How to Write a Novel: A Practical Guide to the Art of Fiction

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FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

Writing a novel is a journey that captivates the imagination and transports both the author and the reader to new worlds. It is an art form that allows us to explore the depths of human experience, to delve into the recesses of our creativity, and to create narratives that resonate with our souls. Yet for many aspiring writers, the thought of embarking on such a formidable task can seem overwhelming.

That's why I am delighted to present to you this practical guide, "How to Write a Novel: A Practical Guide to the Art of Fiction." Whether you are a novice writer just starting your literary journey or an experienced author looking to refine your craft, this book is a valuable resource that will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of storytelling.

Within these pages, you will find expert guidance on every step of the novel-writing process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final revision. The esteemed authors and writing professionals who have contributed to this guide bring a wealth of experience and expertise from their own successful careers. Their insights, advice, and practical exercises will empower you to unleash your creativity and develop your unique voice as a writer.

Throughout this book, you will be introduced to essential elements of storytelling, such as plot structure, character development, dialogue setting, and theme. You will learn how to craft compelling beginnings that hook your readers, sustain momentum throughout the middle, and deliver satisfying resolutions. You will discover techniques to create vivid and authentic characters that resonate with your audience. And you will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of writing effective dialogue and constructing immersive settings that transport readers to the heart of your story.

But this guide goes beyond the mechanics of writing. It delves into the artistry that lies at the core of any great novel. It explores the power of language, the importance of voice, and the interplay of emotion and theme. It encourages you to embrace the messiness of creativity, to trust your instincts, and to fearlessly explore the depths of your imagination.

Writing a novel is both a labor of love and a dance with the unknown. It requires dedication, perseverance, and the courage to face the blank page. But it is also a transformative experience—a chance to discover truths about ourselves, to give voice to our dreams, and to share our stories with the world.

So I invite you to embark on this journey with an open heart and an open mind. Let this guide be your trusted companion, offering inspiration, guidance, and encouragement when self-doubt creeps in. May it empower you to tell the stories burning within you and to forge a lifelong connection with the transformative magic of the written word.

Now let the adventure begin.

Olivia Salter

04/01/2023

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I
THE OBJECT IN VIEW

An Inevitable Comparison    3
A Model Lesson in Novel-Writing    5
The Teachable and the Unteachable    9
 
CHAPTER II
A GOOD STORY TO TELL 

Where do Novelists get their Stories from?    12
Is there a Deeper Question?    14
What about the Newspapers?    17
 
CHAPTER III
HOW TO BEGIN 

Formation of the Plot    25
The Agonies and Joys of "Plot-Construction"    28
[viii]Care in the Use of Actual Events    31
The Natural History of a Plot    35
Sir Walter Besant on the Evolution of a Plot    40
Plot-Formation in Earnest    43
Characters first: Plot afterwards    45
The Natural Background    47
 
CHAPTER IV
CHARACTERS AND CHARACTERISATION

The Chief Character    50
How to Portray Character    52
Methods of Characterisation    55
The Trick of "Idiosyncrasies"    58
 
CHAPTER V
STUDIES IN LITERARY TECHNIQUE

Narrative Art    63
Movement    66
Aids to Description: The Point of View    67
[ix]Selecting the Main Features    70
Description by Suggestion    73
Facts to Remember    75
 
CHAPTER VI
STUDIES IN LITERARY TECHNIQUE—CONTINUED

Colour: Local and Otherwise    79
What about Dialect?    84
On Dialogue    86
Points in Conversation    91
"Atmosphere"    94
 
CHAPTER VII
PITFALLS

Items of General Knowledge    96
Specific Subjects    98
Topography and Geography    100
Scientific Facts    101
Grammar    103
 
[x]CHAPTER VIII
THE SECRET OF STYLE

Communicable Elements    105
Incommunicable Elements    110
 
CHAPTER IX
HOW AUTHORS WORK

Quick and Slow    116
How many Words a Day?    119
Charles Reade and Anthony Trollope    122
The Mission of Fancy    127
Fancies of another Type    129
Some of our Younger Writers: Mr Zangwill, Mr Coulson Kernahan, Mr Robert Barr, Mr H. G. Wells    132
Curious Methods    134
 
CHAPTER X
IS THE SUBJECT-MATTER OF NOVELS EXHAUSTED?

The Question Stated    138
"Change" not "Exhaustion"    142
Why we talk about Exhaustion    145
 
[xi]CHAPTER XI
THE NOVEL v. THE SHORT STORY

Practise the Short Story    154
Short Story Writers on their Art    159
 
CHAPTER XII
SUCCESS: AND SOME OF ITS MINOR CONDITIONS 

The Truth about Success    164
Minor Conditions of Success    169
 
APPENDIX I
The Philosophy of Composition. By Edgar Allan Poe    175
 
APPENDIX II
Books Worth Reading    201
 
APPENDIX III
Magazine Article on Writing Fiction    205

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