Creative writing course reviews

‘I felt supported throughout the writing process, enjoyed The Novelry Live community, and learned many tips and tricks about writing a compelling novel. Most importantly though, I had amazing coaching with Libby Page that got me to reconsider the role of a major supporting character. That singular change positively impacted my story’s arc from start to finish and greatly increased the tension, stakes, humor, and emotional depth. I was very impressed by the high quality of The Ninety Day Novel materials and the exceptional support provided by all the staff. Louise Dean, the writing coaches, and the editing team all clearly care deeply about this program and each participant. It’s a joy to witness this level of professionalism and an honor to be a part of such an engaging creative experience.’

‘Before joining the course I was stuck at the midpoint of a novel that I’ve been writing on/off for the last two decades. After starting the course I not only got unstuck, I got all fired up! It turned me, a certified “night person”, into an early bird. I woke up before the sun yesterday and didn’t moan in regret but thought, “Oh yay, I get to write soon!” Everything about the live workshops/classes/etc have been hugely beneficial and Louise’s spirit is so consistently inspiring. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 🤗’

‘The Ninety Day Novel taught me that it’s a process. Writers aren’t mysterious geniuses who have fully formed novels in their heads. No one writes a great first draft and that’s OK, because if you practice (anything!!) you’ll get better. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have been shocked at times by how tailored to me the course has felt. Often, I’d come to a lesson and think, “Have they read my mind??? This is the exact class I need today.” Thank you, Louise. I’ve felt so supported and I’ve been blown away by you, your team, the community and this course. The Novelry is, simply, stunningly good.’

‘I had no idea how to write a novel, only the desire and ambition to do it. I thought I would need to wait until I was rich and could take a year off work and buy a cottage by a lake to write my novel. The revelation that it could be done one hour at a time changed everything and made it feel so much less intimidating! I took so much reassurance from The Novelry in realising it is like this for everyone. The Ninety Day Novel was the most warm, nurturing, reassuring guide to help me through my first draft. It gave me the structure, theory and inspiration to keep going. The lessons felt so well timed and helped allay all of my fears and stresses when I needed it. The coaching sessions have been absolute gold for me and the sense of community is so incredible. The Novelry is the best investment in yourself you can make as an aspiring writer. Without the structure and lessons of The Ninety Day Novel, the reassuring guidance and advice from the writing coaches, and motivation from the community at The Novelry Live, I would never have come this far with my novel-in-progress. I have grown so much in confidence with the knowledge I have gained and the support that has been wrapped around me throughout the whole process. Writing a novel can feel like a long and lonely process, but with The Novelry you have the energy of so many people around you – they truly care about seeing you succeed with whatever your goals for your novel are.’

‘Before joining the course, I felt stuck and I was always in my head. I was convinced that what I wanted to say to the world has already been said and done. I was having trouble connecting the dots and finding inspiration. After taking The Classic Storytelling Class, it’s like I’m in tune with my child self again. I got my voice back and I found the inspiration I needed. It wasn’t a matter of “this has been written before, don’t do it”—it was a matter of what exactly I wanted to say and how to make it come from me. This class gave me inspiration and reassurance that my story matters. I always felt I had something to say to the world, but I never knew how to translate it onto the page. The Novelry gave me the tools I needed—clarity, structure, and, most of all, the return of that childlike wonder we so easily lose as adults. It sparked my imagination again. And now, I’m writing the story I’ve always carried inside me.’

‘I, honestly, just thought I couldn’t write fiction, but now I have gained so much information and confidence. The Advanced Outline Class has gifted me with an invaluable understanding about how to plot, structure and pace my mystery novel and the practical tools to pull it off. The revelation about the midpoint was very revealing. I have since gone back and read what’s at 50% of some of my favorite books and – bam! – there it is! It’s crazy to think how I never noticed that before. As an English literature major in college, I never felt that I could “pull back the veil” of mystery that published writers seemed to have discovered. But thanks to The Novelry, I now realise that there is no veil of mystery. There is simply the knowledge and understanding of the basic elements that make up all novels. And now that I, too, have that information, I am confident that my novel will be a cracking success!’

‘Before joining, I was experiencing lack of discipline and inspiration, but the course gave me structure, encouragement, good advice and the daily discipline of sitting down to just “do it.” The attitude displayed in the text and instructional sections is so helpful, nurturing and nonjudgmental. As someone with three kids, I also appreciated that I could structure my instruction according to my own schedule. I am so happy I signed up for The Novelry.’

‘The work I have been writing did not have a clear focus. It was all a bit jumbled up and confusing. I knew that I needed tools to continue, and The Advanced Outline Class has exceeded all my expectations. It’s truly the most helpful thing I have done for my writing. I am energised and I have my writing mojo back! Reframing the novel as a product and being honest with myself about who I am writing it for really lifted a lot of pressure off me. Until then, it felt like this novel was an extension of myself and that brought too much pressure with it. The course has been such a joyous ride! I always looked forward to the next lesson and was quite sad when it came to an end. It’s such an inspiring, confidence-boosting course. My toolbox is full to the brim, and I am once again excited to write my book, but perhaps most importantly, I now feel like I know how to do it!’

‘I was really at the end of my rope, unsure what to do with my drafted-but-lame book, and feeling very alone. I’d finished about ten drafts and everything held together – it just wasn’t much of a story and I had run through all of my resources to fix it. The Novelry provided clear, manageable steps and a brilliant community. Taking the course has given me a new “first” draft that is 100 times better, and a lot of thoughts about what to do next to hone the story even further. I have a more solid writing habit than ever before, and – more important – a real sense of awe and joy that I am allowed to do this! The Novelry has given me a really lovely community of well-wishers and wise advisers, a head full of ideas – and the confidence to work on them one at a time, following a process 😛’

‘I’ve wanted to write a novel for decades, but the process seemed overwhelming. I had no idea where to begin or how to go about it, and there was always that voice in my head that told me that it was crazy to even try. This course has given me all of the tools that I need to move ahead with writing a novel and I’m feeling positive, creative, and motivated. I love the way that this course breaks down the key elements of a novel. As I worked my way through, things started to take shape. I found myself walking to work, pondering this piece or that piece, and suddenly an idea would hit that really seemed to fit. Even though I now wake up at 5:30 to write, I’m more energized throughout my day. I still have times of doubt, but I know that I can do this. The thing is that I’m moving FORWARD. On to The Ninety Day Novel!’

