Novel Writing
“I write to discover what I know.”
–Flannery O’Connor
What is Novel Writing?
Novel writing refers to lengthy prose stories. These fictional tales typically range in length from 50,000 to 100,000 words. They are classified into various genres, including mystery, horror, science fiction, thriller, romance, fantasy, and historical.
- What is Novel Writing?
- What is the Purpose of Novel Writing?
- How Does a Writer Select Their Genre?
- Why is Selecting a Suitable Topic Important for The Novel Writer?
- Brainstorming Helps an Author Gather Ideas for a Story. Do You Agree?
- How Does Draft Making Help the Author?
- What Elements are Essential in Building any Story?
- How Does Scene-Setting Play a Crucial Role in Novel Writing?
- What is Meant by the Plot of the Story?
- What is the Importance of Characters and Creating Mood in Novel Writing?
- What Points Should Be Considered if You Want to Become a Good Writer?
What is the Purpose of Novel Writing?
Novel writing is a form of creative writing that holds a special appeal for writers. An exceptional writing reflects the writer’s deep insight into human behaviour, a good understanding of society, and a creative imagination about the topic. It aims to inform readers about environmental issues and societal flaws while also offering solutions. At the same time, it entertains readers and pleases them, allowing them to escape the stress and challenges of life for a while.
How Does a Writer Select Their Genre?
A professional novelist regularly studies books from different genres to learn from diverse experiences and sometimes experiments with new styles. New writers may often feel confused when choosing the right genre. In such cases, reading widely serves as a valuable resource to help them evaluate their skills and interests. Ultimately, the choice depends on the writer’s personal preference for what they enjoy writing.
Why is Selecting a Suitable Topic Important for The Novel Writer?
Choosing an appropriate topic is always significant for novelists, so they avoid rushing into assignments. They think carefully and observe their surroundings, which helps them identify societal issues worth exploring. Sometimes, they select familiar topics to write about, but their unique writing style, compelling plot, detailed word choices, and scene-setting make the story engaging 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 Gather Ideas for a Story. Do You Agree?
Brainstorming is an active method for gathering ideas for a story. An author considers their topic before writing, collects ideas, and sometimes discusses them with friends or seeks suggestions from others to help generate new ideas. At this stage, brainstorming encourages the free flow of the writer’s thoughts and spontaneous idea contribution. Therefore, some authors prefer to organise their concepts this way to prevent them from slipping from their minds, which helps refine related ideas later and create a structured story. As a novice, if you are satisfied, write down those ideas, no matter how unusual they may seem.
How Does Draft Making Help the Author?
Before finalising a draft, writers usually write down their ideas randomly on paper. They aim to gather their thoughts in a place, such as scene settings, events, characters, and other details about the story. It allows them to compose dialogues more naturally. Side by side, the writer’s mind becomes clear; therefore, drafting makes it easier for them to eliminate extraneous ideas that do not fit the story. Consequently, a compelling story is prepared that captures readers’ attention and conveys the author’s unique viewpoints.
What Elements are Essential in Building any Story?
Most stories revolve around three main elements: Character, setting, and plot. Likewise, character mood is also considered a crucial element in building any story.
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 IGCSE students. The purpose of these comprehension exercises is to expand vocabulary and improve writing skills.
Great Expectations
I entered and found myself in a pretty large room, well lighted with wax candles.
The Moonstone
The Moonstone is a beautiful, priceless diamond, which was originally …
Far From the Madding Crowd
Bathsheba Everdene, a beautiful, independent young woman, comes to live …
Heart of Darkness
Marlow hears strange stories of a European trader called Kurtz who is in charge …
How Does Scene-Setting Play a Crucial Role in Novel Writing?
Setting is a vital part of a story, referring to the time and place where the story occurs. Initially, the writer establishes the location precisely, including details relevant to the narrative. This might involve describing if the scene takes place during the day, night, or evening, the environment, such as the presence of humans, animals, or specific sounds, and notable landmarks or locations to aid the readers’ understanding. Stories may take place in familiar settings, like a living room or the countryside. Every environment is selected purposefully.
Occasionally, illustrations convey the writer’s ideas more engagingly. It provides extra information and creates vivid images in readers’ minds to enhance their understanding. Therefore, novice writers should use powerful descriptive words that evoke atmosphere, allowing readers to imagine and immerse themselves fully in the story.
What is Meant by the Plot of the Story?
The outline of a story is known as the plot. It often portrays a conflict or issue and consists of a series of connected events or acts. These conflicts or problems may be societal issues that readers should be aware of. In addition to offering a solution to the issue, the author hopes to increase awareness in a lighthearted manner. The plot of a story aids the author in organising the events. Each development gradually leads to a climax, which is the most intense point of the story. Following the climax, the narrative proceeds to a resolution or the end.
What is the Importance of Characters and Creating Mood in Novel Writing?
Characters are the individuals in a story and are key elements of novel writing. Most stories focus on one or two main characters. The action revolves around the main character, although minor characters can also contribute sometimes.
In novels, dialogues convey characters’ emotions. Readers learn about characters through what they say and do, as well as through the authors’ descriptions. Characters create a mood of suspense and tension by using specific words to describe what they see, hear, and feel. An accurate elaboration catches readers’ attention and prepares them to feel the characters’ emotions.
What Points Should Be Considered if You Want to Become a Good Writer?
Here are some guidelines for being a proficient writer.
- You should concentrate on and make the most of all helpful components, such as brainstorming and draft making, if you want to become a respected writer.
- To effectively communicate his ideas and feelings to readers, the writer must be impartial about the subject and employ a variety of descriptors, such as hearing, feeling, sight, taste, and smell, to pique their interest.
- Ensure that the plot and scene setting are perfect, and pay attention, especially to the characters’ dialogue.
- As a consequence, you may capture readers’ attention and imprint your experiences and ideas in their memory.
Eventually, a flawless combination of all the components helps you in writing a fantastic story.