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.

Writing your novel: How to find your unique style

Every novelist has a unique fingerprint, a way of telling stories that sets them apart. This is your writing style, your voice. 

It's what connects you to your readers and makes your novels memorable. But how do you find it? These tips that look at finding your voice and consistency are key to getting there.

The 7 types of bookshelves and what it says about you

Our bookshelves provide an intimate portrait of who we are. It’s why people love a Shelfie. It's also why the so-called ‘bookshelf wealth’ trend has grown. We all have books we are proud to show, and some we might tuck away.

Apparently, there are seven common bookshelf types, ranging from the meticulous alphabetical bookshelf to the creative and eye-catching colour-coded shelf, and what each says about the people behind them.

Richard Price on Writing: The Art of Building a World One Detail at a Time

Richard Price has long been known for his razor-sharp dialogue and immersive storytelling, whether in novels like Clockers or in his work on The Wire. 

In a recent interview with The Guardian, he reflected on his process—deeply rooted in observation, research, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

The Young V&A Bookshop

The Young V&A is an inspirational, active, and fun place for kids (and adults). 

It is brilliantly curated and designed in every corner. Better still, it has a friendly little bookshop, where I came across these rather lovely-looking editions today.