‘I’d spent years in isolation, self-educating myself on how to write a novel. I started many stories and never seemed to get enough momentum and confidence to finish them. I’ve come out on the other end of The Classic Storytelling Class at The Novelry with a fresh perspective on the mindset of what it entails to be a great storyteller, and I feel more motivated than ever to write my novel. The best feature of the course was the exercises, which put the lessons into practice, but it was the pragmatic advice that I could use to flesh out my story that helped the most (e.g., The Five Fs). I truly enjoyed my morning routine of waking up at 5 am to get my lesson in. After completing The Classic, I feel more excited to plan my novel. I feel like I have a place to turn to for support with The Novelry Live, and I have a more intrinsic understanding of the essentials of what makes a good story.’

‘Before, I was over-thinking my writing from the beginning. Wanting to try and make it perfect on the first draft. The Ninety Day Novel has given me the confidence to be able to see the project through, the discipline to write every day, and the knowledge (and comfort) to know that the first draft is not meant to be perfect, and that it is the foundation for moulding. The continual comforting voice of Louise helped me to feel that what I am doing is okay. The Novelry is an exceptional group of writers who are guides, mentors, advisors, teachers and family all at once. I genuinely would not have written this novel without this program, and it has given me the confidence to know I will be writing many more.’

‘In my journey of learning the craft of creative writing, I have taken writing courses and subscribe to blogs from experts, which I read daily. This has enabled me to complete two manuscripts, however, after querying agents unsuccessfully over the past couple of years, I realised I needed help. At the suggestion of a writing colleague, I signed up for The Advanced Outline Class at The Novelry and worked my way through the course. It gave me clarity in how I might re-work my manuscript and improve my chances of securing an agent or publisher. It was so helpful to understand how to use theme in the two halves of the novel, the importance of the midpoint and how important a Hero Book is in giving an author confidence when writing a novel. Learning the delightful simplicity of The Five Fs and their impact on structure, and keeping an eye on what the character wants but understanding what the character needs. There were so many “aha” moments, as I learnt tips, tricks and tools (not rules!). I have specific steps that I can apply immediately to my current manuscripts, to give them the zing they are missing, and have a solid foundation to begin new work. I loved every moment of it.’

‘Taking the course gave me a first draft! Before I joined, I struggled with creating a writing habit. Work, family, friends all took me away from my writing. When I would finally after many months come back to it, I was a different person and I barely remembered my story. I thought I was a write-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of writer, but I found out in The Ninety Day Novel that I wasn’t. On day one I wrote my first chapter and the synopsis. I followed that synopsis as I wrote over the months, revising when needed, but happily sticking to the plan because it worked. I wrote through to the resolution with confidence and joy (most of the time). I surprised myself! When I finished the draft, I cried. Then laughed. I gained self-confidence, created a writing habit that works for me, and built a writing life. My life will never be the same! I couldn’t have done it without The Novelry and my fabulous writing mentor, Kate Riordan! This is an undeniable fact because I’ve tried before twice—once on my own and another time with the support of other writers. Both times I didn’t finish the first draft. Burned out. This time, my experience was very different. I slid into home plate with a smile on my face. I can’t express enough how grateful I am. The Novelry has brought me to the finish, and I feel so supported, so inspired, and so capable. Best of all, I know that I will be supported for the rest of this novel’s journey. I got this because of The Novelry. Thank you.’

‘I have done other courses that promised a lot and found them... fine. Adequate. But I never came out of them with a finished draft or a clear sense of what I needed to do next. After taking the course with The Novelry, I have a finished draft! After years of not managing it, it feels miraculous to say that! Also, a writing practice, buckets of wisdom, and admission to a warm and welcoming community. I loved Louise’s insights into writing, what is a story, why we write, etc. A lot of the advice out there is technical or focused on publication, agents, social media trends etc, and it can feel deflating, like that’s not what a writing life means to me. So to have Louise championing writing for oneself, as an intrinsic part of you, was wonderful. Every time I had a coaching session I went from somewhat confused/anguished to excited and redirected to get back to my story. Talking through my story with someone knowledgeable and supportive was so helpful. I never thought I would get here, or that I’d take such pleasure in the process of finishing my first draft. Thank you to Louise and everyone at The Novelry for the warmth, wit and wisdom. I can’t wait to get cracking on draft two.’

‘Before starting The Finished Novel Course, I was concerned that I have written two draft novels before, one solo, and one a part of a Faber on-site course, and that with this project, I may get stuck at similar junctures. The Classic Storytelling Class has taught me that writing should come from the heart and connect with the reader. I liked that it’s distilled down to the fundamental elements that make story telling impactful, and how they have changed over time. I found the length of each lesson helpful and that it was broken down into smaller segments. Thank you for this experience! Looking forward to The Ninety Day Novel!’

‘I spent five years puzzling over how to make a fantasy idea work as a novel. I had never written a novel before, though I had plenty of creative writing experience! I was struggling to make the structure of the thing work, though I had many ideas. As a result of taking this course, I now have a working plan, detailed synopses, chapter outlines, and a clear path forward. I really appreciated Louise’s friendly lectures—there was just enough hand holding and clarity, but no sugar coating or talking down. The course material approached me as an experienced writer, and it was this aspect which made me feel right at home. I will forever be a fan of The Five Fs, which are so much clearer to use than the traditional storytelling triangles and arcs, and I absolutely love that this is a framework I can carry forward with other ideas and future novels. I have hope for my writing career in a way I haven’t had since my undergraduate days and I am deeply encouraged to continue with my work. I am delighted to have taken The Advanced Outline Class, which did a terrific job of unsticking my writing progress. I have new strategies to carry forward as I write, and I can approach both reading and writing in a clear, analytical way to inform the process. After years of nearly giving up the dream, I ended the class feeling like I can absolutely be a novelist. I’m motivated and ready to craft.’

‘I had lots of ideas but didn’t really know how to execute them. I looked at lots of courses at various universities, as well as shorter courses run by writers and publishing houses, but none seemed to offer what I was looking for. I wanted something shorter than an MA but longer than a few weeks or months so that I could really get stuck into it. It also needed to be value for money. Another thing I really wanted was coaching, because I’ve done coaching for other areas of my life and felt it to be really beneficial. The Novelry ticked all the boxes in my writing course wish list. I’ve discovered clear patterns in what I’ve always read and how it influences the themes I want to write about. I liked the setup of each lesson to guide you through the course, completing each section in bite-size chunks and building on the knowledge you gain along the way. I also liked Catch Up TV for watching interviews with novelists etc. From taking the course, I’ve gained focus (actually doing the work instead of just thinking about it), a much broader reading list of writers and novels to explore, and an immersive experience. I also love seeing that writers are real everyday people. I don’t know any other writers, so this was very helpful. This has been the most positive and enjoyable experience. It has really made me feel like getting a novel written, and even published, isn’t just a pipe dream—it could actually happen.’

