The Novelry on Writing

Do you dream of publishing a book?Join editor Josie Humber and author Brisa Carleton for this very special bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing. Find out how Brisa turned an idea into her debut novel, Last Call at the Savoy (publishing November 4, 2025), through The Novelry’s world-class writing courses.Discover how expert guidance with author coaches, editorial mentorship, and a supportive writing community can take your story from first draft to publication.💫 Start your own writing journey today → https://www.thenovelry.comRead the full episode transcript here!Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️Chapters00:00:00 — Intro to The Novelry and the episode.00:02:30 — The spark: Brisa’s first idea before Last Call at the Savoy.00:05:00 — Early momentum: first steps and the initial hurdles.00:07:30 — Building a first draft: routine, accountability, structure.00:10:00 — Editorial feedback at The Novelry: how guidance sharpened the work.00:17:30 — Submission strategy: polishing for agents and editors.00:20:00 — Finding an agent: outreach, conversations, next moves.00:22:30 — After the ‘yes’: refinement and forward plan.00:25:00 — Craft breakthroughs that made the draft sing.00:30:00 — The book deal moment and what followed.00:32:30 — Nailing your hook and pitch.00:35:00 — Loving the process (and looking ahead to launch).00:37:30 — Gratitude, and advice for writers at every stage.00:40:00 — Invitation to begin: how The Novelry can help you start today!Guest BiosBrisa Carleton was introduced by The Novelry to literary agent Rebecca Scherer at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, and went on to sign a book deal with Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette, for her debut novel, Last Call at the Savoy. **Pitched for readers of Josie Silver and Fiona Davis and set at the legendary London hotel, the novel follows a young writer who helps uncover the history of the famed American Bar’s first (and forgotten) female bartender, Ada Coleman.Josie Humber is Deputy Editorial Director at The Novelry, and previously a Senior Commissioning Editor at Hodder & Stoughton (Hachette), home to authors including Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, David Nicholls, and Erin Kelly. Josie has worked with bestselling authors such as Kate Mosse, Kate Morton, and Joanna Trollope.ResourcesDon’t know where to begin? Check out these blog posts for insight on how to write a compelling story:What is a Story? Uncovering the Art of Great StorytellingNovel Ideas and Where to Find ThemThe Novelry on Writing Podcast: How to Write a Page-Turning Story🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.❓Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thenovelry/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenovelryTwitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s No.1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5 reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

While you can’t get the whole plot of a novel in the first three pages, those initial pages need to set up a foundation for writing plot structure. The plot is the journey your main character goes on to overcome challenges and change as a person by the end of the story. In this bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing, editor Tash Barsby and author Heather Webb dive into:✍️ What is plot, and how does it drive story✍️ How stakes play a role in plot✍️ The importance of subplotsWhat happens in your story? Submit your work to The Next Big Story prize, where you could win $100,000 for the best first three pages of a novel. T&Cs apply—see website for details.Perfect for fiction writers seeking to enhance their novel openings and craft a setting that captivates readers. Whether you’re a new writer or have a few books under your belt, these writing tips will help you craft more engaging story beginnings and make your first three pages stand out.Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️Chapters00:00 Introduction02:02 What is Plot?03:35 Stakes Drive Plot05:35 Inciting Incident07:39 Writing Plot Structure08:47 SubplotsGuest BiosTash Barsby was a Commissioning Editor at Transworld Publishers and worked at Vintage Books, Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster before moving to Penguin Random House, where she worked with authors Sarah Pearse, Fiona Barton, Lesley Kara, and Tess Gerritsen.Heather Webb is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical novels, including Queens of London, The Next Ship Home, and Strangers in the Night.ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:How to Raise the Stakes in Your StoryHow to Create a Plot Diagram for a Smooth Writing JourneyWhat To Do if You’ve Got Too Much Plot🎧 Share this episode!▶️ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/VsjTR9AP-OY🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.📖 Read the full episode transcript here!📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.❓Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5 reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.*

