Reviews

‘I didn’t know what to expect but found the course to be a welcoming, encouraging, and thoughtful (also humorous!) adventure. I also loved the extra lessons from the other writers and coaches. Frankly, it was a lovely reintroduction to story.’

‘I started The Novelry with 30,000 words and a rough idea of a story. My challenge was being able to finish it. The Novelry made that possible and taught me things I had no idea about (but now seem really obvious): Character arcs, the 5 Fs, etc. I never would have completed my book without the course. I also read much more widely now. From The Novelry Live, I think I’ve read most of what people recommended. I picked up and enjoyed books I never would have read before. The Novelry has taught me to be more open-minded about my book diet. Like any diet, it needs to be varied — and junk food is sometimes just really good! I now understand the sheer hard work needed to write a novel, and the level of dedication it requires. I know myself a lot better through doing the course. It’s totally worth it.’

‘My story feels organized and ready to move to the next step! I’m excited to write, feel organized, and learned a ton about structure and what is needed to develop a good story. The course took away the mystery of everything, which is exactly what I needed.’

‘Taking this course has solidified many of my original ideas and confirmed I’m on the right track now. I have a much clearer idea of how I want my novel to read, who my characters are, and what the underlying themes are. I now have the self-confidence to continue writing, accountability to finish the next part of the course, and a routine. A useful course for novel writing, whether you already have a clear idea or not in your head!’

‘This course validated and immensely strengthened my idea. I have a lot more confidence in it now. I learned tons and am having a blast. The Novelry validated and strengthened the main concept behind my work in progress. And it has injected fun, motivation, and a consistent practice!’

‘The Novelry has given me a foundation to feel confident about writing a book, a foundation I didn’t know I needed, and confidence I didn’t know I could have. I knew that I would learn something, but what delighted me were the unknown unknowns unfurling before me — helpful tips, tricks, tools, mechanisms, and mental models I never knew I wanted until The Novelry taught them to me. I’m excited to see what’s next!’

‘I now have a great many tools I can apply to propel me forward. I think I have the freedom to make this come to life on paper as I see it in my head. I learned so much about the art and science of writing. Now, I believe I can successfully write my novel. By the end of the course, I felt like a writer, something I had dreamt of for a long time.’

‘I discovered that it’s okay to just get the story out there and worry about the housekeeping tasks later, that I don’t have to have an advanced degree to pursue this goal, that there is a place I can go where the information is in a user-friendly format, and I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I’m really looking forward to the next steps because I’ve regained my passion I thought I had lost, and writing no longer feels like a chore (a chore no more!).’

‘The course really helped me to plot my book (for the first time ever!), and even a trilogy... hopefully. I liked the videos so I could listen and take notes at the same time. The most useful parts were about the specific kinds of structures you can use to plot. Now I have confidence in plotting, patience with myself when writing, and starting to look forward to the next stage.’

‘It has given me the confidence to write better and a better understanding of my characters’ motivations. Being able to tap into past experiences has helped with my writing.’

‘I can’t rave enough about how pleased I am that I signed up with The Novelry. Truly. I didn’t expect it to be so well-balanced. There are so many podcasts and blogs out there providing methods on how to write a book. The Novelry went above and beyond in not only teaching, but building upon each lesson so profoundly. It was done so beautifully with great videos and written instructions. The course has given me the confidence to step up bravely (bravery is needed!) and start the book I’ve always dreamed of. It’s started a fire within that I can’t put out. Thank you so much.’

‘As a retired single woman with no pension, the financial investment was a huge consideration for me, and I dithered for ages. I’m so glad I jumped in. After that, my biggest concern was the risk of disappearing under an avalanche of exciting content and not actually getting on with the work. But now I feel confident that I can pull my story together. The course structure is logical, not too demanding, and encourages thoughtful reflection. I was trying to decide which of several story ideas to work on — and have now done so — and also which parts of my first draft I need to let go. Identifying a clear theme was the biggest gift: I love how writing in the service of the story is helping me to stay on track. I feel comfortable. I enjoy seeing Louise’s dog, and cackle out loud every time I hear her own delightful barking laugh. It’s a hoot.’