‘When I set out on this journey I wanted to enjoy the process of writing and this is exactly what the course has given. Before, I had no idea how to go out writing a complete story. I had no sense of a plan and easily felt lost when I sat down to write, but now I feel like I have a plan and a list of ingredients to use. The course builds on key elements until you feel comfortable with them, and I am ready to get stuck in and write this first draft. I enjoyed the whole course and felt that it has given me a clear direction. It was a very spiritual journey with many of the ideas linking to my own beliefs about how the creative brain works and how you can immerse yourself in your own world. I feel supported and my belief in myself has grown, and I have been writing regularly—almost every day for at least an hour. My imagination is on fire and I keep getting lost in my own thoughts, which is wonderful.’

‘I had been concerned about whether my writing was good/sharp enough, working through my plot, and ensuring I gave the characters agency. I was able to solve all these things with The Novelry. The editing sessions were the most valuable part of this course. As a first-time novelist, the detailed assessment of my writing and breakdown of my plot, characters, and setting transformed my draft into a novel. I loved working with The Novelry. As a first-time author, it was wonderful to find a talented and welcoming community of experienced writers and editors to learn from.’

‘Before joining The Novelry, I was trying to teach myself through material online, however, there was no platform which I felt offered a wide range of genre information and a plan of classes to follow to get you ready for writing. I have found the workshops incredibly informative, gained a lot of knowledge from the coaches and discovered the different kind of stories I would be interested in writing about. The course also helped put the genres into perspective so I can understand where my stories fit the most and how to best build the story world and the cast. The course has given me motivation to write, a deeper understanding of the role of stories and the elements in our life that can inspire them, and I’ve cleared several points in my head about my story idea. The Novelry is a beautiful space of artists (to me, writing is an art form) who come together and learn from one another. The workshops and classes have been most helpful, and the coaches are all generously offering their advice to help you build your story.’

‘Before I started The Ninety Day Novel, I was missing the motivation, structure, tools, and community support to feel confident in my writing. The course allowed me to not become overwhelmed with the mountain that stood in front of me. My coaches and the community took me by the hand and led me up the path, never letting go of my hand through the scrambles and the set-backs. The coaching calls were without a doubt the most valuable part of this course, but I also enjoyed how the daily lessons seemed to hit at the right time. When I was feeling worried, anxious, or stressed about a specific aspect of my story or the process, I would log on and the lesson would magically address that very concern. The Novelry took my desire to write and turned me into a disciplined writer.’

‘Before joining the course, I was having trouble staying consistent with my writing. I was also unsure where to start with my story. Now I feel inspired and ready to get down to work to start my first draft! The 20-minute exercises were so helpful. They kept me writing every day and constantly thinking about my story. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book but were afraid you aren’t good enough: 1. You’re wrong. Your story is worth telling. 2. The Novelry will help you overcome those doubts and get you from thinking about writing to actually writing.’

‘I’ve taken many writing courses that were very important to my development as a writer and this course is like nothing I’ve ever had. The idea of studying “the classics” was something I never thought of doing but I do feel that it is fundamental to how I will move forward with my writing. Going through what a story needs felt wonderful and inspiring. It felt essential and not as repetitive as the other courses I’ve taken on writing and storytelling. I have almost a full notebook of notes that I believe I will always turn back to on every new project. This course pushed me to learn things I’ve been so eager to know about but didn’t know where to start. It helps me imagine my stories in new dimensions and pushes me to keep going.’

‘Before the course, I was able to write a novel from start to finish, but when it came down to developing it and finding those errors that a proofreader and/or editor would have done, I felt stuck. I needed and wanted more guidance, and I wanted to go back to my school years of being taught how to “write” again. Instead of just having myself as the person who held me accountable, I now had my entire writing course making sure I was putting in the work. I was welcomed into a world full of writers—of people just like me, having the same kind of fears and doubts. For those looking to get back into writing courses but don’t feel like they have the time, money or energy to go to school full time, The Novelry may just be the best option out there. I felt instantly welcomed, guided, and protected by the courses and the instructors. I had fun while also working my butt off, and I always left a lesson/session feeling excited to jump right back into it!’

‘I have never written a novel before and was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I have really enjoyed this course so much and am motivated (yet still nervous) to write. Taking The Advanced Outline Class has given me all the confidence I needed to finally start planning my novel. This class has given me everything I need to write and then some! I am so grateful I found this course and cannot wait to begin The Ninety Day Novel!’

‘Before joining the course, I was concerned about having the confidence to build a robust outline that I could confidently follow as I draft. I now have a lot more confidence in my outline. I learned a lot about story structure and I enjoyed working on my novel’s plan. It was a wonderful experience. I loved joining the community, improving my story fundamentals, and coming out the other side more motivated and sure of the direction I want to take my story in. I can’t wait to take other courses.’

‘While I am a published non-fiction author and a professional writer for years, no one ever instructed me on the structure of creating a story. This was the education I needed, at the pace I needed. As a result of joining The Novelry, I’ve been able to prioritize my need to write. I also feel grateful for being part of a supportive community on The Novelry Live, where I can get quality feedback. More importantly, I am taking my dreams and desires seriously for the first time in my life. I now feel confident I can write the novel I wanted to write 20 years ago.’

‘I was worried about the quality of the writing in my novel and I decided to enrol on a course with The Novelry to finally invest in myself. My creative side had been so neglected that when I started to write, I had no direction, no idea how to put my story down onto the page in a way that would engage readers. Since taking the course, I feel I have written something worthy of being read, and for once, my creative side has had some well-needed attention. My writing and story improved immensely, and when I look back at my first draft I almost cannot believe that it was written by my hand, as my novel now feels so much more polished and professional. It makes me believe that perhaps one day, this novel could be sat on someone’s shelf, that someone thought it was worth their time to read it. My coaching calls with Katie Khan and Craig Leyenaar were worth their weight in gold. They both gave me direction with my story, ideas which brought it to life, enhanced my work and made it evolve into something greater. They made me feel I could produce something worth reading and the story would not have become what it is without them pointing me in the right direction. My writing would not be what it is today without The Novelry. Thank you for making me feel like my writing was worth something.’

‘The course at The Novelry is so much better than my Masters in Creative Writing because, while I found my degree valuable for building confidence and exploring ideas, it often felt overly focused on peer critique. My plot wasn’t moving along and the pacing was off in the first novel I attempted during my MA course. At The Novelry, I’ve adored these lessons. They’re so propulsive but also ridiculously clear. The structure and planning lessons were brilliant, and the teaching is practical, example-rich, structured, and industry-facing. What’s made the biggest difference is learning how to unpick the writing of a novel—understanding how and why a story works, not just admiring it. I’m not just writing with feeling now, but with intention, and the tips around pacing have been invaluable beyond belief.’