Writing conflict in a story is crucial to hook your reader in the first three pages of a novel. If you’re submitting an entry for The Next Big Story prize, you must jump into the problem quickly and get the reader invested in the journey of your main character ASAP. Tune in to this bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing podcast to celebrate The Next Big Story prize, where you could win $100,000 for the best first 3 pages of a novel. T&Cs apply—see website for details.Authors Melanie Conklin and Amanda Reynolds discuss writing conflict in a story. In this episode, we dive deep into:✍️ What is a problem or conflict, and why problems are important for storytelling✍️ Types of problems that engage readers✍️ When to introduce the problemPerfect for fiction writers looking to strengthen their novel openings and create characters readers can’t forget! Whether you’re a new writer or have a few books under your belt, these writing tips will help you craft more engaging story beginnings and make your first three pages stand out.#WritingTips #nextbigstoryThanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️Chapters00:00 Introduction01:40 What is a problem or conflict?03:06 Engaging Problems05:55 When to Introduce the Problem07:46 The Next Big Story Prize08:28 Internal vs External Conflict11:15 Ask: What if?13:19 Using Character for PlotGuest BiosAmanda Reynolds is the bestselling author of six psychological suspense novels. Close To Me, her No.1 ebook bestseller, was adapted into a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston, airing on Sundance AMC in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the U.K. Her latest thriller, Her Husband’s Lie, was an Amazon Kindle Bestseller, entering the Top 100 across all genres. Melanie Conklin is the award-winning author of five middle-grade books for children. Her debut, Counting Thyme, won the Nerdy Book Award, Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award.ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:Life of Pi Author Explores the 5 Ps of Good WritingCould You Write The Next Big Story?The Novelry on Writing Podcast: 5 Secrets to Page-Turning Stories🎧 Share this episode!▶️ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/s7HpTUg5kC8🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.📖 Read the full episode transcript here!📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.❓Have a question? Chat with Nora at thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5 reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.*

Want to learn how to raise the stakes in a story? Are you eager to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? If you’ve ever worried that your story is too quiet, The Novelry editor Josie Humber and coach Kate Riordan break down five powerful techniques to raise the stakes and make your story impossible to put down! In this episode, you’ll learn:How to make it impossible for your character to avoid the situation, forcing them to confront their fears. Why introducing a compelling antagonist can elevate conflict and tension. The secret to adding emotional stakes that resonate with readers and make them care deeply. How to create an unlikely hero who rises to the challenge in unexpected ways. The impact of a ticking time bomb creates urgency and keeps the plot moving. Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:35 - Tip #1: Make Sure They Can’t Walk Away06:20 - Tip #2: Introduce an Antagonist 09:09 - Tip #3: Emotional Stakes13:32 - Tip #4: Create an Unlikely Hero18:19 - Tip #5: Add a Ticking Time BombGuest BiosKate RiordanThe Novelry writing coach Kate Riordan is the bestselling author of seven novels, including The Heatwave. Her historical novel The Girl in the Photograph was a Sunday Times bestseller. Kate’s two other historical novels—The Shadow Hour and The Stranger, a Red magazine Top Ten choice of that year—are also published by Penguin. Kate wrote the novelization of Sanditon, ITV’s historical drama series based on Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript. She also writes thrillers as Katherine Fleet; her latest, The Liars, has garnered praise from Sarah Pearse, Daisy Buchanan, and Lucy Clarke. Josie HumberThe Novelry editor Josie Humber was a Senior Commissioning Editor at Hodder & Stoughton (Hachette), home to authors including Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, and David Nicholls. She began her publishing career at Transworld (Penguin Random House) before moving to Mantle (Macmillan). Josie worked with a mixture of bestselling brand authors. At Hodder & Stoughton, Josie worked on the commercial and literary fiction lists, covering historical fiction, crime, thrillers, women’s fiction, and upmarket novels with prize-winning potential.ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:How to Raise the Stakes in Your StoryThe Novelry on Writing Podcast: 5 Secrets to Page-Turning StoriesWeaving the Plot: How to Write a Brilliant Subplot▶️ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/s7HpTUg5kC8🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated. 📖Read the full episode transcript here! 📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.❓Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.There is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