‘I now have a better understanding of structure in stories, exposure to a wide variety of good books that I haven’t read, and an understanding of genre, which is something that I have never really understood. This has been fantastic!’

‘The coaching staff and editors are knowledgeable and, more importantly, considerate professionals. The courses are fresh and have truly innovative ideas and techniques to make a novel sing. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. Thank you, everyone, at The Novelry.’

‘This has been a very productive experience in which, even a person such as I, with absolutely no academic inclination whatsoever, can easily comprehend the various lessons. I personally value its simple and non-overcomplicated writing that renders the whole experience more accessible to people of different ages and backgrounds, strongly appreciating the way it was structured and the strong examples that teach students with a more direct approach. So if you are the type of person who likes writing, who likes reading, who enjoys comfort and satisfaction from the words printed in a good book, from fantasies and supernatural to down-to-earth everyday life, then I invite you to give The Novelry a try. You will find an environment where you can feel cozily at home.’

‘The courses, the community, the coaching sessions — I cannot express how helpful it was to spark my creativity and get me going. In less than 5 months, I have written over 100k words, and my first draft is 77% done. I’d recommend The Novelry to anyone. I don’t feel like it’s fake or silly to say anymore, I am an author. This course has been a gift to myself. Just make the jump, you won’t regret it.’

‘I have learned so much in such a little time. I think we all just want to do extraordinary things with words and put a little bit of ourselves out there in the world, and every interaction has a lovely “we’re in this together” feeling. For this introvert to feel part of a positive community so quickly is no small feat. Also, the platform is soothing, organized, and sequential in nature, which makes working within it a lovely experience. I feel The Novelry demystifies the entire process of getting from an initial idea to a published work — it’s not just about the writing process itself. The lessons have elevated and revolutionized the way I think about ideas and plot. Now I feel empowered in my identity as a writer.’

‘I finished my novel! I got some wonderful ideas from my coach about how to level-up my story and build it out. The Novelry has been instrumental in helping build my confidence. The confidence that my idea mattered, the confidence that I could indeed write a novel, and the confidence to find my writing style and voice. For that, I will always be grateful.’

‘I was always an “I’ll get to that tomorrow” type of person (which is precisely why I had written all of zero novels!). This course has shown me just how feasible it is to be a writer, and even with a busy schedule and full-time job, it’s possible. The Novelry opened my eyes to a world that was never hidden, just unnoticed to me.’

‘I definitely feel like I’ve been scooped up by The Novelry. I’ve loved the very detailed, obvious focus on producing something for publication. It’s exactly my goal! The earliest lessons were eye-opening, particularly the very first one about finding my voice. Such a simple and powerful exercise, yet it’s something that everyone seems to agonize over! It was such an immediate sense of: “Ah, here’s my village, I’m not alone anymore.” I’ve loved every lesson so far, and in particular how punchy and no-nonsense the advice has been. I can’t wait to see what comes next for my big idea!’

‘I knew I had a story that was demanding to be told, but I just had no idea where to start. I did a lot of research, but I didn’t really have the confidence to begin until I joined The Novelry. Once I joined, I felt at home and confident again. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, and it made me feel less alone and more supported. The community has been supportive and nurturing, and I would highly recommend it to anyone serious about writing fiction, especially if it’s your debut novel and you bite off more than you can chew, as I did!’

‘I came to The Novelry with an idea for a story that I wished to write into a cohesive novel. The Novelry helped me craft the story and bring it to life. The writing coaches challenged and pushed me to write the story with structure and purpose, and we honed in on voice and setting in addition to plot lines and character arcs. I was honestly sad when I wrote ‘The End’ because I enjoyed the process so much. I’m very grateful for the practices at The Novelry, all the writing coaches, Louise, and everyone involved. It’s a tremendous resource to all aspiring authors, and I would encourage everyone who’s ever thought about writing a novel to take the course. If nothing else, you will come out a better person, more in touch with the world around you.’

‘During this course, I gained an appreciation for planning and plotting. I think I may always discover first, plan second, but this course brought me closer to doing those simultaneously. I’ve walked away with a deeper understanding of character and of the importance of the second character. This course was the glue I needed to hold the rest of the stuff I learned in place. This was a phenomenal experience. I could not possibly be more ready and prepared for success. The lightbulb came on during this course, and I’ll be forever grateful.’

‘I had never finished a novel before, often getting bored with myself and jumping onto new ideas before I could finish one project. I now have a lot of momentum and a better mental state. I miss writing already and feel more creative in my daily life, and inspired to read, improve my mind, and journal. The practical tips on everything, from the structuring of a novel to organizing the life logistics to get it done, have helped me reach this point. Now I’m ready to take the unprecedented step of editing a full draft. Onwards and upwards!’

‘It’s not often you find a course that gives you everything you’re looking for. For me, The Novelry has delivered on every count. Expert writing guidance, structured and engaging lessons you can watch when it suits you, regular live workshops and talks online, a supportive community of fellow writers, and 1-1 coaching with a bestselling author. Couldn’t have asked for more.’

‘I have never read so many novels and material on writing, in such a short span of time, and I have never spent such an amount of time thinking of how to write a work of fiction. In addition, I came across authors I had not heard of before and am now more interested in writers’ inner lives. Thank you for sharing a big chunk of your expertise and life with us. I knew that I was in the right course when, out of the blue, George Michael’s “Cowboys and Angels” was mentioned!’

‘The coursework was a solid foundation, but the best part of The Novelry is the community. Every time I felt genuinely stuck, I had a safe space to turn to and was always given thoughtful, positive feedback, often backed by links to recorded workshops about the exact problem I was facing. When I needed more specific direction, I worked one-on-one with an experienced coach who was an active working writer. They helped me dig into the problems I faced with my story and gave me the kind of practical advice that got me across the finish line on my first draft.’

‘Joining The Novelry was the best decision I’ve made in my journey toward publishing. The tools, inspiration, and coaching sessions helped me turn my manuscript into a story I am proud of. I have found my writing family. This is my home.’

‘Not only has The Novelry empowered me as an author and offered me the recipe to craft a novel, but this platform has connected me with a community of writers around the world. I’ve really found my community at The Novelry and feel completely at home here.’

‘The course helped to bring together all the pieces that I had floating around in my head and sharpened my focus on what is needed to bring my story to life. The Novelry provides the positive encouragement and structure a new writer needs to follow the dream of being a novelist. The community is positive and nurturing to writers at all stages of their journey. Truly worth the investment if you are serious about making a go at becoming a published author.’

‘Joining The Novelry has been the most fun, liberating, and insightful journey for me as a writer! I’m finally giving myself permission to write the story I crave to read, and that in itself feels like magick. I can’t wait to publish the art that’s flowing through me now.’

‘What I found particularly beneficial was to be able to step logically, through a series of progressions; compiling the first draft, learning how to edit that myself, before handing it over for more rigorous assessment and editing. I’m extremely grateful for the professional expertise and friendly assistance, who ensured that at every contact point, the novel was made better than what it was before.’

‘Since joining The Novelry in early 2022 with nothing but a spark of an idea and the determination to (somehow!) turn it into a novel, I have been blown away by Louise Dean’s course materials, the author coaching, the community of writers and the incredible support from editors to boot. I am beyond thrilled with how far I’ve come, both with my writing and signing with such a top-notch agent, and am so excited for my future writing career. Thank you, The Novelry!’

‘The expertise, encouragement, and honesty I received—from the editor, the coaches, and the structure of the course itself—gave me the confidence to push past my limits and produce the strongest work I’ve ever written. I’m deeply grateful.’

‘The Big Write has brought me to a solid first draft in 90 days. I’ve enjoyed the variety of the daily lessons. They’ve kept me thinking in different ways about the mechanics of what I’m doing on the page and the way the writing fits my daily life and feeds off my entire life. My writing coach is an amazing cheerleader. She’s been able to point out areas of my story that need building on and made me really think about my characters’ journeys and the ways they interconnect.’

