Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Readers love first person novels, where the hero talks directly to the reader.  Here are some techniques for first person writing.  Also, famous novelists reveal the books that made them want to be writers.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Usually I talk about writing techniques but here are some living techniques for us writers.  And some famous writers' favorite writers and novels.  Plus: what Ernest Hemingway did when he was stuck.  Also: the magic of avoiding dialogue tag modifiers.  And Snoopy.  

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

How can an injury be good for us writers?  It was for Roald Dahl.  And here are Strunk and White's twenty-one rules of writing.  Also, Stephen King on descriptions.  And several famous setting descriptions, settings so good they are magical.  Plus, Toni Morrison reveals how she works.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

A strong way to make a character likeable, and to have the reader root for her, is to have the character experience "otherness."  She's out of place.  She doesn't fit.  Here are techniques on how to do so.  Also, how F. Scott Fitzgerald worked.  And, no whining.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Contrast is among the strongest tools we writers can use.  It's magic.  Here is a discussion of how and where to use contrast.  Also, Henry Miller's rules of writing and how John Grisham works.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

We can show (as opposed to tell) about a character's personality by describing the character's face and body, so that our physical description does double duty.  Jonathan Franzen's ten rules of writing.  And techniques to add atmosphere to our scenes.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

In our novel should we leave plot questions unanswered so we have compelling questions for a sequel?   Here are thoughts on how we can approach it.  Also, Hilary Mantel's ten rules of writing, how Anne Rice worked, and techniques for writing in the active voice.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Why do readers put down a novel for good before they reach the last page?  Here is a reason, maybe the main reason, and how we writers can avoid it.  Also, examples of failed showing, as opposed to telling.  And Margaret Atwood's rules of writing.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Here is a list of the top ten writing techniques in order of their importance, as best I can figure them out.  Also, good comments from a book coach.  And Zadie Smith's rules of writing.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Here are Kurt Vonnegut's eight rules of writing.  Also, why reading an Andy Weir novel is such a good writing lesson.  And; character descriptions should do double duty.  Here is how, with examples from legendary writers.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show