The NovelryReviews of thenovelry.com

I entered The Novelry as a confused alien, clearly unfamiliar with the world of writing and what it took to create a successful novel. My expectations were minimal as I’ve wondered around for years trying to understand the details and concepts easily traversed by bestselling authors. Immediately, Louise stepped in and calmly took my hand. She led me through the general layout, individual steps, and secret tunnels of story creation. Through simple explanation and a powerful map, she made the unfamiliar delightfully accessible.

I've had aspirations to write a novel for most of my life, but like so many others, finding the time, the rhythm, and the armor to make it happen with so many life-interruptions was a major challenge. When I found the Novelry I found my way. It’s happening - I’m writing my novel! The lessons are extremely fun and engaging as is the community built around them. I have wonderful support from Louise herself in our one-on-ones - they are like giant, virtual hugs - she always seems to get me “unstuck” with poignant advice and suggestions. The formula she’s created to extract one’s novel onto the page is a simple one, but if followed, it really works. If you have a novel in you that’s trying to get out, I highly recommend syncing up with Louise Dean and The Novelry.

Since I joined The Novelry, I've finally managed to complete my first draft of my novel, which I'd never managed before. I put this down to the daily lessons given by Louise on the 90 day novel course, plus the ongoing support of Louise and all the other members in her group. I'm much more confident in my writing as a result of the quality of instruction that Louise provides and would recommend anyone thinking of writing a book to join The Novelry and fulfil their dreams too!

From the first lesson of Louise’s “The Ninety Day Novel” I knew that this course was something different. Being a published writer Louise is aware of the challenges facing each one of her students and offers both her knowledge and her support. The content not only gives you valuable tools with which you can enhance your writing, but Louise introduces you to famous writers in such a personal way that you feel you are on first name terms with them. Then, she expands on this by interpreting the techniques of their writing and exploring their motivation. What I found so fascinating is her ability to show you how to look not only at words, but beneath them, between them, behind them and that often what is not written is what is most important. She is truly a forensic scientist of the written word. No email goes unanswered and she encourages you to book a chat with her should you feel you are losing focus or need to discuss something in more detail. Louise welcomes you, but so do your fellow students many of whom have a plethora of information to willingly share. But for me, one of the most valuable components of this course is the belief that Louise has in her writers which in turn inspires each one of us to find it within.

I love to write and I have dreams. I was looking for a course to help and guide me to realize my writing dreams. Louise, a successful author herself, has created a wonderful platform full of numerous courses, all of which contain priceless ‘tools’ not rules. In addition the supportive and encouraging group she has nurtured of both published and aspiring authors is just incredible, and a safe place to give and receive feedback on each other’s work. I signed up for a course, but got so much more. Louise’s warmth, humour and straight talking approach is a wonderful blend that has manifested itself into the beautiful approach and support network available. I only have one question, what are you waiting for? Honestly, you won’t regret it.

After years of bumbling about, the Novelry’s 90 day course got me through the first draft. I’m now doing the Big Edit. Louise addresses all the problems that send you off in the wrong direction, make you think you can’t do it, aren’t good enough and all the rest of the traps your brain invents to stop you getting where you want to be. This is it. It’s the course that makes sense of all the bits you’ve learned so far. You take small, manageable steps, then you realised you’ve done the marathon. Experienced writers get better and beginners get going. Do it.

I've experienced post-graduate level courses on both sides of the fence, as student and teacher; I know that with any HE course, especially at post-graduate level, what's required is a lot of self-directed study: 'Free' hours spent researching in the library, say, or editing your dissertation/thesis in the small hours in preparation for a seminar or tutorial the next day. Before I signed up for a course at The Novelry a year ago I gave myself a good talking to first, reminding myself of lessons learned (often the hard way) over the years: 1) Don't be 'precious' (or po-faced) about your work (e.g. share it with others and learn to take criticism.) 2) Learn how to take negative, non-constructive criticism gracefully (it happens, but rise above it with aplomb.) 3) Never underestimate the sophistication of your audience 4) Some of the best books you've enjoyed over the years are by writers without an MA / MFA / PhD and so on. 4) Read aloud and read slowly (your own work but this equally applies to the work of others if you've been asked for feedback.) 5) Be prepared for the hours of self-directed study (remember that huge leap between GCSEs and 'A' levels, when you stopped being spoon-fed?) I'd say that, after completing one course at The Novelry ('The Complete Novel') and now in the thick of another ('The Big Edit' - an extremely comprehensive course only available to The Novelry graduates) that The Novelry platform is as good as any MA / MFA so long as you're prepared to put the work in and really make the most of what's on offer at The Novelry. Get involved in the private members' areas, meet up with peers if you're able, be conscientious about completing all of the lessons, revisit them often. A typical MFA / MA in Creative Writing is around 35% teaching with the remainder being self-directed study. There will be practising writers, often award-winning writers, leading the course as well as visiting guest lecturers. You have all of this with The Novelry, depending on how you structure the course and your days. You've not only an award-winning writer in Louise Dean, but with student-practitioners who've also published books or work within the industry. A typical MFA / MA works out at around £1500 a year plus all the usual expenses. You can spend that amount with The Novelry - if you want to, if you work fast, if you do two or three courses a year. But I know which one I think is better value for money.

The 90-Day Novel course went far beyond being the top-rated, novel-writing ‘course’. It’s a course, as in ‘life-altering way of life.’