Are you writing YA fiction? The target audience for Young Adult literature ranges from tweens to elders but, ultimately, teen readers are at the heart of this genre. Learning how to appeal to young people as readers is critical if you want to be a successful YA novelist. In this riveting episode of The Novelry on Writing, YA fiction coaches Alice Kuipers and Ella McLeod provide five tips to ensure your Young Adult novel connects with teens instead of making them gag. Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:45 - Tip #1: Talk to Teenagers07:31 - Tip #2: Communication Methods10:20 - Tip #3: Raise the Stakes15:17 - Tip #4: Elevate the Setting22:16 - Tip #5: Consider the Contemporary ExperienceGuest BiosAlice KuipersThe Novelry writing coach Alice Kuipers is the bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels, books for younger readers, and several ghostwritten adult memoirs. Her debut, Life on the Refrigerator Door, was a New York Times Book for the Teen Age and Carnegie Medal nominee. It won the Grand Prix de Viarmes, the Livrentête Prize, the Redbridge Teenage Book Award, and the Saskatchewan First Book Award and has been adapted for the stage. Alice’s other accolades include wins or nominations for the Arthur Ellis Award, the White Pine Award, the Saskatchewan Book Award for YA Literature, the Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and Amazon’s Best Book of the Month. Ella McLeodThe Novelry writing coach Ella McLeod’s debut YA novel, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, was nominated for the prestigious Branford Boase Award and received rave reviews in Kirkus, the Irish Times, and the Guardian. Her second YA novel, The Map That Led To You, was a Guardian Best Books Pick. Her next book is Andromeda, her adult romantasy debut. Ella has produced and researched podcasts for Somethin’ Else, part of Sony Music Entertainment, and for BBC Sounds. She also hosts the podcast Comfort Creatures.ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a novel:The 25 Best YA Books of All TimeWriting for Teenagers vs Writing About TeenagersElla McLeod on the “Adultification” of YARead the full episode transcript here! For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.Share this episode! Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

What is conflict in a story? It’s the challenges your characters face in your book. Conflict is a critical element in any good novel because it drives plot and builds character. In this episode, The Novelry writing coaches and authors Emylia Hall and Urban Waite share five ways to create juicy conflict in your stories.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:33 - Tip #1: Conflict is Essential05:25 - Tip #2: Conflict Builds Character09:19 - Tip #3: Conflict Should Have Layers12:52 - Tip #4: Empathetic Characters18:52 - Tip #5: Micro-ConflictGuest BiosEmylia HallThe Novelry coach Emylia Hall is the award-winning author of four women’s fiction novels and a cozy crime series. Her debut, The Book of Summers, was one of the bestselling debuts of the year and a Richard and Judy Book Club selection. The Thousand Lights Hotel was selected for Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Book Club. The Shell House Detectives, the first in Emylia’s cozy crime series set in Cornwall, was a Kindle Top 10 bestseller and has been optioned for television by Playground Entertainment. Emylia’s work has appeared in the Guardian, Country Living, the Observer, Elle, and on BBC Radio 6 Music. Emylia has taught creative writing workshops in Kigali, Zurich, Switzerland, and for Arvon and Mothership Writers. Urban WaiteThe Novelry coach Urban Waite’s novels have been published in over 40 countries, translated into 12 languages, and optioned for film. Their accolades include Indie Next Picks, Amazon Editors’ Picks, nominations for the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award, and Kirkus Review Hit List selections. His debut, The Terror of Living, was lauded as a Best Book of the Year by Esquire, the Boston Globe, and Booklist, and catapulted him to international acclaim with praise from Stephen King. Urban has placed in numerous Best Book of the Year lists. He has adapted projects for brands including Disney, Ubisoft, and Fox Entertainment, and is a regular contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write and publish your story:Antagonist: An Evil Character or an Opposing Force?How to Raise the Stakes in Your StoryHow to Create a Plot Diagram for a Smooth Writing JourneyRead the full episode transcript here!For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.Share this episode! Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

