How to write a novel when you have no time

One of the biggest challenges for most writers is finding the time. In my 20s and early 30s, I could sit for hours and devote entire weekends to writing without distractions. But life changes. Responsibilities pile up, free time disappears, and you have to adapt.

For a while, I thought I needed long, uninterrupted stretches before I could write. Otherwise, what was the point? I told myself that anything less than 90 minutes was pointless—but in reality, I was just putting blockers in the way.

I’ve since learned that writing a novel doesn’t require marathon sessions. It can be done in snatches, even 20 minutes here, a paragraph or two there.

If you feel like you don’t have time to write, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t finish a book. I’ve spent ages thinking about this and collected some strategies and wisdom from authors on how to write a novel when your schedule is packed.

Curtis Sittenfeld on Writing: Openness, routine, and authentic storytelling

I'm a huge fan of Curtis Sittenfeld, and Prep and Rodham are favourites. Her writing is always sharply observed and full of depth and memorable characters. In a recent story from The Guardian, she explores her writing process and shares how openness and authenticity influence her best-selling novels.

Publication of Joan Didion’s journal creates an ethical literary dilemma

Joan Didion has been a monumental influence on countless writers, including myself. Her works, from Slouching Towards Bethlehem to The Year of Magical Thinking, have profoundly shaped modern literature.

Anything new by her is a major literary event. So, the recent announcement of the posthumous publication of her personal journal, Notes to John, has ignited a significant ethical debate within the literary world.

Yes, it is exciting to see Didion's unpublished work, but is it right to publish her personal journals? Especially those detailing conversations with her psychiatrist?

There are no New plots: And that’s a good thing

As writers, we often hear the dreaded phrase: "Every story has already been told." It’s the kind of thought that can stop creativity in its tracks. 

However, Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher series (29 books and counting), sees it differently. He argues that originality doesn’t come from plot. It comes from execution.

This isn’t a problem. It’s a liberation.

Six novels that demonstrate why “show, don’t tell” is worth getting right

When I wrote about “The art of showing, not telling” recently, I realised how many great examples of this technique exist in literature. Some authors take it to the next level, showing us emotions, relationships, and tension in ways that draw entirely us into the story without a single line of “telling.” 

I thought it might be useful to look at a few of these standout examples and the writers who have mastered the art of showing so well that their stories linger long after you’ve finished reading.

How to nail the crucial first five pages of your novel

I recently wrote about books that can help with style and craft when writing your novel, and now I want to look at those crucial first five pages. 

When it comes to capturing the attention of a literary agent, these opening pages are make-or-break territory. 

Dialogue that does double duty: How to advance plot and reveal character

Dialogue isn’t just there to make characters sound like they’re speaking. It’s one of the most powerful

tools in a novelist’s kit. The right line of dialogue can move the story forward, deepen a character’s personality, and sometimes even hint at future conflicts. 

When your dialogue serves multiple purposes, it pulls more weight, making your prose more efficient and engaging. Here are four well-known literary examples of how you can achieve this.

The art of showing, not telling: Crafting novels readers can’t put down

I've struggled with this one without knowing and have been guilty of too much telling. 

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the oldest pieces of writing advice, but what does it mean? At its core, it encourages readers to experience the story through the characters’ actions, words, and emotions instead of simply being told what to think. 

This approach makes the difference between feeling immersed in the narrative and feeling as though you’re merely reading a summary.

How to develop character backstories that bring your novel to life

Every character, even those that appear briefly, benefits from a backstory. Understanding their past not

only aids in writing them more convincingly—it also makes them feel more real, both to you and your readers. This doesn’t imply cramming pages of history into the novel, but possessing a profound understanding of their origins will manifest in subtle, impactful ways.

7 books that will help you write your novel

When I started writing, I honestly didn’t believe I could learn anything. I just sat down at my laptop, put words on the page, and wrote. No courses, advice or anything. 

In retrospect, that sounds crazy; why would you start a new project without reading about it?

Notes to John by Joan Didion

I am a huge fan of Joan Didion so this is an unexpected book treat. A new book from the much missed Joan Didion.

Five ways to create unforgettable characters

When I think back to the characters that have stuck with me, long after I’ve closed the book, it’s not just their roles in the story that come to mind. It’s their quirks, their unique voices, and the way they seem so vividly alive. 

Creating truly memorable characters isn’t about making them flawless or heroic; it’s about giving them details, contradictions, and depth that resonate with readers. I've thought about this a lot and put together this list of 5 effective ways to create memorable characters in your writing that you might find useful when writing your novel.

Stream-of-consciousness in novel writing: what it is and why it matters

Stream-of-consciousness writing has always fascinated me when it comes to writing novels. It can dive into the intricate flow of thoughts and emotions that feel unique and personal. 

Stream-of-consciousness might initially sound daunting and a bit trippy, but anyone can experiment with it.