Inspiration for writers
The creative writing blog
Original weekly articles from bestselling authors and publishing professionals
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This week’s blog
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Plotting and Planning
Novel Writing Process
The Basics
Why a Strong Premise is the Foundation of a Great Story
February 22, 2026
Why a Strong Premise is the Foundation of a Great Story
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Craft and Technique
Gothic and Horror
Confidence and Motivation
A Master Storyteller’s Writing Advice: Stephen King
Oct 5, 2025
Tara Conklin
We look at Stephen King’s best writing advice, exploring powerful lessons from his books and timeless tips every writer can use to sharpen their craft.
A Master Storyteller’s Writing Advice: Stephen King
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Prize
Writing Competitions
The Next Big Story: Announcing the Shortlist
Sep 28, 2025
The Novelry
Discover the shortlisted finalists for The Next Big Story writing competition and vote for your favorite to get them one step closer to the grand prize of $100,000!
The Next Big Story: Announcing the Shortlist
Beginnings and Endings
Craft and Technique
Finishing Strong: Famous Last Lines to Inspire Your Ending
Sep 24, 2025
Louise Dean
We explore the most famous last lines in books. Get inspired by these powerful example endings and find tips to craft your own unforgettable final line!
Finishing Strong: Famous Last Lines to Inspire Your Ending
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Genres
Healing Fiction: Finding Hope Through Storytelling
Sep 21, 2025
Libby Page
We explore the comforting genre of healing fiction, why readers find it restorative, the best books to read, and the key elements to include if you’re writing it.
Healing Fiction: Finding Hope Through Storytelling
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Guest Authors
Historical Fiction
Novel Writing Process
Behind the Pages: A Conversation with NYT Bestselling Author Kate Quinn
Sep 17, 2025
The Novelry
NYT bestselling author Kate Quinn shares her inspiration, the writing advice that has stuck with her, and her top tips for crafting page-turning historical fiction.
Behind the Pages: A Conversation with NYT Bestselling Author Kate Quinn
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Craft and Technique
Plotting and Planning
What is Symbolism? A Writer’s Guide to Using Symbols in Fiction
Sep 14, 2025
Ella McLeod
Writers! Learn all about symbolism and how to use it in fiction with this essential guide, giving you practical tips to add depth, meaning, and power to your story.
What is Symbolism? A Writer’s Guide to Using Symbols in Fiction
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Literary Fiction
Genres
The Publishing Industry
Literary Fiction Explained (and How to Know If You’re Writing It)
Sep 7, 2025
Sadé Omeje
Curious about literary fiction? This guide breaks down what it is, how it differs from genre fiction, and helps writers work out if they are writing literary fiction.
Literary Fiction Explained (and How to Know If You’re Writing It)
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Romance
Young Adult Fiction
Genres
Stories That’ll Steal Your Heart: Our Top 25 YA Romance Books
Sep 3, 2025
Ella McLeod
YA romance books are loved by readers of all ages, but which are the best? We list the ultimate Young Adult romance books and what makes them so great.
Stories That’ll Steal Your Heart: Our Top 25 YA Romance Books
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Literary Agents
The Publishing Industry
How to Get Published
Publishing Trends: Q&A with Literary Agent Erin Harris—and What’s On Her Wishlist
Aug 31, 2025
The Novelry
Read our Q&A with literary agent Erin Harris of Folio Literary Management, where we discuss agent wishlists, publishing trends, and how to get a literary agent!
Publishing Trends: Q&A with Literary Agent Erin Harris—and What’s On Her Wishlist
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Novel Writing Process
The Writing Routine
Confidence and Motivation
Your Daily Writing Habit: Just One Hour a Day!
Aug 24, 2025
The Novelry
Writing habits vary, but the key to success when writing a book? Write regularly! Here’s how to start a daily writing habit (just one hour a day) to finish your book.
Your Daily Writing Habit: Just One Hour a Day!
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Starting to Write
The Writing Routine
Meet the Team
The Big Write: Your Draft Done for the Holidays
Aug 20, 2025
Louise Dean
Join our challenge to write a novel in 90 days together with over 2000+ writers and all-star authors writing side-by-side. The motivation you need to finish your novel by the holidays this year!
The Big Write: Your Draft Done for the Holidays
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Revision and Editing
Novel Writing Process
Getting Feedback
How to Hire a Book Editor: What Writers Should Know
Aug 17, 2025
Alice Kuipers
Book editing services are costly and an important investment for writers. So how do you choose the right editor for your book?
How to Hire a Book Editor: What Writers Should Know
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