The Ninety Day Novel Class  

‘I love writing and have written a novel that was a fictional memoir for my kids and published it, and I wrote a children’s book. I wanted to “up” my writing and had been looking at The Novelry for over a year. The Advanced Outline Class was a good kickstarter for the full Finished Novel Course. I loved the sharing by Kate Riordan. That was very honest and helpful to have her reflections, and The Novelry Live resource was superb. I felt like I had some great tools in my belt and a decent plan of action. Moving on to The Ninety Day Novel was everything and more than what I expected. The program is a complete and thorough package that gets us to consider every aspect of writing a novel. There are so many incredible aspects to it but the part I loved the most was the “tools and not rules”. The coaches speak with deliberation and allow for growth and creativity. I finished my first draft in the 90 days and I am excited for the next part. Everyone I’ve met in my life wants to write a book. Few do. The Novelry provides writers the opportunity to fulfill a dream. And while they push you, they also always let you know that everything will be OK and that they are walking along with you. I’ve learned so much about myself in this process. It’s wonderful.’

‘Before joining the course I was worried about not finishing my novel and had self-esteem woes. The Ninety Day Novel gave me organisation, writing perspective, motivation and a wonderful mentor, Libby! I found the lessons on structure and the wonderful references from the classics most helpful. How do I structure this beast that is beautiful in my mind, but a messy monster in the outside world? With insight, reference points I can return to and invaluable teaching. Thank you for the endless inspiration that has come out of this perfectly structured and organised course.’

‘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.’

‘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, 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.’

‘Before the course, I was concerned about ADHD frustrations and an insufficient understanding of the publishing world, literary markets, and novelist writing standards. With The Ninety Day Novel I received sooooo much useful information and a feeling of community amongst professionals on The Novelry team and fellow newbie authors. The hard work of lessons and crafting into writing along the way was so helpful. Workshops and resources are great and having a talented author coach in Tara Conklin has been a blessing. This course has given me structure, the understanding that all writers are more alike than different when it comes to self doubt and avoiding painful tasks, and the learning from resources provided: lessons from the masters! Whatever is stopping you from writing that book you dream of being published, you can find your answer here at The Novelry. As one with ADD, and after decades of “swimming against the tide,” this writer now has hope. My first draft is done! And with three coaching meetings under my belt, my excitement for The Big Edit phase is off the charts! Whether you seek structure (The Novelry classes will solve this for you), or insight into how to develop the best writing itself (The Novelry will present the masters themselves to you!), or if you feel alone, unsure and are doubting yourself, you can do it. Believe!’

‘I (think!) know I can write, but the concept of producing a draft manuscript has always been too intimidating, even after completing an English degree and creative writing courses with other providers in the field. I wanted a deeper understanding of HOW a novel is structured as it all felt like a bit of a mystery to me. The Ninety Day Novel has provided me with many tools and different perspectives for how to approach my future writing. For example, the genius of The Five Fs gives me confidence that I am guided by a robust plan, and some of the tasks helped me think laterally about how I might approach different aspects of writing and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I love being in a community of other writers, having support from experts and coaches, and knowing the material is always available for me to go back to when I need. Previously I never thought I was a writer – or that I would ever be able to call myself that. This is the first exciting stepping stone in the right direction. I’ve gained confidence and feel as though I’ve been given so much insight and tools to organise everything that’s been floating around in my head into a tangible piece of work. This might be just the beginning, and the road ahead is long, but it’s a super positive start for me.’

‘I always loved literature at school and uni. But what you do here is next level. Above anything I’ve done before, and I have done many classes at university. I think this is a fantastic course overall. The structure is great and matches where I may be in the writing, and going back and forth whenever I need to revise something helps. I love how everything is explained through a different lens and I love this course immensely. I wish I could have done it full time in a classroom seeing all of you in person. That would be a dream. I look forward to editing the manuscript and everything else I will learn in that process.’

‘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.’

