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?
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Craft and Technique
Starting to Write
The Basics
Writing the First Chapter of a Novel
May 17, 2020
Louise Dean
Wondering how to start the first chapter of a book? Begin writing a great opening for your story with this engaging guide from The Novelry.
Writing the First Chapter of a Novel
Crime and Suspense
Guest Authors
Novel Writing Process
Louise Doughty on Writing
Apr 19, 2020
Louise Doughty
Author Louise Doughty gives her best advice to writers on the research process, discussing her novels and the setting of her suspense thriller, Platform Seven.
Louise Doughty on Writing
Starting to Write
Genres
The Publishing Industry
The Basics
Book Genres: An Essential Guide for Fiction Writers
Mar 1, 2020
The Novelry
A guide to popular book genres, subgenres, and new types of genre. We explore why fiction categories matter and how to write your book with genre in mind.
Book Genres: An Essential Guide for Fiction Writers
Starting to Write
Novel Writing Process
Best Book Titles
Dec 20, 2019
Louise Dean
Book names can say so much! We look at a selection of good book titles across different fiction eras to help writers create a noteworthy title for their own book.
Best Book Titles
Success Stories
Guest Authors
How to Get Published
Susie Bower’s Success Story
Dec 8, 2019
Susie Bower
Read the success story of Susie Bower, a graduate of The Novelry, and her views on how to write a children’s book and get it published.
Susie Bower’s Success Story
Hero Books
Craft and Technique
Orwell’s Writing Style
Nov 10, 2019
Louise Dean
With Orwellian language as prescient as ever, we look at the life of the writer of 1984, exploring George Orwell’s literary style through his beliefs and influences.
Orwell’s Writing Style
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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 Writer: Advice for Every Aspiring Author
Aug 11, 2019
The Novelry
Wondering how to be a good writer? This encouraging and practical advice will help you build your confidence and craft so you can keep growing as a writer.
How to Be a Good Writer: Advice for Every Aspiring Author
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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
Building Confidence in Writing: A Guide for Writers With Doubts
Jun 16, 2019
The Novelry
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.
Building Confidence in Writing: A Guide for Writers With Doubts
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