Creative writing course reviews

‘I needed honest, supportive guidance. I had a format, a road map, and breadcrumbs I could follow when I got off the path or lost. I got an understanding of the craft of writing. I was given all the tools I needed during my apprenticeship. I was instructed on when and how to use those tools. Thanks to the step-by-step approach... I finally summited my Everest.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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 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 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.’

‘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.’

‘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 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 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 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).’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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 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 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!’

‘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. Joining The Novelry two years ago was the best decision I made. 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. Thanks to the expert guidance of The Novelry, the manuscript has received interest from a number of agents and was longlisted in an award this year. I am so glad that I have found my writing community!’

‘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 forty-four 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 eighteen 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.’

‘I have started to write. I have discovered a new part of my life. I have started to tell a story. The Ninety Day Novel class, 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!’

‘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 twenty 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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’