Writing The Novel: A Reading Group via WhatsApp

Join other writers in reading 12 books about writing the novel in 2026. Each month, we will read a book on the craft of writing fiction and discuss it via Whatsapp. Writers can read at their own pace and use the group to discuss ideas and techniques as well as their own progress on their novels. The reading group is open to writers at all levels of experience anywhere in the world—you may join whether you started a novel, already drafted one, or have an idea you would like to explore in writing. There are no set discussion times; you can chip in whenever you want.  

January:

February:

Writing Fiction Step by Step
By Josip Novakovich

March:

Writing the Intimate Character: Create Unique, Compelling Characters through Mastery of Point of View
By Jordan Rosenfeld

April:

The Secrets of Story: Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers
By Matt Bird

May: 

Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish
By James Scott Bell

June:  

Refuse to Be Done
By Matt Bell

July: 

Writers and Lovers
By Lily King

August:

Craft in the Real World
By Matthew Salesses

September:

Steering the Craft
By Ursula K. Le Guin

October:

The Emotional Craft of Fiction
By Donald Maass

November:

Writing the Breakout Novel
By Donald Maass

December:

Before and After The Book Deal
By Courtney Maum

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