
January 1, 2010 | Posted by John Halasz
The main part of any novel is the characters and how the reader relates to them. If you are writing a non fiction novel then the character will be based on a real person. However, with fiction you have to imagine the character and give him a personality. Since a novel is made up of many characters, the reader might hate some or love others. If you are still learning how to write a novel, characters are not only composed of their outward appearance but their personality as well. When you create a character, be sure he will keep the reader wanting to know what will happen next.
Characters in a good novel should encounter a variety of situations. Due to their diverse personalities they will handle the situations differently and this is where the reader is captivated. If you are using narration in your story, this can be a good way to tell the story. However, it should be not be a tool to describe the characters. While learning how to write a novel, you will realize that situations in the story are the right way to reveal various characters.
Use the right choice of words when describing situations. The reader should be able to tell characters’ weaknesses and strengths before reaching the story’s climax. Each character should stand out in terms of specific actions. For example, one character can be a nerd and is always trying to solve mysteries while the other can hate socializing. An important thing to always keep in mind when learning how to write a novel is that the aim of characters is to make the reader see himself in the story. Therefore, take your time to create the best characters possible.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: characters, creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 31, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
Learning to write a good dialogue is a crucial part of learning how to write a good novel. Many writers mistakenly think that writing a dialogue is a simple task. It is simple to put words in speech marks and include speech tags. It however takes careful thought and practice to write a dialogue that will hold the interest of a reader. A realistic dialogue if used well can be a very powerful tool in the writing of a novel. The following tips will help you in the writing of a realistic dialogue, an important part of learning how to write a good novel.
• Listen to other people as they talk. Listen to the natural speech patterns of conversations around you. This will help you develop an ear for natural dialogue. Listen to the expressions people use in their speech and in music.
• Read other novels in the same genre as that you are planning to write. Note that the dialogues in these books only read like real speech. A dialogue in a novel should not follow the actual pattern of real speech. Include only the most relevant parts and get rid of the filter words.
• Avoid providing too much information in the dialogue.
• Interrupt the dialogue with actions. The inclusion of descriptions of actions taking place in the physical world will help capture the reader’s attention.
• Avoid overusing speech tags. The readers will not be impressed by the many different ways you thought up of saying ‘he said’.
• Avoid using profane language and slang. This may put off some readers.
As you learn how to write a good novel you will find that dialogues are a good way to draw readers into the story and help them understand the theme and plot. Take the time to learn how to use this powerful tool properly.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 30, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
When first time authors are just getting into the business, they really want to learn and be sure they know how to write a good novel. The advice they usually get is to read as many books by successful authors in the same genre as that which they are interested in. This is the best advice you can get. Reading novels written by successful authors is the best way to learn different aspects of writing. One thing you can learn from reading novels is how to structure a good plot.
The structure of your plot depends on the conflict in the novel. As you learn how to write a good novel you will discover that the action in the plot will rise as the conflict in the story develops and builds up. The conflict in a story is therefore the driving force of the story. It is the element of the story that attracts and maintains the interest of the reader.
The conflict in a novel is any force that works against the protagonist of the story. Conflict can therefore take form of a person who in this case would be an antagonist. This antagonist does not have to be evil. Antagonists are those characters who interfere with the progress of the protagonist towards the goal set by the theme of the story. The presence of this character therefore creates conflict in the story.
Conflict can also be created by an event or inability to perform a certain task. Past or present hindrances that are barriers to the accomplishment of a ‘happily ever after’ by the protagonists are conflict creators.
In learning how to write a good novel you will be well advised to introduce the conflict of your story early. This will get the readers interested in the story early.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 28, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
To most novel authors the best part of writing is creating novel characters. This is where they get to play with their imagination. If you want to learn how to write a novel and come up with great characters this short piece will be of great help.
To create an interesting character you need to first get in the mood. Everyone has a time when their mind is open and filled with ideas. The best way to get into this mood is to find something that inspires you and concentrate on it. In this state, go ahead and picture a character then pretend you are this person. Ask yourself what you would like your name to be and your personality. A name should match the character for example Paul cannot be perceived as a mischievous person.
