Anna Brook-Mitchell had just been made redundant when she decided to write her first novel. Three years later, she had six agent offers and a publishing deal with Pan Macmillan for her debut novel, Motherfaker.

In this episode of The Novelry on Writing, Anna and her literary agent Jemima Forrester (David Higham Associates) sit down with The Novelry editor, Josie Humber, to walk through the entire journey. They discuss what it’s like to be mentored by a published author, to work with and receive advice from an external editor before approaching agents, and what the querying process was like.

They cover:

→ How Anna got the idea for her novel

→ Why Anna joined The Novelry after finishing her first draft

→ What Jemima saw in the submission that made her want to represent Anna before they’d even met

→ The editorial feedback that stung — and turned out to be right

→ What to do when rejections pile up mid-submission→ What a healthy author-agent relationship actually looks like

→ Jemima’s green flags and red flags when reading queries

→ How to know when your manuscript is ready to send

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

1:40 – Anna’s story: BBC rejection, redundancy, and deciding to write a novel

4:07 – What Jemima saw in the submission that made her say yes immediately

6:12 – Why Anna joined The Novelry with a first draft already written

13:26 – How The Novelry’s coaching changed the manuscript

15:46 – The ‘Plan’: why knowing your hook and genre matters

20:55 – Taking editorial feedback without losing your voice

28:00 – The querying process: six offers in a month

36:00 – Choosing the right agent: what to ask in the meeting

43:53 – What a good author-agent relationship looks like

50:05 – Submission red flags and green flags

52:35 – Rapid fire Q&A: advice for writers

🖊️ Ready to take your writing seriously? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us at The Novelry today. Sign up for courses, coaching, and community from the fiction writing school for serious writers.

Connect with The Novelry

Official Site: https://thenovelry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.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 fiction writing school for novelists. 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.

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.com

Read the full episode transcript here!

Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️

Chapters

• 00:00:00 — 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 Bios

Brisa 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.

Resources

Don’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 Storytelling

Novel Ideas and Where to Find Them

The 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 [email protected].

Connect with The Novelry

Official Site: https://thenovelry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenovelry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovelry/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thenovelry/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.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 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.

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 started

How 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! 🖋️

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:00 What is Prose?

04:18 How to Avoid Overwriting

05:18 Clichés

07:07 The Next Big Story Prize

07:38 Writing Dialogue in Prose

09:28 Concrete Tips for Writing Prose

11:26 Writing Prompts

Guest Bios

Tara 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

Life of Pi Author Explores the 5 Ps of Good Writing

Could 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].

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.*

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 subplots

What 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! 🖋️

Chapters

00:00 Introduction02:02 What is Plot?03:35 Stakes Drive Plot05:35 Inciting Incident07:39 Writing Plot Structure08:47 Subplots

Guest Bios

Tash 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story

How to Create a Plot Diagram for a Smooth Writing Journey

What 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].

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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.*

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 antagonist

Where 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.

Chapters

00:00 -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 Prompt

Guest Bios

Gina 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

Life of Pi Author Explores the 5 Ps of Good Writing

Could 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 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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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-star reviews from writers than any other creative writing course.

Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️

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 problem

Perfect 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 #nextbigstory

Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️

Chapters

00:00 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 Plot

Guest Bios

Amanda 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

Life of Pi Author Explores the 5 Ps of Good Writing

Could 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 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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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.*

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 them

Perfect 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:01 What is a Character?

03:32 How to Bring a Character to Life

07:23 Character Likability

09:17 Writing Memorable Characters

12:41 Writing Prompts

#WritingTips #nextbigstory

🔗 Helpful Links:

The Next Big Story prize: https://www.thenovelry.com/prize

See website for details. T&Cs apply.

Follow us on Instagram: @TheNovelry

Guest Bios

Andrea 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 Solomons

David 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.

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.  

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:35 - Tip #1: Make Sure They Can’t Walk Away

06:20 - Tip #2: Introduce an Antagonist 

09:09 - Tip #3: Emotional Stakes

13:32 - Tip #4: Create an Unlikely Hero

18:19 - Tip #5: Add a Ticking Time Bomb

Guest Bios

Kate Riordan

The 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 Humber

The 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story

The Novelry on Writing Podcast: 5 Secrets to Page-Turning Stories

Weaving 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 [email protected].

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.

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 episode of The Novelry on Writing, authors and writing coaches Andrea Stewart and Lesley Kara dive deep into the art of crafting unforgettable story settings! Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, the setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s a dynamic tool to elevate your storytelling. In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• How placing your character in an unfamiliar location can create tension and drive the plot.  

• Ways to use natural elements (such as weather and terrain) to enhance mood and conflict.  

• Techniques to reveal hidden depths of your characters through their interactions with the setting.  

• How to link your setting to the story’s theme for a richer, more cohesive narrative.  

• The art of subverting expectations with your setting to surprise and delight readers.  

Happy writing!

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Tip #1: Unfamiliar Location

03:07 - Tip #2: Use the Elements

04:46 - Tip #3: Use Setting to Reveal Character

07:10 - Tip #4: Link the Setting to the Theme

08:22 - Tip #5: Subvert the Setting 

Guest Bios

Andrea 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.

Lesley Kara

The Novelry writing coach Lesley Kara is a Sunday Times Top Ten and Amazon No.1 internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, The Rumor, was the highest-selling print crime fiction debut of 2019, the bestselling ebook of that year, and was shortlisted for the East Anglian Fiction Award, the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Best Debut Novel, and the Dead Good Books Cat and Mouse Award. It has been optioned for TV by Cuba Pictures and sold in over 18 territories. Who Did You Tell? was also a Sunday Times bestseller. Lesley regularly speaks at literary festivals across the U.K. and co-hosts the crime fiction podcast, In Suspense. 

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:

How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story

How to Structure a Scene

Falling in Love with a Setting

🎧 Share this episode! 

▶️ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/s7HpTUg5kC8

🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips and creative inspiration!

📖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.

❓Have a question? Email us at [email protected].

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

#StorySetting #WritingTips #NovelWriting #CreativeWriting

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.

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. 

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:45 - Tip #1: Talk to Teenagers

07:31 - Tip #2: Communication Methods

10:20 - Tip #3: Raise the Stakes

15:17 - Tip #4: Elevate the Setting

22:16 - Tip #5: Consider the Contemporary Experience

Guest Bios

Alice Kuipers

The 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 McLeod

The 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.

Resources

Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a novel:

The 25 Best YA Books of All Time

Writing for Teenagers vs Writing About Teenagers

Ella McLeod on the “Adultification” of YA

Read the full episode transcript here! 

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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.