The Creative Writing Blog

We asked over 200 successful published authors what would be their one top tip they would give to other writers – the silver bullet – and we’re pleased to share them with you for...

How do authors write their books? Is there any common approach to penning a bestseller? When it comes to writing fiction, is there a method, or a silver bullet? Is it about inspiration, genius,...

Without wishing away the last days of summer, the autumn – or fall – is almost here. Ah, September. Fresh mornings, even fresher evenings, a cardigan over the shoulders...

Can creative writing be taught? It’s something many of us have pondered. Whether you’re just thinking about taking a creative writing course, or you’re already enrolled and hoping...

It’s a truth universally acknowledged in the publishing industry: if there’s one thing any writer needs to ensure success for their novel, it’s a good hook. It’s how...

Our Founder Louise Dean looks back on how she wrote her second novel and beyond; how ideas sometimes come fully formed, but only rarely – and explains how to write your best novel yet.

_From...

There are lots of things you can expect from the writing life: excitement, fun, creative freedom, deep rewards, lifelong friends. But another thing you can almost count on is the fact you will,...

Sometimes, writers have a swarm of ideas buzzing around their brains. Every overheard conversation on the bus, every dishwashing daydream, every insistent but why? from a child can spark off a new...

As all of us who have tried our hand at the writing life know, self doubt and an inner critic can be the biggest hurdles we face. But resilient writers are successful writers, and self esteem is a...

Books on writing aren’t necessarily the only books that can help writers hone their craft. After all, any work that inspires, motivates and educates is of immense value to fiction writers and...

In this blog post to ring in 2022, our Founder and Course Director Louise Dean offers some words of inspiration for writers for the year ahead. If you want some wisdom on crucial topics like...

Diana Evans is the award-winning, bestselling author of Ordinary People, The Wonder and 26a. Her prize nominations include the Guardian and Commonwealth Best First Book...

Writing is liberating, exciting, deeply rewarding. But it can also be a solitary endeavour. And this solitude can become an obstacle – we all need a bit of support and camaraderie to keep...

Rachel Joyce is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of six books, including The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy...