Creative writing course reviews

‘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.

‘Before joining, I spent a lot of time writing a novel that was far too long and convoluted. 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.’

‘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.’

‘The classes have been wonderful (and I am slowly working my way back through them all). Not only has it enabled me to put structure back into my writing, but it has given me the confidence and the motivation to dive back into being a writer. Firstly, it’s all the ingredients to put a story together. Secondly, it’s given me the “permission” to play and not take it all so seriously. Thirdly, it’s the impetus for action. A wonderful journey into the mechanics and motivations of the great writers, providing the legitimacy to say you can be a writer too.’

‘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 liked the setup of each lesson—a video, then a written lesson, and short but very relevant tasks at the end. I feel that the way each lesson is created helps to guide you through the course completing each section in bite-size chunks and building on the knowledge you gain along the way. This has been the most positive and enjoyable experience that has really made me feel like getting a novel written and even published isn’t just a pipe dream.’

‘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.’

‘Writing is my first love, but I’ve never given myself permission to concentrate on it. I’ve been looking for practical help and a kind of forward motion that I’d been missing. I had tactical questions about plot in particular; I can string a sentence together and evoke a room, but telling a story in the way I wanted to was a frightening prospect. This course has given me the confidence, the tools, and the energy to try. It feels like a new lease of life.’

‘Life-changing! What does life-changing mean? I could tell, about two weeks after starting the course that something within me was surfacing and getting stronger. I’m becoming a different person, a stronger person, because of this course, getting the story down. It was breathtaking in the best of ways. I’m still reeling.’

‘Joining The Novelry is the best thing I have ever done for my writing. The courses are quality, the support both warm and effective. My novel is now in editing before submission to agents and I have learned so much. Highly recommend.’

‘Each lesson left me reeling! The Novelry is the right combination of theory and practical advice, thought experiments and practical exercises. Ever wish you could have your favourite writer walk you through how to write and publish a book? Well, you can’t have that... but The Novelry may just be better!’

‘The course was essential to my journey as a writer. I was able to establish a disciplined writing practice that propelled me forward. I gained an immense amount of confidence not just in my abilities as a writer but in my own ideas and storytelling technique. This experience has given me the confidence to say—Yes, I am a writer.’

‘It’s the best thing you can do for your novel. The lessons seemed to match in an uncanny way with whatever set of obstacles I was confronting in this process. The course is just a marvelous aide for the long engagement required to get a work out into print, it seems to me.’

‘The Novelry was the missing puzzle piece that I’ve been looking for since starting my novel. The inspiring writing community, the insightful lessons, the intangible skills you build to become the writer you always wanted to be, whatever it is that you’re looking for that is missing, you will find it at The Novelry.’

‘I am very happy that I decided to follow The Novelry to get started with writing my first novel. With no previous experience with writing a novel, I had no idea where to start. I was especially worried about how I would come up with an idea for the novel. This course helped me with a structured approach to starting my novel, an understanding of the elements that make a novel successful, and most importantly assurance and confidence that I can do this.’

‘I already had an MFA in creative writing; I thought I should be able to write a novel by myself. The Novelry—with its combination of support, advice, and community—taught me so much about the novel form.’

‘This time last year, just finishing a manuscript was a dream. Less than 12 months later, the possibility of my novel being published is real. I’ve learned how to bring my first drafts to life through developing characters and prose. I’ve been able to hear how other readers react to my writing which has helped me on later drafts. I’ve gained an understanding of what agents are looking for and how to approach them. There are so many resources and opportunities to learn from other writers, editors, and agents. I definitely recommend it if you want to write your novel.’

‘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.’

‘If you’re a writer, whether published or just want to be, and are finding yourself in a bit of a rut and in need of some community and inspiration, I could not recommend The Novelry more fervently. Then there are the guest speakers that include hugely successful writers, and agents. Everyone is at the top of their game. Finally, the community forum interface is exceptional, great for networking with other writers. No question is too silly, no plea for help ignored. The Novelry bursts at the seams with its brilliance on every level. It is a godsend.’

‘My writing has changed completely since starting this course. The result was a completely different level of writing. I’d recommend The Novelry to anyone with writing aspirations! Not only did I learn a lot and evolve immensely as a writer, but I also genuinely found joy in the course, the blogs, the online webinars, and the experience as a whole. With a motto of “happy writing,” The Novelry is truly a home and support for aspiring authors.’

‘The Novelry helped me find balance in my life between work and writing. I’ve stopped and started manuscripts for decades, never feeling like I could make it to a finished draft. The gentle encouragement in each lesson, the manageable bits of thinking and writing, and the online community of resources (including the humans!) make me feel supported, energized, curious, and confident that I can accomplish my goal of writing one, two, or more novels!’

‘I had a great year with The Novelry. Even before I was a member, they started guiding me, giving suggestions on which course would be the best fit for me. I took The Big Edit, and their guidance led me to a place of confidence, motivation, and knowledge of both the craft and the industry. They also have a lovely community of aspiring writers, experienced editors, and writing coaches who are always open to help. I will be continuing my membership even though I finished the course.’

‘If you are serious about writing a novel, this is the school to help make it a reality. At age 65, I decided to try and write a book. I had always wanted to, but I never thought I could do it. A year later, I have it written and am on The Big Edit Class. I never would have been able to accomplish this with any other program. I didn’t know how to write a chapter, much less 44 of them! If you are willing to do the work, The Novelry will help you accomplish your dreams.’

‘Their lessons and tools are born from their own experiences, making them all the more valuable. The coaching and live workshops are always insightful and kind. The community feedback is rich and constructive. Most of all, their sincerity and compassion come through every interaction. If you are serious about improving your craft, completing the work, and not writing completely alone, The Novelry is terrific.’

‘Following this course made me question why universities do not offer such programs. This is the best education for novelists for a reason. Community, joy, and inspiration due to meeting new “voices of the world,” as I call our fellow writers. I wish I had had this 18 years ago, as the course of my life would have been different. Pure gold.’

‘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.’

‘Engaging, confidence building, supportive and not to be missed. If you are serious about writing a novel, you need this course. If you are struggling with your novel you need this course. Amazing support from all concerned, from Louise’s vlogs to writing coaches and all the other lovely people taking this class sharing their feelings/thoughts as they go further and further through the class. I now feel I can finish my novel to a high standard.’

‘The Novelry is the guidance, inspiration, and encouragement that I always wished that I’d received when I started to write many moons ago. I wish I’d learned what you have taught me when I did my creative writing degree 20 years ago. Hands down the best decision I ever made in pursuing my writing dreams.’

‘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.’

‘The Novelry is truly one of a kind. Having a strong community to fall back on and personal one-on-ones with people who have been through the entire process from start to publish have been so invaluable. Having someone to talk to about places I am stuck and having a group of people I can check in daily with is also wonderful! I’m so happy to have discovered this course! It has been life-changing in so many ways.’

‘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.’

‘This is a quality course, with both practical writing advice and deeper insights into the author’s process. The support given is invaluable. I simply “feel” more like a writer. I’m so glad I found The Novelry. It feels like home.’

‘If you want to feel immersed in the world of writing, where friendly support, advice, and knowledge is available, then there is no better place than The Novelry.’

‘It has been an incredible learning experience that got me writing when I didn’t know where to start. I have an understanding how story works, knowing I can write every day, even on the worst days. I’m developing a belief that I can be a writer. I wish I’d found it years ago.’

‘I have had a wonderful experience with The Novelry—whether it is the insightful and informative lessons taken at my own pace or the many engaging weekly workshops. Each and every staff member I have interacted with has been helpful, kind, and resourceful. Prior to joining The Novelry, I didn’t have a regular, consistent writing practice. Now, I do. And I am finally able to be hopeful that I will indeed write a novel in these coming months.’

‘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.’

‘The course has inspired me to think about writing in a whole new way: less drudgery, more fun, more possibilities. I had a very long draft of a novel that I was unable to see clearly. I decided to put that one on hold and take another idea I had—and had started on—and take it through The Finished Novel Course. I feel my novel idea is more honed, and I see a more organized, less time-wasting path toward completion!’

‘I did a lot of what Louise terms “doubting and dithering” when it came to writing. I often wrote my opening scenes over and over. Writing felt more and more like a slog and what I wrote never turned into the magic I read on the pages of my favorite books. This course reassured me that many of my concerns, struggles, and doubts are shared by other writers. It provided me with a blueprint for turning an at-times ineffable skill into a reliable formula. I am grateful to Louise for creating this course and making it available to the writing public!’

‘Confidence, community, and joy! The community is fantastic and the various workshops have been such a boon to get my mind out of old ruts. Joy, however, is the thing I’ll never stop being grateful for from this course. It reminded me that I love writing and that it is a fun and playful thing. Louise, her team, and the entire community have helped renew my love of storytelling, and I couldn’t be more grateful.’

‘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.’