Next is to give this character a form by describing it to the reader. You can state his outward appearance and let the plot of the story reveal his inward personality. Once you have the character, give him a location or residence. Choose a location you are familiar with for example if you live in Texas, use this in the story. While learning how to write a novel you will realize every character needs a back story. This should include his livelihood and the people who surround him. In most cases the people who influence the character’s life give the story a twist. These simple guidelines on how to write a novel can be adopted even by beginners. Begin writing you novel today!
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creating characters, creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 27, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
Anyone who embarks on writing a romance novel does so with the intent of making big sales and having thousands of readers. It isn’t always the case with many novels that are published. This is because many authors mistakenly think that writing a romance novel only requires inspiration and a good word processor. The following tips will help you not only understand how to write a romance novel that sells.
If you want to make big sales you must begin by learning from the masters of the art. The best way to learn how to write a romance novel is by reading the works of great romance novel authors from the olden days and modern times. Observe how they develop their plots and how the characters and events relate to the theme of the book. Read romance novels that are making big splashes in the current market. This will give you an idea of what the modern romance reader is looking for in a romantic tale.
The next step in writing a romance novel that sell is carrying out market research. Get as much information as you can on the publishers you are interested in. Go through their guidelines and standards. This will help you understand the type of books they are associated with and the kind of information they would like passed in the books they publish.
You may now begin planning your novel. Start by deciding on the theme of the book. Choose the hero, heroine and the supporting characters. Plan the plot of your story and decide on the role of each character in developing the plot. Carry out thorough research to strengthen the plot and theme. A well researched book seems more realistic and will in turn captivate readers. You may then begin the actual writing.
The guidelines above on how to write a romance novel will not assure you of big sales. Following them however, will increase the chances of producing high quality writing and therefore increase your chances of making big sales
Producing high quality writing increases the chances of making big sales. These tips will guide you in producing a high quality romance novel.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a romance novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 26, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
Well written romance novels make an interesting read. There are two types of romance novels, those that fly off the shelves and those that gather dust on the same shelves. The romance novels that gather dust are those that have not been written well. In such novels, the character development is poor and readers cannot connect with or relate to the characters. When readers cannot relate to the characters they lack interest. Read on if you would like to learn more on how not to write a novel and in this case a romance novel.
First, do not use passive language. The author should not just tell their readers how wonderful the hero is. Instead they should use their own words to describe and show the reader how wonderful the hero is. Using passive language results in a novel that lacks connection with the readers and that renders it emotionless.
If a first time author wants to know how not to write a novel, it is crucial that they talk and liaise with seasoned writers. One mistake that you as an author should avoid is an anti climax.
There is nothing worse than a novel that starts off with heat and intensity between the heroine and hero but ends with a bedroom scene that lacks in both heat and intensity. Such novels only ruin the readers’ mood. Accordingly, they may not continue reading the book or buy another book by the same author.
Knowing how not to write a novel is easy. Just do your research and always remember that only practice makes perfect.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a romance novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 25, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
There are numerous upcoming writers. While they may have the talent, drive and passion to write novels they are still bound to make mistakes on their first novels. For this reason, guidance is required. The following are tips on how not to write a novel.
One common novel writing mistake is the failure by an author to effectively develop ideas. Excellent authors do not start writing immediately they conceive ideas. They take the time to expand and explore their ideas into plots. The plot in any novel helps capture the attention of the reader. It is crucial that authors develop their ideas into concrete story lines as it is the only way they may be assured of success. Knowing how not to write a novel makes it possible for authors to avoid common writing mistakes.
