The Novelry on Writing

• The 5 Ps: Prose: Writing Good Prose in Fiction

  Writing prose in fiction is all about using your unique voice. In this final bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing, authors Tara Conklin and Urban Waite dive into:✍️ How to avoid overwriting✍️ Tips for writing dialogue✍️ Writing prompts to get you startedHow are you telling 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 Introduction02:00 What is Prose?04:18 How to Avoid Overwriting05:18 Clichés07:07 The Next Big Story Prize07:38 Writing Dialogue in Prose09:28 Concrete Tips for Writing Prose11:26 Writing PromptsGuest BiosTara Conklin is the New York Times bestselling author of The House Girl and The Last Romantics, 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. Her most recent novel is Community Board.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. Urban’s debut novel, The Terror of Living, catapulted him to international acclaim, earning praise from literary giants Stephen King, Daniel Woodrell, and Michael Koryta.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?How to Create a Clean Writing Style🎧 Share this episode!▶️ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/x3jXd7FRhSo🔔 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 [email protected] 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/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.*

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• The 5 Ps: Plot - Writing Plot Structure

  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 [email protected] 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.*

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• The 5 Ps: Place - How to Write the Setting of a Story

  Setting or Place in a story is a crucial component of a novel. In this bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing, author Gina Sorell and editor Sorcha Rose dive into:✍️ What is place or setting, and why it’s important to a story✍️ How to write setting in a novel✍️ How setting can act as an antagonistWhere does your story take place? 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.Chapters00:00 -Introduction01:50 What is Place or setting?03:42 How Setting Impacts Character05:42 Setting Should Invoke Feeling08:41 Setting Becomes Character10:26 Setting as an Antagonist 11:09 The Next Big Story 11:54 Setting a Novel in a Different Time16:36 Setting and World Building19:20 Writing PromptGuest BiosGina 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. 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. The fiction and non-fiction books she has ghostwritten have been featured picks for Today, Amazon, Apple, People, Elle, Nylon magazine, and more.Sorcha Rose was an Editor at Hodder & Stoughton, a division of Hachette and home to authors including John Grisham, Stephen King, B.A. Paris, Vaseem Khan, and Lucy Score. Sorcha worked directly with bestselling authors such as Peter Robinson and Sophie Hannah, as well as on Erin Kelly’s Sunday Times bestseller The Skeleton Key and Will Dean’s The Last Thing to Burn. Sorcha specializes in crime and thriller.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?What is the Setting of a Story? Tips and Examples🎧 Share this episode!🔔 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-star reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️

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• The 5 Ps: Problem - Writing Conflict in a Story

  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.*

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• The 5 Ps: Person – Writing Characters Who Come to Life

  Need some tips on writing characters? Join us for this bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing podcast to celebrate The Next Big Story prize, where you could win $100k for the best first 3 pages of a novel. T&Cs apply—see website for details.Authors Andrea Stewart and David Solomons discuss crafting an unforgettable PERSON in your novel’s opening pages.In this episode, we dive deep into:✍️ Developing a distinct character voice that leaps off the page✍️ How to reveal character background naturally without info-dumping✍️ Creating immediate character desires that drive your story forward✍️ Common character introduction mistakes and how to avoid themPerfect 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:01 What is a Character?03:32 How to Bring a Character to Life07:23 Character Likability 09:17 Writing Memorable Characters 12:41 Writing Prompts #WritingTips #nextbigstory🔗 Helpful Links:The Next Big Story prize: https://www.thenovelry.com/prizeSee website for details. T&Cs apply.Follow us on Instagram: @TheNovelryGuest BiosAndrea Stewart The Novelry writing coach Andrea Stewart is the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Drowning Empire trilogy. Her second trilogy, the Hollow Covenant, sold to Orbit in a six-figure deal and the first installment, The Gods Below, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller in Fall 2024. Andrea’s debut, The Bone Shard Daughter, was a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fantasy and for Debut Novel, the Locus Award for Best First Novel, the British Fantasy Award Best Novel, the BookNest Award for Best Traditionally Published Novel, and the Compton Crook Award. David SolomonsDavid Solomons is the author of eight acclaimed middle-grade children’s novels and several screenplays. His debut title, My Brother is a Superhero, won the Waterstones Children’s Prize, the British Book Industry Awards Children’s Book of the Year, and was Branford Boase shortlisted. The sequel, My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord, won a Laugh Out Loud Award. As a screenwriter, his first script, The Fabulous Bagel Boys, was shortlisted for a BAFTA New Writer Award.

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