Thoughts from our experts

What would you tell your pre-published self?

Write Advice – author Ayisha Malik on characters and plotting

Author Ayisha Malik explains how she creates engaging characters, the process of getting published and gives tips to budding authors.

Does reality matter in crime fiction?

Crime Writing: making it real – who cares?

Retired police officer and author advisor Graham Bartlett explores why you should bother getting your facts right when writing crime fiction.

Heidi Rice discusses writing and publishing romance

Bestselling romance author Heidi Rice speaks to our Write a Romance Novel students about creating relationships, her writing routine and publishing overseas,

Lee Weatherly explains character

Write Advice – author Lee Weatherly explains character

Author and PWA tutor Lee Weatherly speaks to our Getting Started: Beginners’ Fiction students about creating great characters and writing convincing dialogue.

How do you finish a novel?

Author Lee Weatherly gives us some tips on how to make it through all the hard work it takes to finish a novel.

NaNoWriMo — should you be planning your story?

We asked authors Sarah Hilary, Heidi Rice, Irenosen Okojie and Paul Kingsnorth about their attitudes towards plotting and planning their work.

Julia Crouch and Heidi Rice – how can NaNoWriMo help write a novel?

Authors Heidi Rice and Julia Crouch and share what they learnt from NaNoWriMo, how it improved their writing and some tips for those looking to take part.

Julia Crouch’s essential tips for aspiring writers

Author Julia Crouch gives us the solutions to these dilemmas and more, in her four essential tips for aspiring writers.

Best romance novels for writers – author Heidi Rice on her favourite romantic stories

Heidi Rice gives us a rundown of the best romance novels for writers, plus a few writing tips for good measure.

Write Advice – game designer Caroline Marchal

Story for Video Games course director Caroline Marchal talks to our students about how she got started in the industry, freelancing and recent changes in this ever-evolving industry.

Shortlist secrets – what award readers really look for

Caroline Ambrose, founder of The Bath Novel Award, tells us what award readers really enjoy to see in submissions.

Write Advice: script editor Caroline Young discusses giving writers notes

Script editor Caroline Young answers questions from students, and explores how to deal with writers who find it tricky to take notes.