The creative writing blog

Jasmine Richards

Jasmine Richards, author and founder of the inclusive fiction studio Storymix, examines the ongoing importance of celebrating diverse stories from different cultures in children’s books and children’s fiction.

Nic Caws

Past tense or present tense... That is the question! Today’s blog weighs up the pros and cons of writing your novel in either tense, and what this could mean for the style of your story, and indeed, what it might mean for the plot and the characters. Publishing editor Nic Caws makes the case for both styles (or even... a combination of both tenses!) to help you decide which direction to take your own book in.

The Novelry

From Anne of Green Gables to Lyra from His Dark Materials, we asked The Novelry team to tell us about standout female fictional characters and literary feminist icons across the decades for International Women’s Day.

Mahsuda Snaith

As a writer, do you prefer to collaborate with others or go it alone? Learn how to set up a writing group, discover existing ones online, or simply hear the case for why a writing group could help you. Perhaps a creative community is exactly what you need to help your book flourish.

Urban Waite

What is the premise of your story? What are the stakes your main character must encounter? Learn how to nail a great premise for the novel you're writing—and how to mold that idea or concept into something attention-grabbing.

Lizzy Goudsmit Kay

Discover why your book needs a “big idea” to apply pressure to your story, and take part in The Big Idea Challenge at The Novelry in March 2026.

Emily Kitchin

Sports romance books are having a moment. Here’s why locker-room love stories are booming and what writers can learn about passion, pressure, and payoff.

Libby Page

How does book club fiction shape reading culture? Discover the core elements that help certain books get picked with these practical tips for writers.

M.L. Rio

Author M.L. Rio sheds light on why community matters for writers, and why support from fellow creatives, friends, and family can help sustain a writing life.

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s advice on how writers can get unstuck. Learn how to overcome creative slumps and regain momentum, creativity, and confidence!

Rosie Storey

Debut author Rosie Storey reflects on feedback, failure, and how persistence can turn rejection into creative resolve in this thoughtful advice for writers.

Louise Dean

Explore our new novel writing courses for 2026. From idea to finished manuscript, our creative writing courses will help you write, edit, and complete your novel.