‘Where do I begin? I have created a first draft based on The Five Fs and I learned I actually can write. I am so glad I took this course because it set me on the correct path. Before that, I was writing aimlessly. What helped me the most was the 1:1 coaching, the videos from The Novelry coaches at the beginning of each module sharing amazing insights, encouragement and advice, and Louise’s wisdom and encouragement. Learning that there are several approaches to writing a first draft and none of them are wrong and that it’s about finding out what works for you was extremely helpful for me because I am neurodivergent. This experience was absolutely invaluable. No new author should write their very first draft without The Novelry.’

‘Before this course, I was not sure of my ability to edit well, but I am significantly more confident that I can do a good job of it now. Without this course, I don’t think I would have been shortlisted for The Book Edit Writer’s Prize and subsequently had three requests for full manuscripts. I loved the continued monthly calls with the other scholars who did The Big Edit and the confidence I gained from my editing sessions (Francine is a legend!). I’ve loved my time with The Novelry. The coaching sessions have been invaluable to me in generating stronger ideas, and my confidence has grown exponentially. If you want to take your writing seriously and have a team of professionals do the same, The Novelry is the place to come to.’

‘Thanks to lessons learned during the course, I realised why I was struggling. The reinforcing of the structure (story arcs/The Five Fs) helped a lot, but perhaps the biggest “A-ha!” moment was how much my characters were able to develop once I gave them free rein to be themselves. The coaches helped me the most. I spoke with a different coach for each session—Evie Wyld because of the similarities in what I was writing in terms of POV and theme, and Kate Riordan because of the spectrum of work she’s produced. It was so good to have a conversation about the work after being stuck in my own head on it for so long. This has been SO worthwhile. Between the lessons and feedback from coaches—and the community on The Novelry Live, and the 1,001 Catch Up TV articles to sift through, the blog posts and so on, I have learned so much and felt so supported and “seen”.’

‘Before joining, I spent a lot of time writing a novel that was far too long and convoluted. I had to let go of the old to allow for the new, but the structure of the courses kept me focused and in good company. I felt closely accompanied by the course and coach, and the structure with creative freedom (Tools not Rules) was a benefit. Closely following Coetzee’s own journey was particularly inspiring. It really humanized the art of writing for me. The course helped me learn that I have to be patient with myself; writing my first novel is supposed to be difficult. Now I am part of a bigger community. I am empowered to write my novel, but best of all, the course has helped me feel at ease every step of the way. It works!’

‘Wow, just wow. Really! I completed the course yesterday but had to wait till today to write this because I was too fearful of gushing too much, and sounding slightly unhinged. I realize that I might be sounding unhinged anyway. But I really thoroughly enjoyed this course, more than any I’ve done before. It’s insightful, balanced, encouraging, honest and fun at the same time. I learned more from doing this course over the last five months than I have in writing fiction for the last five years. Thank you.’

‘Joining The Novelry was the best decision I’ve made in my journey toward publishing. The tools, inspiration, and the live coaching sessions helped me turn my manuscript into a story I am proud of. The writer coaching sessions were gold. At The Novelry I have found my writing family. This is my home. It is my well, from which I draw upon the waters of inspiration.’

‘Before joining The Novelry, I couldn’t find a course in my area on how to write a book. There were courses on creative writing at our city’s university but not specifically a how-to. I wanted all the information in one place, like a masterclass. I have learnt so much from The Novelry, and from their amazing coaches and editors. The workshops were my favourite part of it all. Talking with other writers and practicing live was so helpful. I also loved Story Clinic—even if I didn’t have a question in mind, just hearing others and taking part in helping them was great. The Novelry’s sense of community among writers completely changed my life. I’ve made real-life friends through this course and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to figure out what kind of writer they want to be.’

‘I could not be more thrilled with the decision to join The Novelry. Before, I was in the middle of a fantasy novel that had turned into a hopeless tangle of dangling threads, and I did not know how to finish. I wanted to truly understand the structure of the novel so I could build better, from the bones out, in future projects. I had looked at a number of MFA programs, but they focused on so many other things that seemed extraneous to this goal without ever targeting my goal of writing a novel (especially a fantasy novel). I got all that I wanted and more at The Novelry, and I have completed a novel that I am thoroughly proud of. Yesterday, my wife filmed me typing “THE END” and we followed that up with a wild rumpus of a dance party in our living room. Being able to talk with professionals in the realm of fantasy literature was HUGE for me—it made it seem possible. Beyond that, the videos helped me to focus daily on the craft, even on days when I did not feel like writing. Writing is so solitary and the opportunity to engage with a wider (worldwide!) community of people engaged in this same endeavor is such a gift. I cannot say enough good about my experience at The Novelry.’

‘My experience with The Novelry can only be described as transformative—they helped turn my story into a book, and turned me from a hobbyist into a writer. My coaches were invaluable, they were the perfect mix of encouraging and critical, and everyone at The Novelry was engaged in my work and clearly invested in my success. The course equipped me with a set of tools that I know I will use throughout my writing career. I am so deeply grateful to The Novelry for their support and guidance—I would recommend any aspiring writer wanting to take their work to the next level to work with them with absolutely no reservations.’ Connor Martini has signed with Ampersand Agency for his debut novel.

‘The Novelry combines the magic of emotion with the magic of conscious planning and structuring. Truly a wonderful experience. This course has been fantastic in all regards. Extraordinary, well worth its cost and more. I know I have all the tools I need to succeed.’

‘Before I joined The Novelry I wondered—would I be able to stick to a daily writing routine and finish a first draft in 90 days? I’ve thought about writing a novel for quite some time, but I never approached it with a clear plan and vision. The Novelry gave me what I was lacking. I feel like a professional writer working my craft and not a hobbyist floundering. I learned to form a daily writing routine. I also learned to use the lessons to think critically about the structure, plot, character development, and other key components of my story. I enjoyed the guided process, the time with my mentor, and just getting the first draft written!’

‘When I decided to join The Novelry, I had been writing seriously for many years. I’d had some success getting short stories and essays published but my dream of becoming a published novelist was waning. I had two and a half trunked novels and a few new ideas floating around. I knew I couldn’t give up, but I also knew that this time I wanted to write faster, better, and with a plan. The Novelry gave me the precise tools and industry insights I needed to write a stellar pitch, synopsis, and book that I seriously can’t wait to finish and get out there. I’m over the moon and so grateful to Louise and all the wonderful family of writers at The Novelry for guiding me in my publishing journey. Joining The Novelry is undoubtedly the smartest thing I could have done for my writing career.’

