While I'm teaching writing in Europe, I'm mining my eight years of articles on writing for you. Once a week I'm posting a link round-up on a certain subject. I'll also re-post an oldie but goodie in full on a different day. And I've got a couple of new posts scheduled for you as well.
Today's topic is writing the novel. Scroll down for tons of links!
Starting & Prep
Finding the First Line of Your Novel
Tips on Writing: Prepping For the Novel, Part One: Tools
Tips on Writing: Prepping For the Novel, Part Two–The Ideas and the Process
Tips on Writing: Prepping For the Novel, Part Three: Character
Tips on Writing: Prepping For the Novel, Part Four: Story
The Long-haul (or, Sticking With It)
Making the Magic Happen: Committing to a Writing Schedule
Fast-Drafting Fiction (Or Any Other Kind of Writing)
Never Underestimate the Power of a Writing Prompt
Willingness: The Mindset for Writing a Novel
Character
7 Ways to Get to Know Your Characters
9 Ways to Create Characters Readers Will Identify With
Creating Characters: Compassion and Conflict
Setting
Structure
Overcoming Flat Scenes: Rising and Falling Action
The Value of (Groan) Structure
Okay, that ought to keep you busy for awhile. And remember, I'm teaching my novel writing class this fall, starting in October, if this has whetted your whistle for the process.
Next link round-up is a week from today, Tuesday, September 8, on journaling!
J.D.
Charlotte, this is great. I’ve only read the one one on first lines. There’s obviously a lot of information here. I’m currently reading “A is for Alibi.” The first line, “My name is Kinsey Millhone.” Not so great but it set off a string of 26 novels. That are too many good books with dull openers to say it dooms you. A good one that isn’t contrived, like “Emma Jean Sullivan hated babies” gives the author a little grace period. The reader isn’t as likely to throw it down after one paragraph.