writing Style for Anna Karenina
May 5, 2019
Louise Dean
Discover Leo Tolstoy's writing style and the process he used to write Anna Karenina, one of the greatest novels in literature.
Leo Tolstoy: Writing Style for Anna Karenina
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Getting Feedback
Confidence and Motivation
Dealing with Rejection and Taking Criticism
Apr 21, 2019
Louise Dean
How to deal with rejection as a writer is never an easy thing to accept. Here, we look at ways you can use feedback on your book to better your writing.
Dealing with Rejection and Taking Criticism
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Starting to Write
The Basics
Top Tips For Writing Novels
Apr 14, 2019
The Novelry
Wondering how to write a book? Here are 10 key novel writing tips to bear in mind, whether you’re curious about how to start or just need a refresher.
Top Tips For Writing Novels
Craft and Technique
Convenience Store Woman Analysis: The Power of Contrast
Apr 7, 2019
Louise Dean
We review the book Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata and learn how contrast is used as a key feature of the novel’s storytelling and themes.
Convenience Store Woman Analysis: The Power of Contrast
Hero Books
Characters
Rumors of a Hero
Mar 31, 2019
Louise Dean
What’s the definition of a hero in literature? Here, we define the hero of a story and how you can learn from classic examples to write your own.
Rumors of a Hero
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