Novel Writing

Novel Writing

“I write to discover what I know.”
–Flannery O’Connor

What is Novel Writing?

Novel writing is known as lengthy prose stories. These fiction stories have 50,000 to 100,000 words. It has various classifications like mystery, horror, science fiction, thrill, romance, fantasy and historical.

What is the Purpose of Novel Writing?

Novel writing is a part of creative writing that has a unique attraction for writers. An exceptional piece of writing expresses the writer’s profound observation of human behaviour, sound knowledge of society and creative imagination about the topic. Their purpose of writing is to inform readers about environmental problems and faulty behaviours and provide solutions. On the other hand, its purpose is to entertain readers and provide them pleasure. Consequently, they can neglect their stress and life challenges for some time.

How Does a Writer Select its Genre?

A professional novelist habitually studies different genre books to learn the variety of experiences and occasionally tries it out too. Sometimes, the new writer is confused while choosing the appropriate genre for him to write. In this case, reading books is a great source for writers to provide a solution and assess their inner skills and interests. Ultimately, it is the writer’s preference for what they like for writing.

Why Selection of a Suitable Topic is Significant for The Novel Writer?

Selection of an appropriate topic is always significant for novel writers, so they never expose any eagerness in assigning them. They always ponder deeply and observe their surroundings, which aid writers in discovering the subject of attention in society. Once in a while, they pick a familiar topic to write about, but their unique writing style, strong plot, word elaboration, and scene-setting build the story impressive and successful. 

“Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”

-William Faulkner

Brainstorming Helps an Author to Gather Ideas for a Story. Do You Agree?

Brainstorming is a functional technique for gathering ideas for a story. It facilitates the free flow of thoughts and the spontaneous contribution of ideas. A few Authors love to assemble their concepts this way to prevent them slip from the mind. As a newbie, if you are satisfied, write those ideas no matter how unusual they may seem. Additionally, you may discuss your ideas with friends, often discussion or suggestions with others helps you to generate new ideas.

How Does Draft Making Help the Author? 

Before designing the final draft, the author usually prefers to write down their ideas randomly on a paper. Their intent while writing is to gather their thoughts, such as scene-setting, events, characters and other details about the story in a single place. It aids them in writing dialogues flawlessly. At this stage, the author’s brain has become crystal clear. Henceforth, he eliminates all extraneous ideas that do not seem fit for the story. As a result, the author creates a strong story that can grab readers’ attention by transmitting his unique views into their minds.

What Elements are Essential to Building any Story?

Most stories deal with three chief elements. Character, setting and plot of the story, while character mood is also considered as an element.

silas marner - novel writing
Silas Marner

When Silas Marner, a linen-weaver, is falsely accused of stealing money in …

Short Novels

These extracts of short novels are selected for training students of IGCSE in ESL or Literature. The purpose of these comprehension exercises is the expansion of vocabulary and provision of better writing skills.

boy is smiling - novel writing
Great Expectations

I entered and found myself in a pretty large room, well lighted with wax candles.

the moonstone - novel writing

The Moonstone

The Moonstone is a beautiful, priceless diamond, which was originally …

Far from madding crowd - short novel

Far From the Madding Crowd

Bathsheba Everdene, a beautiful, independent young woman, comes to live …

heart of darkness - novel writing

Heart of Darkness

Marlow hears strange stories of a European trader called Kurtz who is in charge …

How Scene-Setting Plays a Vital Role in Novel Writing?

The prime element of a story is the setting. It is the time and place in which a story happens. At the start, the writer sets the location of the story. They write details regarding the setting accurately and provide knowledge that matters to the readers. For instance, the required time (day, night or evening), the scenario of surroundings (human, animal or other noises) and specific location are mentioned in the story to understand the situation. An entire play may occur in a setting as familiar as a living room or possibly in the countryside. The writer always has good reasons for the environment he uses.

On rare occasions, the writer uses illustrations as well. It assists a writer in defining his thoughts engagingly to provide additional information and create a particular image in the readers’ minds for comprehending the situation. Therefore, there is a suggestion for newbie writers that powerful words which describe the atmosphere must be used in writing so that the reader can zone into the story and picture everything accordingly.

What is Meant by the Plot of the Story?

The plot is the story plan. It is the action or the sequence of related events. The plot of any story exposes a conflict or a problem that has to be solved. Each advancement gradually helps the story reach a climax (a high point of tension). Soon after the climax point, events fall towards the outcome or resolution.

What is the Importance of Characters and Creating Mood in the Novel Writing?

Characters are the individuals in a story, which are an essential element of novel writing. Most of the stories focus on one or two main characters. Action in the story revolves around the main character, but sometimes minor characters also help.
Readers get to know the characters through what they say and do. And also from the author what he tells about them. Character generates a mood of increasing suspense and fear in the story by using specific words to describe what he sees, hears and feels. You may say dialogues in novels play a crucial role in creating a staunch spirit and conveying the sensation of characters.

What Points Should Be Considered if You Want to Become a Good Writer? 

Here are a few points to follow to be a good writer.

  1. To become a reputable writer, you should focus on all helping elements and take the most out of them, such as draft making, brainstorming, etc. 
  2. One thing to be kept in mind is that the writer should be neutral about the topic and must use all sorts of descriptions like (hear, feel, sight, taste and smell) to evoke the readers’ interest. So he could convey his thoughts and feelings to readers effectively.
  3.  You should always pay special attention to characters’ dialogues and must work out on plot and scene setting to make sure it is ideal. Hence, you can grab readers’ minds and transfer your visions and experiences into their memory. Eventually, a perfect blend of each element assists you in composing a great novel.