Another common mistake is the lack of an effective plan. Under no circumstance should you begin writing a novel without a plan in place. ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’ so the old adage goes. There are numerous authors who fail to finish their novel all because they fail to plan ahead. Novel writing is to say the least, a huge undertaking. Accordingly, when an author begins to write without any guidelines in place, they are unable to ensure that all scenes in the novel are purposeful. Without plans, authors are also unable to effectively develop their characters or even build the dramatic suspense and tensions in their stories gradually and steadily. By liaising with experienced authors, novice writers may obtain meaningful information on how not to write a novel.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novel writing mistakes, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 24, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
A book’s content is crucial to its success. Readers buy books not necessarily because the books’ covers entice them but because they want to derive entertainment or knowledge. When readers shop for books, they look forward to gaining a new experience or adding a new concept to their life. Yet most writers are of the opinion that writing a totally new book is the hardest part of writing.
They therefore need more exposure on how to write a best selling novel keeping in mind the needs of the reader. An important point that writers must be familiar with is that they need to conceptualize their ideas and give the story a focal point that targets the reader.
The most important idea on how to write a best selling novel is to develop a book brief. With the book brief, the author develops confidence to write a masterpiece. The book brief also helps an author to test his or her skills by taking a reader’s perspective. It is important to have one topic in order to avoid the confusion caused by mix-up of ideas. A single topic also helps one to organize thoughts conceptually.
While gaining skills on how to write a best selling novel, the writer also has to note that the purpose of the book is what captivates the reader most. Hence the author has to arrange the book in such a way that it highlights the purpose succinctly. The book must be appealing to readers’ sentiments, beliefs and emotions.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 23, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
Other than thriller and romance novels, science fiction is another popular fiction writing genre. What is most unique about science fiction novels is that they blend together scientific research and escapism making them interesting reads. Writing an excellent novel does not happen overnight. Accordingly, in order for an author to be considered as successful, they need to have written numerous novels with excellent reviews. The following are guidelines on how not to write a novel.
When writing a science fiction novel, it is crucial that the author establishes believability of their fictional world. Where this is not done, the author is not able to win and retain enthusiasts. In addition, the author should develop a plot that is both exciting and thought provoking. Even before an author begins writing their novel, they should first effectively research about the science world. The science written should match with what readers understand about the universe. The Internet is good place to perform the research as it is packed with science fiction devotees who may be able to offer meaningful tips. In addition, they may also offer information on how not to write a novel.
Research and talking to seasoned writers are two ways through which an author may learn how not to write a novel -a science fiction novel. By talking to experienced writers, novice writers may discover that in order to write a successful novel, they need to focus on a particular kind of reader. If an author hopes to write a novel that flies off bookshelves, they should not write with an aim of pleasing every one as they are likely to fail.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how to write a science fiction novel, novel, novelist, sci fi, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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December 22, 2009 | Posted by John Halasz
When an published novelist or novice sits down to write a novel, their aim is usually to write a best-seller. However, many novelist and aspiring novelist are unable to realize this goal because they are guilty of certain, novel-writing “no no’s.” The following is information about how not to write a novel. Avoid such errors, and you will be more likely to write a successful novel.
The first biggest novel writing mistake is having poor grammar and numerous spelling mistakes. Bad spelling only puts off readers. Unless, an author is writing down the novel word-for-word, which is highly unlikely now that computers are available, such mistakes are totally unacceptable. The spelling and grammar tool present in MS Word documents should be put to proper use. Chances are that if a reader is unable to read the novel due to the numerous grammatical, punctuation and spelling mistakes, they will not like it. Accordingly, they may not finish reading it and they may never again purchase a book by the same author. Writers who know how not to write a novel are able to avoid these mistakes.
Another big novel writing mistake is being too wordy, verbose and having bad prose. Where an author has used too many technical words, the novel becomes difficult to understand. In addition, it results in redundant language and complete vagueness. Accordingly, all the better if an author is able to say whatever they need to using just a few words. Information on how not to write a novel abounds on the Internet and the best thing is that it is free of charge. Make good use of it.
Categories: Creative -- Fiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing |
Tags: creative writing, Fiction Writing, how not to write a novel, novel, novelist, writer, writers, writing a novel |
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