How you name your book is your story’s most important marketing tool, so you must choose your novel title wisely. In this podcast episode of The Novelry on Writing, coaches Gina Sorell and Tara Conklin share the keys to crafting a unique, memorable, and insightful title to hook your readers before they even crack open the spine!Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:55 - Tip #1: Audience03:04 - Tip #2: What will the name achieve?06:00 - Tip #3: Attitude 09:18 - Tip #4: Attributes11:50 - Tip #5: AncestryGuest BiosTara ConklinTara Conklin is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been selected by the Today Show Book Club, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, and as a No.1 Indie Next Pick and Amazon Best Book of the Month. Tara’s debut novel, The House Girl, was a New York Times bestseller, translated into eight languages. Her second novel, The Last Romantics, also became an instant New York Times bestseller and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as the inaugural read for the first-ever Today Show Book Club. Her latest novel, Community Board, is a recommended read of Vanity Fair, Barnes & Noble, and Kirkus Reviews.Gina SorellGina Sorell is the author of The Wise Women, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, Good Morning America Buzz Book and People Magazine Best New Book Pick that was also selected for Read with Jenna, Parade Magazine’s Most Anticipated, the Washington Post Summer Selection, Elin Hilderbrand’s summer reading list, and the Eva Chen Book Club. Gina’s debut, Mothers and Other Strangers, was a Refinery29 and Self Magazine Best Book Pick, a Great Group Read, and an Indigo Best for Book Clubs selection. ResourcesCheck out these blog posts for more insight on how to write and publish your story:5 Secrets for Naming a CharacterIndie Press or Big Publisher? Gina Sorell on ‘Debuting Twice’7 Top Tips from The Novelry on Writing Podcast (Season 1)Read the full episode transcript here!For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school.Share this episode! Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com.All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here...Connect with The NovelryOfficial Site: https://thenovelry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelryShow descriptionLearn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft.With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

What is your reader reading to find out? No matter your genre, readers love a bit of mystery and tension on the page. Unlock your suspenseful story with five key insights from The Novelry author and writing coach Amanda Reynolds and editor Sorcha Rose. Learn how to pull in the reader, keep up the pace, create engaging characters, and leave your readers with a satisfying end. . Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:22 - Tip #1: Pull in the reader 05:15 - Tip #2: Keep up the pace 09:35 - Tip #3: Create characters to root for 15:13 - Tip #4: Breadcrumb trail 20:10 - Tip #5: Satisfying endings . Guest Bios Amanda Reynolds Amanda Reynolds is the bestselling author of psychological suspense novels, with six published to date. Her number one ebook bestseller, Close to Me, was adapted in 2021 into a major TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston. Close to Me, described as ‘dramatic psychological suspense for fans of Liane Moriarty,’ was published by Headline in 2017. Lying to You followed in 2018 and The Hidden Wife in 2019. Amanda’s psychological thrillers have been translated into multiple languages and been praised for their gripping, unsettling and twisty plots. Amanda’s fourth novel, The Assistant, was published by Boldwood Books in April 2023 with The Wife’s Secret and Her Husband’s Lie following in 2024. Sorcha Rose Before joining The Novelry, Sorcha Rose edited and acquired manuscripts at Hodder & Stoughton, a division of Hachette, home to authors including John Grisham, Stephen King, Sophie Hannah, Erin Kelly, Will Dean, B.A. Paris, Vaseem Khan and Lucy Score. . Resources Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to unlock suspense in your writing: 5 Tips for Writing a Detective Novel Series C.L. Taylor on Standing Out in a Crowded Genre The Inciting Incident (and How to Crack It) How To Raise the Stakes in Your Story Read the full episode transcript here! For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school. Share this episode! Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com. All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here... . Connect with The Novelry Official Site: https://thenovelry.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/ Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelry Show description Learn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft. With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

Romantasy is a genre that has taken the publishing world by storm with titles like Fourth Wing and ACOTAR flying off bookstore shelves. Whether you’re writing romantasy or just a fan of magic and make-outs, authors and The Novelry writing coaches Bea Fitzgerald and Ella McLeod are here to unpack the keys to turning up the heat in your story. In this extra spicy episode of The Novelry on Writing, learn how to raise the stakes, create characters who yearn deeply, and how to wisely use tropes to write a book readers will fall in love with. . Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:44 - Tip #1: Raise the stakes 05:05 - Tip #2: Use tropes wisely 09:02 - Tip #3: Romance beats 13:14 - Tip #4: Lean in 15:17 - Tip #5: Romance arcs . Guest Bios Bea Fitzgerald Bea Fitzgerald is a Sunday Times bestselling, award-winning author. Her debut novel, Girl, Goddess, Queen, was published to rave reviews including five-star write-ups in the Telegraph, Glamour and Culturefly. It went on to become the bestselling YA hardback debut of 2023. Girl, Goddess, Queen won Romance Novel of the Year 2024 at the RNAs and has been shortlisted for numerous other awards including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Young Adult Book Prize, and the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards. Ella McLeod Ella McLeod is a Branford Boase-nominated author whose debut novel, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, was published in July 2022 with Scholastic and in June 2024 with Little Bee in the U.S.A. Rapunzella received rave reviews in Kirkus, the Irish Times, the Guardian, and a star review in Foreword Magazine. Her second novel, The Map That Led to You, was published in June 2024 and is a pirates-and-mermaids swashbuckling adventure story full of queer romance and radical self-acceptance. . Resources Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a gripping romantasy novel: What is Romantasy? Get Writing With These Inspiring Fantasy Writing Prompts Seven Best Fantasy Settings For Your Novel Read the full episode transcript here! For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school. Share this episode! Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com. All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here... . Connect with The Novelry Official Site: https://thenovelry.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/ Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelry . Show description Learn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft. With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

