How to Write a Novel: A Practical Guide to the Art of Fiction
by Anonymous
(PDF)
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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