Newsletters

Many writers dream of seeing their novel on a bookshop shelf. Some hope their stories might win awards, hit the bestseller lists or become a film or television series.

Only a small percentage of people who start writing a novel actually finish the first draft. It has been estimated the completion rate is as low as 3 per cent. Writers, when starting out and who don't have a process to follow, can waste an awful lot of time getting caught up in one of the following traps...

When writing a novel or screenplay, it is so easy to get caught up in self-criticism, doubt and perfectionism, which stifle our creativity. It is important for writers to remember to enjoy the creative process and cultivate a sense of play, trust the process and let their imagination take the lead.

Last week, we welcomed our newest writers into our inspiring 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online course. It is inspiring to see the work writers are generating after only one week.

We hope everyone had a relaxing Easter long weekend and maybe even found a moment to work on your writing.

Structure is only one part of the equation. Writing a novel, a screenplay or a short story is a dance between structure and your imagination. Great stories don’t emerge from chaos. They arise when structure gives direction to imagination and imagination breathes life into structure.

Each year begins with a powerful reminder of what’s possible when writers give themselves permission to create. Time and again, we see how much talent surfaces when people learn to quiet self-doubt, trust the process, and engage fully with their imagination.

One of the great myths about writing is that you need to know everything before you begin. In truth, some of the most enduring stories were discovered along the way.

We are very excited to announce the winners of the Writers’ Studio 2025 Short Story Competition. We received a record amount of entries this year, and we want to thank every writer who sent in a story.

Writing a novel or screenplay that other people will want to read doesn't happen by accident. To write the best story you are capable of, you need a step by step process, you need to do the work, and you need support and guidance.

At the Writers’ Studio, we often say that writing is not about coming up with the perfect idea. It’s about committing to the process and discovering your story along the way.

Like many writers, Emma Lord walked into our first class with little more than a desire to write a novel and the bare threads of an idea.

One of the challenges many writers face is the desire for perfection. Whether that be the perfect idea, the perfect first sentence, or the perfect version of their story to appear before they begin.

The Writers' Studio has always dreamt of creating a pathway for the novels created in our courses to connect with the publishing industry.