‘I believe The Novelry is going to be an essential part of my growth as a beginning writer. I had no idea where to begin, and even the reading and researching I had done had not been nearly as beneficial to my starting my novel, let alone actually writing it. I am beyond pleased with this program.’

‘I have always wanted to write, but I was never convinced I had the talent or ability. I have now completed three courses. I have read widely, I have started writing, and I believe now that I can achieve what I want and finally write a novel. Above all, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single minute and would love to do it all over again. A brilliant journey of discovery, not only about books and writing but also about my abilities and confidence, leaving me not only more knowledgeable but also better understanding myself.’

‘I’ve loved my time with The Novelry. Without it, I don’t think I would have been shortlisted for The Book Edit Writer’s Prize and had three requests for full manuscripts. The coaching sessions have been invaluable and my confidence has grown exponentially.’

‘The Novelry gave me the confidence to prioritize my writing above all else and made me realize my first draft does not need to be perfect, it needs to be finished. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It has given me the confidence in my ideas and the tools with which to craft them into a tangible, real first draft that I can now hone into something even better. It gave me the permission to dream big and to work towards that dream.’

‘I wrote a book within 90 days! I would feel a certain way or wonder about a concept and then like magic, the lesson or my ultra fabulous coach would guide me onto the right path, or explain a confusion I had. Always with positive support and the familiarity that what I was going through was expected, normal, and was experienced by other writers all the time.’

‘I wanted to write a novel and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Every time I stumbled, The Novelry caught me with wisdom from coaches, workshops, and fellow writers. I cannot imagine writing without them now! I’m in the right place.’

‘The layered teaching approach makes The Novelry a good fit for any writer at any stage of their journey. Each layer seamlessly builds upon the last. I especially enjoyed the self-paced structure that allowed me to absorb lessons at my own rhythm.’

‘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.’

‘My experience on this course was absolutely magical. It revived my love for writing and I feel more confident. It gave me great understanding, enhancement of creativity, and the ability to break down what I need to create a great story.’

‘Now I know I don’t have to write things perfectly on the first try—it’s unrealistic. I have a cohesive outline for my novel that includes theme and character arc. This has been a major game changer for my writing.’

‘I had plenty of story ideas, but would they have mileage and momentum? Thanks to the course, I now believe I can do it. I have developed positivity and self-belief. I wish I’d jumped into The Novelry years ago.’

‘I was able to get into a great routine and carve out a solid word count during each writing session. The coaching appointments were great and the experience holds you accountable. Without this course, I’d be way behind.’

‘I was feeling extremely stuck. The ability to speak to someone and get their perspective was instrumental. The Novelry is fantastic. I cannot give enough credit to the amazing mentors who were invaluable in helping me complete my draft!’

‘The Novelry is so intelligent and beautifully put together. I loved the lessons—the content is above and beyond anything else I’ve seen. Beyond that, there’s real heart to every lesson and that’s the center of The Novelry.’

‘For the first time, my writing has a shape, structure and momentum that I was missing. I feel inspired and more focused, and I’m confident that I’ll get to the end. I feel fully supported and empowered.’

‘Without a doubt, the single best thing I could’ve done for my writing career. The coaching sessions were wonderful, the community is amazing. The Novelry always has the answer. I’m so grateful to them for guiding me in my publishing journey.’

‘The Novelry gave me what I was lacking. I feel like a professional writer working my craft and not a hobbyist floundering. I enjoyed the guided process, the time with my mentor, and just getting the first draft written!’

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

‘The structure of the courses kept me focused and I felt closely accompanied by the coach. I’m empowered to write my novel, but best of all, the course helped me feel at ease every step of the way. It works!’

‘I have learnt so much from The Novelry and their amazing coaches and editors. The 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.’

‘Wow, just wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this course, more than any I’ve done before. It’s insightful, balanced, encouraging, honest and fun. I learned more from this course than I have in writing fiction for the last five years. Thank you.’

