Comprehensive Advice on Writing a Novel
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Posted by Rachel Wills Oct 25, 2009 |
There are lots of aspect to writing novels, from planning where and when to write, plotting the story to developing the characters. Below are many useful links covering many aspects on how to write a novel.
Getting Started in Fiction Writing
One of the most difficult aspects of writing a novel is committing the first few words to paper. The link below covers issues such as getting to know the writer within and the practical issues of writing.
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is one of the biggest obstacles the writer might face. Below are some useful tips and advice on how to overcome this affliction from finding motivation to continue to the end, to solving technical issues within the story.
- What to do when writer’s block strikes
- Writing exercises to combat writer’s block
- Maintaining motivation to novel completion
- Surviving the rejection slip from publishers
- Editing the novel after rejections
- Writing a novel during parental commitments
Developing Characters for Fiction
Compelling characters are crucial for driving the plot and keeping the reader intrigued. Below are some invaluable links on how to conceive and develop realistic characters and making them work within the story.
- How to conceive fictional characters
- Using Freud’s theory to create realistic characters
- Questionnaire for fictional character profiles
- Making characters speak in compelling dialogue
Writing Style
Effective storytelling in a compelling style form the backbone to any story. Below are some useful tips on how to keep the reader turning the pages by using a gripping writing style.
- Developing a narrative voice for storytelling
- Describing emotions in fiction
- The curse of too many adverbs
- Effective use of descriptive words
- How passive writing can kill a novel
Fiction Plot and Pacing
Effective placement of climaxes and lulls are essential to the novel. Below are some invaluable advice on writing scenes and stringing them together with strategic placements.
- How to write the first pages of a novel
- The three act structure of storytelling
- How to write scenes within the novel
Guide to Researching for Novels
Making the story believable is crucial, whether it is a Historical novel or Crime fiction. Knowing where to garner information is important and will help set the atmosphere for genre fiction. Below are some useful links on the do’s and don’ts of research.
Submitting Novels to Publishers
The links below cover the issues surrounding manuscript submission. First impressions are crucial when writing to publishers and agents and may be the difference between getting the novel read and its relegation to the slush pile.
- Writing a synopsis to a novel
- Manuscript editing to publication standard
- How to find a literary agent
The following link might also be useful
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