‘I created a morning writing practice that I’ve stuck to and really enjoyed. I feel inspired to think about my story in a more expansive and more focused way and I am confident that I’ll have the support I need to get to the end of a draft. For the first time, my writing has a shape and structure and momentum that I was missing. I feel fully supported and empowered to take the foundations I am learning and practicing here and build a story that I am proud of.’

‘I’ve been a writer for decades but The Novelry helped me enjoy the process. The lessons, writing coach, and Golden Hours were my lifeline and through-line to getting this draft done. I made liberal use of workshops, blogs, and Catch Up TV. Eventually (after six months) I found a totally different story that worked for me and produced an 82,000-word first draft.’

‘I was concerned that I would have the time to finish the course, or that I would be drawn into outside needs that would keep me from it. I loved the structure of the lessons because it appealed to many parts of my mind and kept me completely engaged the whole time. And the content is above and beyond anything else I’ve seen. I feel so centered from this course. Focused, excited, forward-thinking, seeing the real possibilities. I feel like I’m not alone in how I think about writing and books. I’m inspired by the coaches and other writers. And I can see a path forward for my writing. The Novelry is so intelligent and beautifully put together—a real joy to learn from. But beyond the smart crafted course, there’s a real heart to every lesson. It’s this heartfulness that’s the center of The Novelry, and I think it exemplifies the best of what they teach—creating a numinous, tender world that pulls each of us in, where we feel we’re home.’

‘I had already done a first draft, but was feeling extremely stuck on how and what to change about my first draft going forward. The ability to speak to someone and get their perspective was instrumental in helping me finish this second draft. The Novelry is a fantastic course, and I cannot give enough credit to the amazing mentors that help you along the way who were invaluable in helping me complete my second draft!’

‘I was able to get into a great routine of writing. After work at night or on the weekends at the local coffee shop was my safe haven. I was able to enjoy the process and carve out a solid word count during each writing session. The coaching appointments were a great tool to aid in the story development process and to get my questions answered. The lessons gave me various perspectives and insights about the writing process. The experience is fun. It holds you accountable. Without this program and this course in particular, I would be way behind. I couldn’t (and still can’t) think of a day where there wasn’t a moment I stopped to write something in my notes app on my phone about my novel.’

‘I’m incredibly grateful for The Novelry. In the past, I’ve written a few novels—only for them to end up forgotten in my desk drawer. The process always felt long and lonely. Now I have a plan, and I am so excited to start. I like that each lesson was impactful. No wasted material here. Every day gave me something of substance to work on that moved my plan forward. For the first time as a writer, I feel a true sense of direction and support. I can’t thank you enough.’

‘I had plenty of story ideas and strong concepts, but would my ideas have enough mileage? Could I keep up the momentum? Thanks to the course I now believe I can do it. I have developed positivity and self-belief. I wish I had jumped into The Novelry pool years ago.’

‘This is my first novel, and I realized very quickly the method I’ve used for poetry and short stories would not work. Now, I know I can make time for writing in my daily life. I don’t have to write things perfectly on the first try—in fact I won’t, and it’s unrealistic to expect that to happen. Planning, although time consuming, makes the writing process easier. I have a cohesive outline for my novel that includes theme and a character arc for my protagonist. This has been a major game changer for my writing.’

‘My experience on this course was absolutely magical. It revived my love for writing and allowed me to learn all the tools I needed to create a great story. I feel more confident that I know how to put a story together. It gave me a great sense of understanding, enhancement of my creativity, and the ability to break down what I need to create a great story.’

‘I’m grateful to exist at a time when The Novelry does. I have made more progress with writing than ever before. I have started a regular writing routine. I have started to believe in my own perspective.’

‘The layered teaching approach at The Novelry makes it a good fit for any writer at any stage of their journey. Each layer seamlessly builds upon the last, offering deeper insights into the art of storytelling and narrative structure. I especially enjoyed the self-paced structure that allowed me to absorb the lessons at my own rhythm while still continuing to work on my memoir.’

‘I’ve been writing for me forever. My approach this time is to tell a great story and find readers. So I’m much different this time around. The Five Fs—so much more malleable and applicable than, say, the Save the Cat beats (which I also love, even if they’re a little clunky). The midpoint discussion also really resonated. I think if I treat my midpoint correctly I can avoid the mid-novel sag. I also could go on and on about how useful it is to ask: “What is my reader reading for?” This has firmly kept my ADHD in check—maybe not the hyperactivity, but definitely my focus! I was a school teacher for 23 years, and I am just knocked out time and time again at the quality of the lessons and the authenticity of the delivery. The Finished Novel Course has enriched my entire life. How do I sign up for a lifetime membership? 😊’

‘I wanted to learn how to write a novel and give it the best chance possible. I knew I couldn’t do it alone. For every time I stumbled, The Novelry caught me with wisdom from the coaches, workshops, and support from fellow writers for every turn in the road. Published or not, I cannot imagine ever writing without The Novelry now! Trust the process. What feels impossible can, indeed, become possible. Having crossed this finish line, I feel quite motivated for the next stage. I know I’m in the right place.’

‘Writing a book felt really daunting and unattainable. I lacked the confidence to put thoughts and ideas on paper. I have secretly wanted to write a book for so long, but have never had the confidence or path forward to do that. The Novelry helped me learn about the tools to craft my own story and gave me actionable tasks that helped me believe that I can write a book. I have a whole idea for the book I want to write. I never thought I would get to this point! They took the fear out of it for me, and I’m finally starting to believe that I am a writer.’

‘I knew that I had a great love of storytelling but desperately needed a refresher on the craft before I dove into the writing of my first draft. I really cannot express enough how The Classic Class embodied and explored all of my favorite aspects of my Creative Writing minor at college without any of the filler that bogged things down. Your approach here really speaks for itself and I am feeling so empowered and confident about writing my first draft! I feel more prepared than ever to write my first novel—and I’ve got a fantastic idea to work with.’

‘I adore The Novelry. I can’t believe something so wonderful exists for writers! I didn’t know how to tackle a whole novel, knew nothing about writing and structure. The lessons were amazing. It is so professionally done and the community is amazing. I have written a first draft that I am proud of, with a great plot and characters.’

