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Four Myths of Writing, by Carl Nelson Myth #1: It's Too Late to Start
Definition of "Literary Fiction" In general, a literary novel tends to be much more character-driven than a commercial novel. But just what qualifies a book as literary is difficult to identify and open to debate, even among well-established literary writers. Some cite moral ambiguity, an effort to grapple with dark and light and to see a situation in its full complexity, as a key characteristic. Others might point to layers of meaning, or resonance, of the careful use of language itself. Many speak of the "truth" of a novel, of an ability to address the human condition. Still others might stress universality. A dozen other qualities of "literature" might be discussed, but with most of them, whether a book possesses it and in what degree can never be an objective matter. Elements of a Fiction Story Preparation
Theme Begin with a theme that can be explained in one sentence. In the TV/movie business it is called a "Log Line." Example: This story is about... The theme should be fresh, compelling, different, and original. Above all it should be about the human condition. The success formula is: have an ordinary person do extra-ordinary, compelling things.Story Requirements Every good story has four elements that make the reader/viewer want to pursue the work. 1. Hook: The reader must immediately be interested.2. Premise: The lead character must be driven by a need. 3. Conflict: The lead must have a major conflict then have many conflicts that prevent him or her from achieving the need. 4. Resolution: The lead must overcome the conflict. Outline Outline your story before you begin to write. The best outline is called a step outline. That is, write the story scene-by-scene in paragraph form to the end. It is essential to know the ending before you begin writing. Break the work into scenes of differing sizes. They become chapters when writing a book. You may have to move scenes around -- organizing the book is often like a jig-saw puzzle.Writing the Scenes Each scene must accomplish four things.1. Advance the story. 2. Contribute to the characters. 3. Be interesting. 4. End with impact. The Art Like a painting, add brush stokes: senses, feelings, description, and character enrichment. Plot isn't enough.Dialog Keep your dialog short -- one or two sentences only. Have it be staccato. That is, be brief and jump around among the characters. Weave exposition into the dialog - too boring otherwise.The Plot
Characters
Keep the Reader's Attention
Sexual Tension
Research
Grammar and Punctuation If you want to get past the first reader on our editorial board, carefully proof your manuscript for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.Style
Non-fiction Book Proposal ELEMENTS OF A PROPOSAL
HOW TO BEGIN
THE TITLE
THE OVERVIEW
APPROACH
THEME
POTENTIAL MARKETS
ORGANIZATION
SPECIAL BENEFITS
ENDORSEMENTS
PROJECT STATUS
STRUCTURE AND LENGTH
PERMISSIONS
COMPETITION
PROMOTION AND MARKETING
RESOURCES NEEDED
AUTHOR BACKGROUND
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Tip 1 Think about the marketability BEFORE you begin work on a project. Is this story one the publishers want to print, the media wants to write about, and people want to see/read? There is not a huge market for a book about "Using Recycled Beer Cans to Make Hats." That is a real book, by the way. The author was very confused as to why it did not sell very many copies.Tip 2 Outline your novel, screenplay, or non-fiction book. There are several reasons why this is critical to successful writing. First, you will need this to get an agent and/or publisher. Second, you will be able to tell if your story flows properly and trouble-shoot any problems with the plot BEFORE you spend a year writing a full manuscript.Tip 3 Start with a one-page treatment or synopsis. Graduate to a five-page treatment. Then a 15-page treatment. Follow with two sample chapters. Get the contract signed and your advance check cashed. THEN write the full manuscript.Tip 4 Cruise bookstores. See what's out there. See what major chains are selling. See what people are buying. Look for trends. Then start thinking of ideas.Tip 5 Don't fall in love with anything you've written. Rigidity will make your manuscript/screenplay great holiday gifts for your friends and family. It will not make them a best-selling reality. EVERYONE gets notes, changes, and re-written -- get over it!Tip 6 Make sure your agent knows your long-term career goals. The highest advance for a one-book deal is only a one-book deal. If you plan on making this a career, sometimes a smaller advance and a multiple book deal will further your goals faster.Tip 7 Creating a book takes time. If you started creating a book/screenplay today, it may not hit the shelves for up to two years. This is not going to happen overnight.Tip 8 Give agents/publishers time to read your manuscript/screenplay. It can take up to three months to get a response. Be patient.Tip 9 Don't ever be afraid to ask questions. "I don't know" is a sign of strength, not weakness.Tip 10 Keep your sense of humor. We're not saving the whales, ya know, we're entertaining and educating (hopefully!) your audience. Just tell a good story.Useful Websites and Other References
BOOKS ABOUT WRITING
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