Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Can we know in advance if we have the talent to write a novel, before we spend the time and effort to write it?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, we can get better at close observing and phrase- making, and some techniques are discussed.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.Support the showBuy the master class.

Here are techniques for creating fictional villains readers will love to loathe and fear.  We writers can make readers shudder when our scoundrels  appear.Nevermore Hollows Welcome to the creepy town of Nevermore, where all manner of ghosts and monsters...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showBuy the master class.

Readers want to fall in love with our characters.  Here are some techniques about how to create characters readers will be passionate about, and so will dislike seeing the novel end.  Also, some advice on handling minor characters.Nevermore Hollows Welcome to the creepy town of Nevermore, where all manner of ghosts and monsters...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showBuy the master class.

Some scenes are too much, and they may ruin a novel for readers.  What are they?  Plus, here are some good techniques for describing our characters, having our descriptions do double duty.  And don't forget the quirks.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.Support the showBuy the master class.

Discover the pivotal moment when writers should transition from preparation to writing. Explore eight essential questions that set the foundation for an engaging story, including protagonist and setting. Learn how to effectively show emotions through vivid imagery instead of simply telling, enriching reader experience. Engage with personal anecdotes that inspire overcoming procrastination and embracing the journey of storytelling.

Some elements of a novel are more interesting than others, and some are less interesting.  Writers should give readers more of the involving and fascinating aspects, and here is a ranked list of those elements.  Also, a look at how three great writers describe their characters, and what we can learn from them.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.Support the showBuy the master class.

Scene structure is an art hidden from the reader but critical for the success of a scene.  We'll talk about structure in this episode.  Also, here is one of the best ways to avoid mushy, colorless sentences that don't grip the reader.Support the showBuy the master class.

Should we as writers practice our craft?  What are the benefits, and how should we do so?  And here are more ideas about making clear to readers what our character is thinking.  Also, here are some laughably bad sentences.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.Support the showBuy the master class.

Here are eight signs that our plot isn't as interesting as we'd like, which is to say; it's dull.  And how to fix it.  Also, how do we carve out the time to write in our busy lives?  A good author reveals how she did it.Support the showBuy the master class.

We should show as opposed to tell most of the time.  But sometimes telling is fine.  Here is a formula for when to show and when to tell.   Also, we'll talk about techniques for clear and spare writing.  And the reason Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is my favorite novel.  And a wonderfully funny sentence from Lee Child.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.Support the showBuy the master class.