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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
Novel Writing Process

Finding Your Voice as a Writer

November 1, 2026

Our founder Louise Dean, a Booker Prize-listed author, shares practical techniques for writers to find and assert their voice, using examples from the Booker Prize shortlist 2026.

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Gothic and Horror

Francine’s Guide to Gothic Tropes: Which to Keep and Which to Bury

October 25, 2026
Francine Toon

A guide to the Gothic tropes — the images, themes, and archetypes — to use or lose in your novel. Which Gothic motifs and elements should you keep, and which should you exorcise from your manuscript?

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Illustration of a writer's desk with stacks of books above it and a small dog asleep on the floor beside the chair.
Meet the Team

The Writers’ Desk: Our New Hand-Drawn Illustrations

October 15, 2026

Enjoy our new hand-drawn illustrations showcasing different writing spaces and the stages of the writer’s journey. Drawn by book cover designer and illustrator Katie Tooke for The Novelry.

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Image shows book covers featured in this blog by Black British authors including Faebound, This Motherless Land, and more.
Genres

Every Story Deserves A Place: Dhonielle is Reading Black Britain

October 18, 2026
Dhonielle Clayton

Bestselling author and literary tastemaker Dhonielle Clayton selects the best of today’s Black British fiction from every genre to honor Black History Month.

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Novel Writing Process
Starting to Write

The Messy First Draft: Why Done Is Better Than Perfect

October 11, 2026
Ella McLeod

Struggling to silence your inner editor? Branford Boase–nominated author Ella McLeod shares why a messy first draft might be the key to finishing your novel.

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Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

Alice’s Tips for Planning a DIY Writing Retreat

October 4, 2026
Alice Kuipers

Planning a DIY writing retreat or going away to write? Our team of published authors give their tips for making your writing retreat successful and productive.

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Photo of author Andrea Mara for The Novelry with her book, All Her Fault.
Crime and Suspense
Guest Authors

The “Fizzy Feeling” of Writing a Hit: Andrea Mara’s Top Tips

September 27, 2026

Sunday Times bestselling Irish novelist Andrea Mara discusses the “fizzy feeling” of writing her hit novel, All Her Fault, which was adapted for television starring Succession’s Sarah Snook.

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The Publishing Industry
How to Get Published

How to Find Your Comp Titles

September 20, 2026
Dhonielle Clayton

Struggling to pitch your novel? Learn what comp titles are, how many you need, and where to find the right comparisons for your book.

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A book cover for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is seen with Autumn leaves surrounding it.
Novel Writing Process
Craft and Technique
Crime and Suspense

The Secret to Concocting an Agatha Christie-Style Mystery

September 13, 2026

Discover the secrets of Agatha Christie-style mystery writing, from creating compelling characters and dropping clues to crafting twists and red herrings. Guest blogger and fellow mystery writer Sam Burr has been investigating!

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Confidence and Motivation
The Writing Routine

Dear Writer, This is Why You Need a Deadline

September 6, 2026

Deadlines don’t have to be scary. Bestselling authors and writing coaches share how deadlines build momentum, discipline, and creative flow, and share a few of their productivity secrets with you.

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