‘This course was incredible. I cannot thank you enough for helping me take real steps to fulfil a lifetime dream I never thought possible: writing a book! It took me over six months to commit to signing up because, as a working mum of two young children, I just didn’t think I could fit this into my day. It was also a considerable investment, and I wanted to ensure I could commit to it and get a return. While I still feel there is a very long way to go (edits and more edits on the horizon), the fact that I have written 105,000 words of a complete draft manuscript is a return indeed. I’ll be on to The Big Edit soon, and I have a strong hunch it will be the gift to myself that keeps on giving. I don’t think I would have done it without taking the course with The Novelry. It short-circuited so many learnings that would have taken me years to figure out for myself, and with the help of my coach and the community, it ensured I never gave up! The coaching sessions with Tara Conklin were invaluable. Every lesson was so beautifully timed to the process, it is hard to single any out. Life-changing. I’ve always written, but thanks to The Novelry, now I can say with conviction that I am a writer.’

‘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 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.’

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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.’

‘I was wondering if I would be able to finish this novel! The joy of daily writing, flexing my creativity and being guided by professionals meant I finished my first draft and got the joy of writing back again. If you’re serious about writing, then this is the place to be. You will be in good hands.’

‘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.’

‘I wrote a novel! Seriously, I couldn’t have done it without your guidance. I was so lost before The Novelry. You kept me safe, as promised. The Novelry has a robust offering of extras, including live zooms, recorded zooms, blogs, and even its own social media site. Writing every day is a simple and obvious concept, but I needed to be told and cheered on, and you did that for me. I enjoyed the daily lessons and established a successful work routine that included reading lessons, reading books, and writing. At The Novelry, I was pushed, in a nice way, to use every brain cell I have. I woke up earlier to write, prioritizing my dream of completing my novel. I’m proud of what I accomplished.’

‘I completed the first draft of my novel! But maybe more importantly, I was challenged and learned so much about where stories come from and how to bring them to life and nurture them. Everything was spot on for what I was doing: the guidance on how to set up a productive writing life, every lesson, every coaching session. I’ve loved every day of the course! So wise and encouraging. I’m so grateful for the help.’

‘Satisfaction and 90,000+ words! First, it is a lot of fun. Second, it provides a blueprint and a structure on how to get the novel written. Third, it isn’t a grind. You will work hard but have fun. There is encouragement to finish, but this isn’t like boot camp, where you are thrashed until you are done. And at the end, there is that first draft of the novel you always wanted to write.’

‘The Ninety Day Novel has been an amazing experience. The lessons were filled to the brim with actionable and inspiring information and the writing coaches are knowledgeable and so giving with their time and care.’

‘I didn’t think I had a story in me. I now have a 90,000-word first draft that I can actually see becoming a book someday. The course delivers on its promise and more. The daily lessons helped me establish a writing practice; the sense of belonging to the community made me feel less alone, and my meetings with my mentor helped me breathe life into my story. It was pure joy.’

‘I completed my first draft, 83,000 words! Each step of the process was fascinating to me, and I enjoyed it immensely. I learned to trust myself and the process and keep writing, which was a tremendous breakthrough for me! I began with The Classic Class and would recommend both together for anyone who wants to write a novel. I rediscovered the joy of writing with this course and am grateful for the experience.’

‘Taking The Ninety Day Novel with The Novelry has been genuinely transformative for me. The course is encouraging and brilliantly conceived; the daily lessons forge good habits, and I completed my first draft on time, surprised myself that I could rise early every single day to write, and genuinely looked forward to the daily lessons. I would recommend it to all fledgling novelists.’

‘The Novelry is by far, hands down, the best online writing school ever. Why? Because they are brilliant, smart, supportive, honest and understanding. But most importantly, they made me feel safe as a writer. I got the best support, the best advice and a lifetime of knowledge.’

‘I have a first draft! I wasn’t sure I could make the jump from non-fiction to fiction. It feels like so much has changed in doing the course that I can barely remember the before. All of the lessons seemed to come at exactly the right time for me. When I needed support, I got it. The coaching sessions were the best. I am so glad that I chose The Novelry. The lessons are like spices for the experience—some new, some comforting, some exotic—that allowed me to really savor the experience of writing a first draft. Though I wrote alone, I was never lost or lonely.’

‘I came in needing to repair my relationship with writing! I loved having The Novelry as a companion as I began developing my novel. The lessons kept me accountable to the process as well as being able to access Catch Up TV and attend live events. Knowing a coaching session was coming and getting ready for that has also been helpful. Overall, this experience helped me feel like I’ll be going into writing my novel really prepared and on point. Before I thought there was no way I could write a novel in 90 days, but now I’ve done so much work to set up for success (way more than an hour a day) that it actually seems possible. I also want to say that Louise is excellent at the helm, and all the coaches I’ve met have been fantastic.’