Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard (Free eBook)

 

 Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration 

 

by

 

David Sheppard

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Description

Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration provides the beginning novelist, or perhaps even the experienced novelist who has lost his way, with a discussion of the underlying structure and methods of novel writing. Nowhere else can the aspiring author learn the skills necessary to achieve the organic unity of the novelist's divine trinity: character, conflict and theme, so necessary to a fine work of literature. He will also learn the art of narration, how to lock the conflict, resolve the conflict, all the while, laying out the integral chapter structure. This approach to novel writing is not about the art of creative writing. It's about the craft, the novelsmithing, of making a story into a novel. The aspiring screenwriter will also find most of the chapters useful. Completing the first nine chapters of Novelsmithing will provide the author with a rough draft for his novel.

 

 Get your free copy of "Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard."

About the Author

David Sheppard is the author of the recently published non-fiction work Oedipus on a Pale Horse and The Mysteries, A Novel of Ancient Eleusis, which will appear in bookstores later in 2009. He has a bachelor's from Arizona State University, a master's from Stanford University and also studied American literature at the University of Colorado. His poetry has appeared in The Paris Review, and in The Arvon International Poetry Competition Anthology (Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney, editors). A veteran of many writing groups and conferences, he is a past member of the Rocky Mountain Writers Guild, having chaired its Literary Society and participated in its Live Poets Society and Advanced Novel Workshop. He taught astronomy, novel writing and Greek mythology at New Mexico State University - Carlsbad. He has traveled throughout Western Europe and is an amateur photographer and astronomer.

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Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

The Most Important Element of a Novel

The Art of Fiction A Guide for Writers and Readers

“The most important element of a novel,” according to Rand, “is plot.” A plot is not the same thing as a story. Good Naturalistic novels, Rand says, have a series of events that add up to a story. But a “plot is a purposeful progression of events. Such events must be logically connected, each being the outgrowth of the preceding and all leading up to a final climax.”

Ayn Rand

Alice O'Connor, better known by her pen name Ayn Rand, was a Russian-born American writer and philosopher. She is known for her fiction and for developing a philosophical system she named Objectivism. Born and educated in Russia, she moved to the United States in 1926. She wrote a play that opened on Broadway in 1935. Wikipedia

Born: February 2, 1905, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Died: March 6, 1982, Manhattan, New York, NY
Full name: Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum
Spouse: Frank O'Connor (m. 1929–1979)

The Art of Fiction offers invaluable lessons, in which Rand analyzes the four essential elements of fiction: theme, plot, characterization, and style. She demonstrates her ideas by dissecting her best-known works, as well as those of other famous authors, such as Thomas Wolfe, Sinclair Lewis, and Victor Hugo. An historic accomplishment, this compendium will be a unique and fascinating resource for both writers and readers of fiction. A Guide for Writers and Readers

 

Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

Short Stories in the Making: A Writers' and Students' Introduction to the Technique and Practical Composition of Short Stories, Including an ... Plot to Short Story Writing

Short Stories in the Making: A Writers' and Students' Introduction to the Technique and Practical Composition of Short Stories, Including an ... Plot to Short Story Writing 

By Robert Wilson Neal (1914).

Description

Excerpt from Short Stories in the Making: A Writers' and Students' Introduction to the Technique and Practical Composition of Short Stories, Including an Adaptation of the Principles of the Stage Plot to Short Story Writing

What is wanting in this book, critics, teachers, and students will all too readily discover without my help. Let me rather point out, then, what it is meant to do.

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Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction (1906) by Leslie Quirk

How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction (1906) by Leslie Quirk- The material in the following pages is a series of suggestive talks rather than a scholarly discourse. I leave to others the discussion of polish, atmosphere, and artistic handling; I take for my theme the writing of a short story that will sell.  

 

 

Description

This handy and brief guide will take you by the hand through the process of writing a novel or short story, from its conception and the choice of method, passing through different phases and aspects to their placement on the market and public distribution. Some illustrations have been added to the original to make it more vivid and interesting to read.

 

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Writer's Digest: How to Write Short Stories (1921)

 

Chapter I. Common Sense in Viewing One's Work. 

Chapter II. The Necessary Mental Equipment. 

Chapter III. Finding Time and Material. 

Chapter IV. Hints for Equipping The Shop. 