‘I was alone in a vacuum of my own making, for decades, dreaming of writing a novel, and knowing I was a good writer, but never actually beginning one. I was getting disgusted with myself for not doing the one thing I knew I was born to do. The Novelry showed me, step by step, that I don’t need to “be a writer”—because I already am a writer. I simply need to learn to let go of the fear and terror of not producing perfect prose and plots, immediately. I learned that by first being comfortable and cozy in my mind and by being kind to my muse, I can let it free to show me the way. This course has transformed my worldview of writing. Whether I get published or not, somehow, it has ceased to matter in the process of this course. New delights have popped up, especially the sheer joy of living the writing life, knowing that the course in and of itself opened up my love of the process and my love for words. My joy in writing has been re-discovered.’

‘This was a phenomenal experience. Having started The Ninety Day Novel program and then paused to go through The Classic, I know that I’ll get 10 times more out of the next course. The foundation of The Classic course was a mandatory requirement for me. I could not possibly be more ready and prepared for success.’

‘I was preparing to reduce my working hours in order finally to have time to write, but was concerned that I had accumulated so many ideas over the past 25 years that I might just flail about aimlessly. My natural inclination is always to study things, so I looked at various Masters’ degrees in creative writing. I didn’t find what I was looking for in their syllabuses, though—they looked a lot more like degrees in English Literature than support structures for people embarking on writing their own work. Then I found The Novelry, and it immediately seemed a lot more relevant to my specific requirements, guiding me gently on my own path with helpful frameworks and distilled learning, without any kind of genre snobbery and with plenty of opportunities for community interaction. The practical access to editors and publishers down the line was also a big attraction. I now have confidence that I have a story worth telling, which readers will enjoy! Clarity on how to present the material to maximise reader engagement! Thorough enjoyment of the learning process itself! I have much better understanding of how to draw out and distill the elements of the story I want to tell so that they will captivate a reader as strongly as they captivate me, plus the reassurance that my story does indeed contain the key ingredients to make it appealing to others. Although I am still in the foothills of writing my novel I have already used my learning to help me write a prize-winning story which will appear in a magazine next year—my first taste of publication!’

‘I’m a published non-fiction author but I’ve been struggling to make the jump to fiction, despite studying so much on it. The course gave me so much motivation and I really appreciated the access to amazing resources and authors. What I’ve loved most is the way Louise talks about writing—it’s so poetic and romantic (while being deeply real) and it makes me want to do it, knowing I’ve got company.’

‘I didn’t have the skills, the patience, or the routine to work writing into my life. I knew I wanted to write a book, I thought I had a story—but I only had the faintest idea of what was to come. I was struggling in my personal life to feel like anything had any meaning, and I needed to make a change. I had the vague idea of the story that I wanted to write when I got here, and The Novelry helped me RUN with it. I worked ferociously, and I found a little piece of myself that was just for me. I love the live classes and connecting with other people who are in my shoes. I am SO happy that I took the plunge and did this. The Novelry has been an absolute joy to be a part of. I didn’t think I could do this when I started... And now I’ve got a full first draft and the confidence to do it all again. I LOVE this community and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone that is thinking about joining. Thank you!’

‘The Novelry is such a gift to aspiring writers. It packs in a lifetime’s worth of writing wisdom and practical tools, striking the perfect balance of structure and freedom. This course has left me feeling prepared and ready to embark on writing my novel. The Novelry demystifies the creative process by pulling lessons from the greats, which was such a fun and cozy way to learn. Their accessible, friendly, no-ego approach to writing is such a breath of fresh air. It sounded aggressively ambitious to write a novel in 90 days when I first started the course, having tried and failed to write my book for a year and a half. But clearly, The Novelry knows what they’re doing. Keeping pace with the daily lessons, I finished in 106 days (taking Sundays off...). Their special sauce of daily lessons, insightful coaching sessions, and built-in accountability were exactly what I needed. They made the writing process one of joyous discovery, and I know I will miss my daily morning writing sessions. I’m so grateful that a course like this exists. I can’t imagine writing without them now.’

‘If, like me, you want to tell a story and you feel that story in your bones but haven’t the first clue where to start... Please do yourself a massive favor and get yourself over to The Novelry straight away. My biggest obstacle when deciding to join this course was, undoubtedly, myself. I am my own worst enemy most of the time and my lack of self-confidence holds me back from taking those big leaps in life. It was mind-boggling to me how much changes when you finally force yourself to move ideas from your mind to the page. I have taken from this course a sense of peace, pride, and above all, excitement. I do have a story in me worth telling, and I do have the support and the resources to see that story take shape and hopefully one day reach others. I am walking away with brand new ideas and inspirations that have taken my love of storytelling to a new level. I am walking away from this course with a pride and self-assurance that I never would have thought possible for myself.’

‘Taking the course has opened up a whole new world and community to me. It’s brought with it much joy and excitement. It’s enabled me to tap into my creative and imaginative self and be amazed at what I found. I signed up to The Novel Kickstarter Course at The Novelry with hope in my heart but also with a certain amount of reservation about my ability to succeed. I am now so pleased that I decided to do it. I have a story I want to write and The Classic Class has helped me form what I hope is a workable plan/outline for my novel. I have chosen to trust the process and believe I will have the support to help me write my first draft.’

I’m feeling very excited about writing my novel after taking The Classic! I thought the course was incredibly helpful! It gave me the guidance I was craving and lots of inspiration for my story. Lots of encouragement, too. I feel like I now have a strong understanding of what I need to do to write my novel. The inspiration I’ve gotten from this course has been priceless.

‘It has so far been an incredible and life-changing experience. I previously had no idea where to even begin with creating my own story, and this course not only provided the training wheels but also strong arms to catch me if I were to fall. Regardless of the invaluable advice it has provided with writing your first novel, it has also gifted me a much stronger sense of self and who I want to be as a writer. I have much more trust in my words and in my own abilities.’

‘The advice (whether given in the daily lessons, through coaching, or in the workshops) is more than just theory; it is real and actionable. In addition to all the course material, there is still so much wonderful content available for me to access! The Story First approach of flipping things around—creating the hook first—helped me identify the strongest thread and simplify the story. My coach helped me to see that I had created a story, within a story, within a story—a Frankenstein story. But she reassured me this was normal—it wasn’t a failure, it was part of the process. The daily lessons not only taught me a great deal about writing but also guided me through the process, providing support and encouragement through the inevitable ups and downs. I bought The Novel Development Course as a birthday present to myself. And what a gift it turned out to be. It provided me with a solid structure. Holding my hand each step of the way and giving me confidence in the process. I now believe I can do this. I had taken a couple of short writing courses previously, but The Novelry does things on a totally different level. I just wish I’d found it sooner.’

