Blog

What are the craft skills that really move the needle? Jo-Anne Richards and Richard Beynon each chose their three most important creative writing skills — without comparing notes — and between [...]

Two writers. Two completed manuscripts. A conversation full of practical wisdom about beginning, keeping going, and getting it done. Here's what Rick Melvill and Tim Chevallier shared in our free [...]

Want to know how to write a short story that truly resonates — and gets it published? In this candid and practical conversation, short story editor Joanne Hichens sits down with award-winning [...]

Not sure where to start with your memoir? Four essential questions to help you find your story, stay motivated, and overcome the obstacles every memoir writer faces — with practical tips from [...]

Expert writing tips to accelerate your development: rewrite strategies, building momentum, conquering your inner critic. Free advice from professional authors.

Join our free interactive webinar on 19 January to clarify your writing intentions for 2026. No resolutions, no pressure – just honest reflection and practical strategies with experienced writing [...]

Expert writing tips to accelerate your development: rewrite strategies, building momentum, conquering your inner critic. Free advice from professional authors.

Our Venice Writing Retreat returns for its ninth year in November 2026. Work with expert mentors Richard, Fred, and Jo-Anne in a 16th century palazzo. Daily workshops, one-hour individual [...]

If I could give my fifteen-year-old self one piece of writing advice, it wouldn't be about craft or technique. It would be this: be ambitious. Not about prizes or fame, but about what you believe [...]

These thoughts were inspired by one of the writers at our Venice Writing Retreat. He wondered whether there was a code for writers – a set of moral precepts, guiderails, if you like, that [...]

Should you start with character development or plot structure? This fundamental writing question sparked lively debate in our latest Q&A webinar. Jo-Anne and Richard share insights on both [...]

Discover why most story openings fail and learn 3 proven techniques to write compelling first scenes that hook readers. Includes practical writing exercise and expert analysis from a working [...]