‘This has been SO worthwhile. Between the lessons, feedback from coaches, the community, Catch Up TV, and the blog posts, I’ve learned so much and felt so supported and “seen”.’

‘I’m so glad I took this course. The coaching, the videos, and Louise’s wisdom and encouragement helped me most. Learning that it’s about what works for you was extremely helpful because I am neurodivergent. No new author should write their draft without The Novelry.’

‘I’ve adored these lessons at The Novelry. They’re so propulsive but also ridiculously clear. The teaching is practical, example-rich, structured, and industry-facing. I’m not just writing with feeling now, but with intention.’

‘As a result of joining The Novelry, I’ve been able to prioritize the education I needed, at the pace I needed. I feel grateful for the supportive community and am taking my dreams and desires seriously for the first time in my life.’

‘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 the other classes.’

‘I’ve taken many writing courses and The Novelry is like nothing I’ve ever had. This course pushed me to learn things I’ve been so eager to know about. It helps me imagine my stories and pushes me to keep going.’

‘I feel inspired and ready to get to work! If you want to write a book but are 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 writing.’

‘The coaches and community took me by the hand, never letting go through scrambles and set-backs. The coaching calls were valuable, but I also enjoyed how the daily lessons hit at the right time. The Novelry turned me into a disciplined writer.’

‘The course has given me motivation and a deeper understanding of stories. I found the workshops incredibly informative and gained a lot of knowledge from the coaches. The Novelry is a beautiful space of artists who come together and learn from one another.’

‘I wanted to enjoy the process of writing and this is exactly what the course has given. It was a spiritual journey with many ideas linking to my own beliefs about how the creative brain works. My imagination is on fire.’

‘The class has taught me that writing should come from the heart. I like that it’s distilled down to the fundamental elements of storytelling and I found the length of each lesson helpful. Thank you for this experience! Looking forward to the next class!’

‘The class did a terrific job of unsticking my writing progress. After nearly giving up the dream, I feel like I can absolutely be a novelist. I have hope for my writing career in a way I haven’t had since my undergraduate days.’

‘I’ve done other courses and found them adequate. But I never came out with a finished draft. After taking the course with The Novelry, I have! I never thought I’d get here. Thank you for the warmth, wit and wisdom.’

‘Taking the course gave me a first draft! My life will never be the same! I couldn’t have done it without The Novelry and this is undeniable because I’ve tried before twice. I can’t express enough how grateful I am.’

‘The Novelry has given me the confidence to know that the first draft is not meant to be perfect. An exceptional group of guides, mentors, advisors, teachers and family all at once. I genuinely would not have written this novel without this program.’

‘At the suggestion of a writing colleague, I signed up at The Novelry. It gave me clarity and there were so many “aha” moments as I learnt tips, tricks and tools (not rules!). I loved every moment.’

‘I’ve come out of The Novelry more motivated than ever to write my novel. The best feature of the course was the exercises. I truly enjoyed my morning routine and I feel like I have a place to turn to for support.’

‘I’ve wanted to write a novel for decades, and this course has given me all the tools I need to move ahead. I’m feeling positive, creative, and motivated. I still have times of doubt, but I know I can do this!’

‘I have gained so much information and confidence. The class has gifted me with an invaluable understanding about how to plot, structure and pace my novel. Thanks to The Novelry, I am confident that my novel will be a cracking success!’

‘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.’

‘The Novelry gave me the structure, theory and inspiration to keep going. It’s the best investment in yourself you can make as an aspiring writer. Writing a novel can feel long and lonely, but with The Novelry you have so many people around you.’

‘One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve been shocked at times by how tailored to me the course has felt. Thank you, Louise. I’ve been blown away by you, your team, the community and this course. The Novelry is, simply, stunningly good.’