‘I had a wonderful idea about a magical system but had no idea about story structure. I wrote several chapters without a plan, and of course, I wrote all the wrong things! Taking The Classic was a wonderful, immersive experience. I discovered the theme of my story. I wrote an outline of my story. I learned so much! I learned about what makes a classic story structure and why it is needed, how to write a synopsis, a hook, and a pitch. I now have the confidence that I can and will take my story idea all the way to a published novel. I got lost in a mesmerizing world of storytelling, and I don’t want to stop!’

‘Before starting The Advanced Class, I was feeling overwhelmed and struggling to make a plan to finish my novel. Thanks to this course, I realized I was starting my novel in the wrong place. Once I changed the beginning and determined the midpoint, I was able to put together a much clearer plot summary with a story I’m excited about. I also refined my theme and got to know my main character better. I’m excited to start writing! All of the lessons are fantastic and helped me get my head around the story I’m writing. I also love the length of the lessons. They are focused and easy to digest. By the time I completed the last lesson, I had a stronger theme, a deeper understanding of my main character and antagonist, and a clear plot summary for a story I’m genuinely excited to write. This course gave me the confidence to keep going!’

‘I came to The Novelry a broken writer. I had tried everything and had gotten so close to getting an agent several times, but it was obvious there was something not working with the execution of my novels. Hooks, pitches, and the actual writing were not my weakness—something was falling apart past the opening chapters. It was my coach who finally told me what it was (being as gentle as she could be, knowing it meant a total reworking of the story. Again.). And it finally clicked! From there, continuing through the lessons and being guided home by my editor, this experience has been one of the most rewarding of my career. This novel is better than anything I ever thought I was capable of writing, and I look forward to happily writing many more with my newfound skills and insight!’

‘The Novelry’s course has inspired me to believe I can write my novel, and I have finished a draft that I’m proud of! Each session with Louise takes you step by step through the process and delivers the right tools at just the right time to help you trust in yourself and create a story you love. The tasks in each section have helped me to access my creativity in new ways. I’ve made breakthroughs with my ideas that will really help me going forward. The checklists and resources have helped me to plan and dream and approach my writing in a different way. My writing coach has been invaluable in challenging me and pushing me to really nail my ideas down and raise the stakes of my story. It’s a lovely, welcoming community where you can learn in a supportive environment with resources like workshops, interviews with other authors, editors, and publishers, and Catch Up TV. There is so much depth to the course and help with every aspect of writing a novel. I was feeling jaded before I started and this has reinvigorated me and taught me to plan and dream and approach my writing in a fun way.’

‘Joining The Novelry was the best decision I made for myself and my writing career. For years I had thought about writing a novel, but I wasn’t really sure where to start. The Novelry is not just an amazing writing course; it is so much more. It is also a community of ambitious writers, authors, mentors, editors, and all-round lovely people who will be with you on your writing journey. The courses are designed in a way that will keep you motivated and excited to find your story. I joined before I even had a story idea, and since then, I have written a first draft, been through rounds of edits, and have a complete manuscript I am really proud of. Throughout their submission process, I had support and guidance from The Novelry team. I am so glad that I found my home here at The Novelry and that I am now represented by James Wills of Watson, Little. I cannot wait to continue to grow as a writer within The Novelry community.’

‘I learned a tremendous amount about writing and formed a daily practice. On my down and lonely days, when I thought I would never make it through, I would tune into a workshop for support and encouragement, and it would see me through. I benefited greatly from the guidance of the daily lessons, the support of the community, and the professional coaching.’

‘For every writer who has wondered, “Is the story good? Is it engaging? Will anyone want to read my work? Will an agent ever show interest in me?” Well, fear not. For I can now tell you with great confidence that there is a benevolent guide just waiting to take you by the hand, one who knows no shadows and, better yet, can help you push them away. I know that now because I once was right where you may be right now. The guide is The Novelry with its visionary founder, Louise Dean, and her cast of countless professionals, all just waiting to show you the way. To forever remove your shadow selves and earn the respect you deserve for having focused your efforts and dedicated yourself to becoming the best writer you can be! Join The Novelry community of writers and transform yourself.’

‘I was floundering in resistance and lack of confidence. That’s when I found The Novelry. From the day I started, I felt a shift and a sense of renewal. My creative energy has been sparked what was a constant state of resistance is now a state of momentum and motivation. I’m finding the simplicity of The Five Fs empowering. That simple structure kept me grounded through writing the short account of my story and showed me that the story I’ve been resistant to write is worth telling. Taking the course has also shown me that even the greatest writers can struggle and sometimes need a community to help them reach clarity and success. If you ever find yourself unable to write and wanting to give up, please consider joining The Novelry and expect to experience a burst of creative energy.’

‘I've played around with creative writing since I was 10 or 11, and my lifelong dream has been to write a book. I’ve never had the structure or organization to get me through the finish line of a full first draft, and The Novelry made that possible. The coaching was invaluable; every session helped my forward momentum. I truly believe in myself and I’m loving my own story I’ve written—with more drafts to come, of course, but my confidence is very high that through this course, I am going to accomplish my dream of a finished, polished novel. Even with a demanding “day job,” my one hour of writing every morning was a treat and an experience I’ll cherish forever.’

‘I never thought that writing a novel would be possible, and The Novelry gave me the encouragement and confidence to take the leap and try. The Novelry also taught me the importance of prioritizing myself :) Aside from writing, The Novelry has been really fantastic for my mental health in encouraging me to take time for myself, and what is important and nourishing for me. It’s been really fantastic to focus more on living in the moment, and take joy in the little everyday things in life. I’ve also loved the community that I’ve gained, and new folks that I otherwise wouldn’t have connected with! The Finished Novel Course has given me the confidence that even with no creative writing experience, it’s possible to write a meaningful novel!’

‘105,880 words! I have also gained enormous confidence, and I believe that the encouragement I received at The Novelry has been a contributing factor to the WILDLY positive change in my mental health. I am so, so grateful and more proud of myself than I have ever been. I’ve loved my time with The Novelry. The coaching sessions have been invaluable to me in generating stronger ideas, and my confidence has grown exponentially. If you want to take your writing seriously and have a team of professionals do the same, The Novelry is the place to come to!’

‘As an English professor, I think I’ve spent so much time revering works and analyzing them that the idea of writing creatively seemed entirely impossible. For the first time ever, I’ve had a longer than twenty-one-day writing habit, and if I’ve missed a day (gasp!) and still come back to it, which helps me feel like I might be able to get over my perfectionism enough to get through the next course too. I feel like I’m part of a community of writers, a really supportive community of writers. It brings tears to my eyes and stops up my throat when I try to explain how important and rare that is. I have hope that I can do this thing that has been a dream of mine for so long and that no matter what happens to the completed story in the rest of the world, I will be able to make it readable, maybe even enjoyable, for the people for whom I’m writing it. The course was great, and I love the philosophy and examples that Louise Dean uses. The best thing is the community, though, and the encouragement we receive that helps us begin to believe in ourselves.’

