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What’s the best way to start a story? Should you begin ‘in media res’ – in other words, in the thick of the action? Or should you first describe the setting, so people can visualise where they are? Or perhaps you need an intriguing opening line to pique the reader’s curiosity and draw them deeper…
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How to Succeed at Novel Competitions With the Bath Novel Awards
For many novel writers, entering a competition can feel like an exciting but daunting step. Is your manuscript ready? What do judges look for? Could this really help you in...
How Do You Know if Your Idea Is Good Enough to Be a Novel?
So, you've decided: you're going to write a novel – and you have an idea for one, too. But is it good enough? In the second article in our Ask...
How to Start a Story: 8 Proven Strategies
What’s the best way to start a story? Should you begin ‘in media res’ – in other words, in the thick of the action? Or should you first describe the...
How Do You Get In the Mood for Writing? 10 Authors Share the Habits That Got Them Published
You want to write a novel – you really do. The problem is, you're just... never in the mood for writing. We feel you. Wanting to write is one thing...
Introducing our new blog series, ‘Ask An Author’!
Are you a writer who dreams of being a successful author? Or perhaps you’re just curious about what life as an author is really like... Either way, you’re in the...
How to Write a Novel in a Year
Katja Kaine is an award wining novelist and the creator of The Novel Factory. Her debut novel, Blood of Gods and Girls, will be published in early 2026 by Penguin...
12 Gift Ideas for Writers (That AREN’T Books!)
It's a well-known fact that writers love receiving books, but sometimes it’s nice to do something a little bit different. Whether you want to help inspire creativity, make their writing...