‘Before joining the course I was stuck at the midpoint of a novel I’ve been writing for the last two decades. After starting the course I not only got unstuck, I got fired up! Louise’s spirit is so consistently inspiring. Thank you. 🤗’

‘I had amazing coaching and was very impressed by the high quality of the materials and the exceptional support. The team clearly care deeply about this program. It’s a joy and an honor to be a part of such an engaging creative experience.’

‘When I wrote my first novel, I just started from the beginning and “winged” it, but I needed a map drawn by professionals. Each lesson has a sense of friendship and positivity. From the very first lesson I felt at home.’

‘I learned a great deal and, most importantly, I started to embrace enjoying writing instead of approaching it with dread and trepidation. I have a new appreciation and I am not alone. A heartfelt thank you for creating a way forward and building a community!’

‘I’ve taken several writing courses and they were not enough. With just four weeks in The Novelry I have an excellent story that I could write from start to finish. The course has given me confidence and a clear path forward.’

‘The lessons are clean, clear, thoughtfully structured and break down the process into something achievable and exciting. I came away with renewed confidence and joy in my writing. I was hesitant to sign up at first, but I can’t recommend it enough.’

‘Every single lesson is so full of inspiration and encouragement. It’s like a shot in the arm. This course is the best decision I have made for writing - I just wish I’d done it sooner!’

‘I took the first lesson and cried – happy tears! I felt so welcomed, so supported, and more confident than I had in a long time. I’ve met so many wonderful people and had the most wonderful time. This course far exceeded my expectations!’

‘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. I made liberal use of workshops, blogs, and Catch Up TV and produced an 82,000-word first draft.’

‘I was concerned that if I did not join The Novelry my dream of finishing a story would never make it beyond the thinking stage. Finding The Novelry has given me the confidence to share my story!’

‘I felt welcome from the start. The course was accessible, relatable and had breadth as well as depth. The lesson a day discipline was brilliantly structured. I have momentum, which is priceless, and I am in safe hands with The Novelry.’

‘Thank you so much for helping me understand how to develop an idea into a full novel outline. Every lesson helped me progress the main characters, plot, setting, themes, treatment, and more. I’m looking forward to the next steps.’

‘What a joy it is to create within a community that nurtures writers of all levels! It’s reassuring to hear that others face similar issues to mine, and to learn practical tools for overcoming challenges. Finishing my first draft was so much easier with this course.’

‘I’m so excited to say that I finished my first draft! With The Novelry, my idea blossomed into this beautiful butterfly of work that I am so proud of. I’d recommend The Novelry to anybody who thinks they can’t accomplish anything as huge as writing a novel.’

‘I’ve learned so much. I have a much more detailed outline and I’m feeling very confident about my next steps. This course was just brilliant. It helped me gather my thoughts and put them in order – the part that scared me most about writing a novel!’

‘I wrote the first draft of my novel! I don’t think I would have been able to without Louise and her team. The coaches helped me keep moving forward when I would have given up. The Novelry is the place to be. What you learn is priceless.’

‘I was able to finish my first draft in just under 90 days. The classes were great and having other writers to write alongside helped me finish. I still find it hard to believe I actually did it, I finished an 80,000 word first draft.’

‘The Novelry taught me to trust the process! The one-on-one access of the coaching sessions was worth its weight in gold. I’m so happy I stumbled upon The Novelry and have already recommended it to other writers. It means so much to me that a place like this exists.’

‘The lessons, coaching calls, and so much support changed everything. The course empowered me and reignited my love for reading and writing. Each lesson was magic. I finished my draft and would NEVER have done it without The Novelry. I’m very proud to be here. Thank you.’

‘The Novelry has given me everything I needed to call myself a writer and the courage to actually write a novel for the very first time. My coaching sessions were everything! This course gave me courage and helped reassure me that all writers have doubts.’

‘The course gave me an actual finished first draft. So much incredibly good material, along with the special events. And the voice of the piece. Louise is perfect – warm, encouraging, honest, no nonsense. A life-changing experience.’

‘The Novelry helped me reconnect with the emotional heart of writing while giving me real tools to shape a novel. I came away feeling inspired, supported, and genuinely changed as a writer.’