‘Over the years, I started and abandoned many novels. After hitting a milestone birthday, I decided I didn’t want to look back on my life with regret for never at least trying to fulfill my literary ambitions. I decided to search in earnest for a writing course that would teach me the structure to write (and finish) one of my many book ideas. I discovered The Novelry, returning to the home page repeatedly over a month-long period where I debated signing up. I’m so glad I did! The team has been fantastic—helping me through writing humps and plot holes, and getting me to where I am today, which is represented by a fantastic agent who shares my vision for my future career. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the amazing support of The Novelry, authors and editors, whose encouragement, thoughtful feedback and industry expertise made navigating revisions and the submission process a joy.’

‘It’s lovely because I’m not just learning to write a better story, I’ve found a community of people who are going through the same creative process and struggles. I’m gaining knowledge just hanging around and listening to everything!’

‘Whether by chance or design, I completed my novel on the 90th day after beginning The Ninety Day Novel. Without this course, I have no doubt the work would be significantly poorer and only half completed. The course has an uncanny ability to provide material at the precise moment roadblocks and concerns emerge in the writing. The course is not only full of great writing advice, it delivers not just theory but a real novel at the end of it.’

‘I have published a number of books that were shortlisted and honorably mentioned in nationally recognized competitions. Yet, I realized after taking The Novelry’s courses how much I had missed in attempting to learn writing on my own. These classes opened my eyes to essential literary elements that I’d read about but never quite understood how to execute in my own prose. Following their step-by-step guide to character development, pacing and theme afforded me crucial insight not only into what will keep readers turning pages but the importance of the writing journey itself!’

‘I gained new angles on my material, realizing so much adventure was right here in the planning and writing, and I feel more deeply immersed in/inspired by/excited about the craft and more connected to others who are, and have been, similarly led. A big fat thank you. I have been wondering why I hadn’t learned at least some of this before in school. But mostly, I’m just over-the-moon grateful to be learning it now.’

‘I feel empowered to move forward in a definite, sustainable way—both writing actual fiction, which is motivating to me, and improving the craft of writing, which is important because there’s a lot of MFA-type material contained in these courses. Seriously—this material is dense. If you work through it, you will absolutely be a better writer than you were when you started (that is, you will emerge as someone who produces higher-quality work, more consistently, with considerably less stress/heartburn than previously was your experience).’

‘The warmth and encouragement of Louise’s voice through the course, the inspiration that came with varied exercises and texts we’ve explored. I enjoy the way the course is structured and takes you on a journey. From lack of confidence and discipline to write regularly to the habit of sitting down for an hour each day (most days) to read the material and do the exercises with gentle affirmation to keep going and take it one step at a time.’

‘The course has given me clarity and purpose on every other aspect of writing. The formula has clicked and I just get it now. I feel more confident that the direction I’m going in is my best yet. I’ve taken a couple of writing courses before, but none have helped as much as The Novelry has. There’s a wealth of practical, tangible, nitty-gritty help to get your novel into decent shape. For the first time, I don’t feel slightly lost, misunderstood and rudderless. I just wish I’d found The Novelry years ago.’

‘First of all, the quality was EXCELLENT. I loved the combination of the video material, the lecture content, the activities, the To Do lists, the downloads. Really top-notch! I’ve never taken a course that was more professional or delivered in a better format. There was just so much terrific content. I’m still digesting and thinking about it.’

‘I feel like I have the tools to really polish my manuscript and come up with a much more solid novel. I’ve been trying to write on my own, learning from articles, books and magazines for years and from the first lesson when Louise told me that I AM A WRITER, I knew I should have done this so long ago.’

‘Prior to finding The Novelry, I’d taken writing courses with several other writing schools. They were helpful, but I knew when I found The Novelry, I’d found my forever writing home.’

‘I have started to write. I have discovered a new part of my life. I have started to tell a story. The Novelry, the writing coaches and all my new friends have contributed to making this a life-changing experience for me and I would simply say—don’t hesitate for a minute!’

‘I learned in this course that being a guide for my reader is just as important as being a good writer. We have to care for them and make them feel safe as they read. Well, I found the team at The Novelry to be more than guides. You are sherpas who knew I would need help to carry the load and take my first nervous steps up the mountain. And for that, I am so grateful.’

‘I loved all of it. It was all helpful. It was really helpful to go over the fundamentals and it helped validate my approach, confirm my choices, and encourage me to keep at it. I’ve taken writing classes and attended writing workshops and conferences but I’ve never encountered any writing program quite like The Novelry—one that is practical yet aspirational and grounded in the steps to completing a novel. I enjoyed it thoroughly and feel really motivated to finish my book.’

‘Before joining the course, I was worried about my plot being solid. I now have confidence that I can do this! Great advice from my coach. Outstanding genre-specific workshops! I have an 80,000 word first draft! The Novelry has convinced me that with discipline and the desire to learn, I can write a novel that readers will truly enjoy.’

‘The Novelry literally takes your hand and walks you through each stage of how to write a book. From the idea, right to the last chapter.’

‘I didn’t think I had what it takes (enough natural talent as if it was some elusive thing), but I now know it takes much more than that to be a writer. I finished my first draft and now have confidence that I have what it takes to be a writer. Taking The Finished Novel Course has been incredible. I have finished my first draft, learned how to analyze literature, how to be a student and a writer. I now have the confidence to trust my judgment and the soundness of mind that I don’t have to know everything (although I know much more than when I started this course) before I can write. This has been life-changing. Thank you!’

‘I’ve never quite taken a course like this. You look at award-winning novels with a fine-toothed comb, and compare them to what you’re doing. How did the writer accomplish that? How can I accomplish it? It requires you to step up to the plate, to take a hard look at what you’re doing. Are you serious about this? Are you going to work for it? Also, the course allows you to decide, for yourself, what kind of writer you’ll be. It gives you permission to be yourself. And, of course, support is always there, which is immensely comforting.’

‘I have much more confidence that I could actually write this, finish it, edit it and even try to get it published. I read a lot of books! And it was a bit like taking a course on reading a novel at the same time, which I enjoyed. I overcame my fear of dialogue because I could not avoid writing it for 90 days! I have a morning writing habit, I have changed the way I think about a book and how it works. It’s great motivation and full of things to think about. I’d absolutely recommend it.’