Chapter V. Common Business Sense in Meeting the Market. 

Chapter. VI. The Great Art of Story Writing: Construction. 

Chapter VII. The Great Art of Story Writing : Style. 

Chapter VIII. The Great Art of Story Writing: Adaption of Style to Material. 

Chapter IX. The Great Art of Story Writing: The Element of Suspense — Viewpoint. 

Chapter X. The Great Art of Story Writing: Characterization. 

Chapter XI. The Great Art of Story Writing : Plots. 

Chapter XII. Using Acquaintance as Material. 

Chapter XIII. The Author's Personal Responsibility. 

Chapter XIV. The Editors. 

 Chapter XV. Criticism. 

Chapter XVI. Help from Other Writers. 

Chapter XVII. When You're Tempted to Shut Up Shop.

Chapter XVIII. The Business of Writing — A Summing Up.

Download PDF to read the book >>  Writer's Digest: How to Write Short Stories (1921)  

 

 Also see:

• Writer's Digest Magazine at Amazon
• Writer's Digest Books at Amazon

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Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

A Manual of the Short Story Art by Glenn Clark

 

A Manual of the Short Story Art 

by 

Glenn Clark

 

 Overview

This 1922 how-to textbook, intended for teachers and students, includes exercises to get a writer started; lessons in visualization, dialogue, and theme; a list of thirty-six plot situations; and, as examples, short stories by Anthony Hope, Gertrude Hamilton, Edna Ferber, O. Henry, Beatrice Walker, and Wilbur Daniel Steele.

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Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

The Contemporary Short Story: A Practical Manual by Harry Baker Turner

The Contemporary Short Story: A Practical Manual

 

by Harry Baker Turner

 

 

 FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

In an era where attention spans are dwindling and time is a precious commodity, the art of storytelling has found a natural home in the realm of the short story. These concise yet powerful narratives have the ability to captivate readers, immersing them in a world of imagination within a limited space.

Harry Baker Turner's The Contemporary Short Story: A Practical Manual serves as an indispensable guide for both aspiring and seasoned writers, providing a comprehensive toolkit to craft compelling short stories that resonate with readers. With a wealth of knowledge gained from his vast experience as a writer and educator, Turner deftly navigates the intricacies and nuances of the short story form, offering valuable insights and practical advice at every turn.

This manual is not merely a theoretical exploration of the short story but a hands-on, practical resource that empowers writers to develop their skills and master the craft. Turner's approach is both rigorous and accessible, as he imparts indispensable wisdom on various aspects, from generating ideas and creating well-rounded characters to refining dialogue and crafting effective plot arcs. Through clear and concise examples, he demonstrates how each technique can be harnessed to produce impactful and thought-provoking stories.

What sets The Contemporary Short Story apart is Turner's keen understanding of the evolving literary landscape. He acknowledges the changing tastes and preferences of modern readers, addressing contemporary themes and pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Turner's emphasis on diversity and inclusivity is commendable, encouraging writers to explore a multitude of perspectives and voices, opening up a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect our multifaceted world.

Furthermore, Turner recognizes that writing is not a solitary endeavor. He offers valuable advice on seeking feedback, collaborating with editors, and navigating the publishing industry, providing invaluable guidance for writers looking to take their work to the next level. His encouragement for writers to cultivate resilience and perseverance serves as a reminder that the journey of crafting a short story is one of constant learning and growth.

As I delved into the pages of The Contemporary Short Story: A Practical Manual, I found myself immersed in a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Turner's passion for storytelling is evident in every chapter, urging writers to push their boundaries and embrace the limitless possibilities of the short story form.

Whether you are an aspiring writer seeking to embark on this captivating journey or an established author looking to refine your skills, Harry Baker Turner's manual is a must-have resource in your literary arsenal. So dive in, explore the magic of the short story, and let Turner's guidance illuminate your path towards crafting stories that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers for years to come.

Olivia Salter

03/11/2022

 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Originality: Kinds and Methods 1

II. Common Faults 43

III. Structure 84

IV. Character vs. Plot 140

V. Style and the Classics 176

VI. How Magazines Differ 203

VII. A Magazine Office from the Inside 233

Appendix 249

Suggestions for Beginners 249

Test Questions 253

A List of American Fiction Magazines 255

A Few Books on the Short Story  257

A List of Representative Short Stories 258

Index 265

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