World-building can be a challenge for writers of all experience levels and genres. Join authors and The Novelry writing coaches Piers Torday and Tasha Suri for writing tips to take the world-building in your story to new dimensions. Discover how to develop worlds using your main character and learn how grounding your story in history can give your world heft and weight. Ultimately, it is worthwhile to write something that you find fun! Begin with what you find interesting and exciting to build a world you’ll be happy to escape to again and again. . Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:03 - Tip #1: Start with character 06.55 - Tip #2: Bring in the fun 10:50 - Tip #3: Use breadcrumbs 15:56 - Tip #4: Draw from history 20:58 - Tip #5: The ripple effect . Guest Bios Tasha Suri Tasha Suri is the award-winning author of the Books of Ambha duology (Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash) and the epic fantasy trilogy The Burning Kingdoms. Empire of Sand was rated by TIME magazine as one of the best fantasy novels of all time. Piers Torday Piers Torday is the award-winning and bestselling author of seven books for children dubbed ‘the new master of children’s fiction’ by The Times. . Resources Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to build fantastical worlds: Worldbuilding: Who, What, Where, Why & How The Three Secrets to Writing Historical Fantasy Seven Best Fantasy Settings For Your Novel . Read the full episode transcript! ⁠Share this episode!⁠ For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school. Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com. All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here… . Connect with The Novelry Official Site: https://thenovelry.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/ Twitter: https://x.com/thenovelry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNovelry . Show description Learn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft. With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

In this inaugural episode of The Novelry on Writing, writing coaches Alice Kuipers and Mahsuda Snaith describe the different types of self-sabotage that can plague writers and how to overcome these obstacles to find joy in your writing. Be kind to yourself, write a messy first draft, and enjoy the writing journey. It’s not supposed to be easy, but it is supposed to be fun! For a deeper dive into this topic, check out Alice’s blog post, How to Overcome Self-Sabotage for Writers. Share this episode! . Learn how novels work from publishing’s top experts at The Novelry, the world’s #1 school for writers. Hosted by our bestselling writing coaches and publishing editors, this podcast is a practical, helpful guide to writing novels for every genre. Enjoy inside tips and tricks to make your writing a joyful experience while building your expertise in writing craft. . With new topics every week, there is always something to learn at The Novelry, the world’s top-rated fiction writing school with more 5* reviews from writers than any other creative writing course. . Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:29 - Tip #1: Identify the problem 02:55 - Tip #2: Turn down the negative voice 05:28 - Tip #3: Embrace the messiness 08:25 - Tip #4: Focus on the small steps 12:49 - Tip #5: Know where you’re at . Guest bios Alice Kuipers Alice Kuipers is the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels, and six books for younger readers. She has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. She is also a bestselling ghostwriter experienced in writing memoir. . Mahsuda Snaith Mahsuda Snaith was an Observer New Face of Fiction in 2017. Her debut novel, The Things We Thought We Knew, was released in 2017 to great praise. Her second novel, How to Find Home, was chosen as a BBC Radio 4 ‘Book at Bedtime.’ . Resources Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to show up to the page every day. How to Overcome Self-Sabotage for Writers Writing Tips for Neurodivergent Authors 5 Ways to Keep the Words Coming . Read the full episode transcript! . For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and a community from the world’s top-rated writing school. . Have a question? Email us at hello@thenovelry.com. All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts here... . The Novelry | We Grow Writers™ Connect with The Novelry Official Site: thenovelry.com Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube . The Novelry is the world’s top-rated online novel writing school, offering courses, coaching, and community to help the next generation of writers become authors. Founded by Booker Prize-listed author Louise Dean, with a team of bestselling authors and book editors from Big 5 publishing houses including Penguin Random House, The Novelry helps writers gain confidence, finish books, and submit directly to leading literary agencies. Learn more at: thenovelry.com