Novel Writing Just Got Easier
If you believe that novel writing is beyond you, or that it's something only the clever few can succeed in, think again. I believe that everybody has something worthwhile to say - and Novel Writing Help can show you precisely how to say it.
Writers on Writing #4
"It's true that it's a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much companionship a group of imaginary characters can offer once you get to know them."
- Anne Tyler
This site is the most comprehensive online resource for writing a novel you will find, and it's written by an expert - me! - with many years' writing and teaching experience.
In fact, the theory of how to write great fiction is my number one passion, and I hope I can get some of that passion to rub off on you.
If you are new to the site, start with the link in the top left - How to Write a Novel - then follow the remaining links in order, reading all the articles hidden behind them.
All of the information online is totally free. But for those who want to learn about writing a novel in far more depth, I have written a 500-page eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Novel Writing.
Good luck with your novel, and please don't be shy about contacting me.
- Harvey
What People Are Saying...
"With all the trash on the internet, I appreciate that there are a couple of legitimate writers out there willing to share their expertise. Thanks."
- Joey Przymus, Connecticut
"I love your website. It's like my second Bible :)"
- Teresa Dolezal, Michigan
"Hi there. I have just come across your website and would like to tell you that finally I have found a writing help page that helps! Well done. Your advice is fantastic and very helpful, keep up the great work!"
- Jodi, Adelaide, South Australia
"First off, I truly LOVE your site. I wish to thank you so much for the time and effort that you have put into it for those of us who are learning creative writing and how to write a novel. Not everyone is meant to be a teacher - you sir, most definitely are. I find your site not only clear and concise but truly, deeply helpful."
- Mel, NY, USA
"I am busy with my third novel, the other two never got finished. Your site seems very straightforward and full of easy stuff. I have bought loads of books and software and none of it seems to help. Thanks."
- Lynne, Caerphilly, South Wales
"After a number of years of thinking about writing my first novel, I'm finally starting. Problem is, I don't know where to start. Read through books, websites, looked for training courses. Now finally I've found your site. Can't wait to put my bum on the chair and start writing."
- Monya Vermaak, South Africa
"Harvey, this is the best ever writers' site I have been to and everything I could possibly need and want is all on one complete site. I don't have to deal with conflicting information, and your Ultimate Guides are a great add-on for writers so they don't have to buy many different books."
- Rebecca Anne Dillon, Wolverhampton, UK
More Unsolicited Testimonials Here
A Whistlestop Tour of Novel Writing Help
How to Write a Novel
This is the place to begin. Why? Because when you set out on a long journey you need a good map, and the Novel Writing Process, as outlined in this section, is yours.
The Novel Writing Basics
The worst thing you can do when writing a novel - particularly your first novel - is to rush. Before you begin your journey, take some time to consider some of these fundamental questions - like why do you want to write a novel at all?
The Three Types of Novel
It is crucial to decide whether you are writing a genre, literary, or mainstream novel before you start writing it. Why? Because it will make the job of selling the novel a lot easier. Don't know the difference between the 3 types? This section reveals all.
The Fiction Genres
If you have decided to write literary or mainstream fiction, you can move on. Genre fiction, however - crime fiction, romantic fiction, and so on - is governed by "rules" that you must more or less follow if you want to succeed. This section tells you all about them.
Finding Writing Ideas
You might not know it yet, but you are already bursting with great novel ideas. You have enough raw material inside you right now for more novels than you could ever hope to complete. This section shows you how to find them.
Theme and Symbolism
A lot of creative writing guides barely touch on the important question of theme in fiction. Is that because it is something you can safely ignore? Not if you want your novel to be the best it can be. And the same thing goes for symbolism, too.
Creating Characters
Creating characters is arguably the most important part of novel writing. Places and plots count for nothing without dynamic story people, and you will find all the information you need to build them right here.
Understanding Point of View
This is the one area that many newcomers to writing have problems with. It is also a great chance for you to shine. Becoming a master of viewpoint can set your fiction head and shoulders above the competition.
1st Person, 3rd Person & Beyond
Having mastered the theory of viewpoint, it is now time to choose between first person and third person point of view - or perhaps one of the more offbeat choices.
How to Plot a Novel
Make no mistake, plotting a novel is no small task. As a matter of fact, entire books have been written on the subject - books which sometimes leave you feeling more confused than enlightened. My 10-step guide to writing a plot will help you make light work of it.
Advanced Elements of Plot
Having created a solid basic plot in the previous section, the next stage is to add things like subplots, foreshadowing, and exposition. By the time you are through, you will have a professional plot on your hands.
Structuring Narrative Writing
Have you heard of showing and telling? Understanding it - in fact, mastering it - is the key to succeeding as a novel writer. Oh, and this section tells you how to control a novel's pace, too - another critical skill in writing fiction.
Setting: Writing a Story with Atmosphere
When you are writing a novel, character and plot are the two most important ingredients. Having a vividly-evoked setting comes a very close third, though, and this section shows you precisely how to build one. (And, incidentally, the setting of a novel covers a lot more than trees and buildings.)
The Final Plan
This is the final stage in planning a novel. It is about taking all the elements of a story - plot, characters, and so on - and putting them into a master plan so that they are all at your fingertips when you are ready to write.
How to Write a Book the Easy Way
And so it is time to write the novel at last. This section offers advice on how to complete the two steps - writing a first draft and revising that draft - with the minimum of fuss.
The Art of Writing Prose
Ernest Hemingway once said that novel writing is ultimately about "getting the words right" - and it's hard to disagree. You can create compelling characters and write a page-turning plot, but if the language is dull they will count for nothing.
The Art of Writing Dialogue
It is one of the paradoxes of novel writing that the more natural you want the dialogue to sound, the harder you have to work on it. This section explains all.
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