by Jeanette O'Hagan
W. Somerset Maugham — 'There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.'
Mark Twain — There are but three rules for writing, namely, first, write, second, write, third, write.
James Scott Bell - The three rules for writing, Don't Bore the Reader, Put the character in crisis. Write from the Heart.
James goes on to say in his blogpost 'The Three Rules for Writing a Novel' "These, then, are the three rules for writing a novel. You can break them if you like, but do so and they will break your chances of success."
And that's the thing. In one sense, there are no rules to writing. Writing, especially as personal expression, can be what we want it to be. We can write for healing or for entertaining ourselves or perhaps our close and willing friends and family. There is nothing wrong with that.
But, and this is a big but, IF we want to get out writing out into the wild, for others to read then we need to be aware of the expectations of those others - of editors, publishers and, most of all, of our readers. And in that sense, there are indeed rules - probably more than three. And those rules can change - what worked for most readers two hundred years ago - or even twenty years ago - may not appeal to the modern reader.
I should say, the rules are more guidelines. And the more you know what they are, the more you know when you can break them. And the more you write, the more you learn, the more you develop your own voice and style. A journey that is never really finished. In the end, it's your story, your book, your choice.
Rather than tell you want the rules are, I thought I'd share things that have shaped my own development of the craft.
One of Stephen King's ten top rules for writing is "Read, read and read some more!" Certainly, for me, one of the major influences has been a voracious reading habit since I was seven years old. Reading has gives an intuitive knowledge of story - the rhythms, the notes, the themes, the grace notes. Clinging to clichés can become a problem. Other's superb prose can be daunting. But overall, reading widely can give us a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
Rather than tell you want the rules are, I thought I'd share things that have shaped my own development of the craft.
Be a Reader.
One of Stephen King's ten top rules for writing is "Read, read and read some more!" Certainly, for me, one of the major influences has been a voracious reading habit since I was seven years old. Reading has gives an intuitive knowledge of story - the rhythms, the notes, the themes, the grace notes. Clinging to clichés can become a problem. Other's superb prose can be daunting. But overall, reading widely can give us a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
Be a Writer
As Mark Twain's rules suggest - to be a writer you need to write. Just as the best way to learn to swim is to get into the pool (under supervision), the best way to learn to write is to write, and write some more. And as you write, think about what you doing - what works and what doesn't.
For me, my first NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) transformed my writing habits. The goal is to write a novel (specifically 50,000) words in a month.
For me, my first NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) transformed my writing habits. The goal is to write a novel (specifically 50,000) words in a month.
What this taught me is to give space to my writing brain while my editing brain takes a short break. In other words, allow the words to flow, don't worry too much have good they are, just keep going - and come back and edit them later. (The only downside to this is now I have nine almost complete novels that need editing, lol).
The other thing it taught me is, don't wait for inspiration before starting to write. If I make a habit of writing regularly, the inspiration finds me - and the more regularly I write (or edit) the more I find myself in the 'flow' or the 'zone', the more inspired and creative I am.
Writing courses can give a deeper and more profound knowledge of the writing craft. It broadens our horizons at the same time as giving a better understanding of how story works and how to bring all the elements such as narrative, characters, setting, plot, writing style together successfully.
I certainly have found this to be so. First, with a study of literary theory and communication in an Arts degree, following by a Masters of Arts (Creative Writing). What I liked about this was it didn't just give rules but ways of understanding the why and the how.
Taking Time to Study
Writing courses can give a deeper and more profound knowledge of the writing craft. It broadens our horizons at the same time as giving a better understanding of how story works and how to bring all the elements such as narrative, characters, setting, plot, writing style together successfully.
I certainly have found this to be so. First, with a study of literary theory and communication in an Arts degree, following by a Masters of Arts (Creative Writing). What I liked about this was it didn't just give rules but ways of understanding the why and the how.
Courses don't need to be academic. They can be as simple as a workshop or short course. One of the most transformative and empowering classes I did on writing style was Margie Lawson's Immersion Class. And many of the workshops and presentations at the Omega Writers Conferences over the years have also been a great help in understanding a wide range of issues.
In addition, several websites have also been of a great help. Both Christian Writers Downunder and the Australasian Christian Writers have a wealth of information on almost any area you could imagine about the writing craft. Katy Weiland's Helping Authors Become Writers is a great resource, particularly in understanding structure and character development.
Be Brave. Get Feedback
Another resource is feedback from beta-readers, critique groups, fellow authors and editors. I've learned to love feedback, even negative feedback. Some of the most devastating feedback I've received has been, in the end the most helpful (once I've picked myself up from the floor, bandaged my ego and talked myself out of giving up writing forever and a day). Of course, feedback doesn't have to be devastating - hopefully, it is kind and constructive. And we don't need to accept all of it - trust your own judgement as well. Feedback is pure gold.
Back to Books.
Books on writing have also been a great help to me - both in understanding the writing journey and in understanding the writing craft. Here are a few I've particularly loved.
Rayne Hall has a series of small books focused on various aspects on writing. Her book on Writing Vivid Descriptions is also brilliant as are others. But The Word Loss Diet helped me tighten my prose - and it gives helpful and practical examples.
The Word Loss Diet by Rayne Hall
Rayne Hall has a series of small books focused on various aspects on writing. Her book on Writing Vivid Descriptions is also brilliant as are others. But The Word Loss Diet helped me tighten my prose - and it gives helpful and practical examples.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
A great introduction to some modern expectations in writing style.
This book h as three parts - the first and last are autobiographical and personal, while the middle a clearly written, practical look at a writer's journey from starting out, craft issues, publishing and more. In my book, well worth the read.
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
A look at how the emotional inner journey of the character drives the story. To be honest, this isn't my favourite book. I personally found K M Weiland's work (webpage and book) on the character's narrative arch and emotional journey more helpful but I know many have loved this book.
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Actually written for screen writers, it's a succinct explanation of story structure and many practical tips.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Another autobiographical book on the writing journey will some great insight and helpful hints.
Other books have also been insightful on different areas such as point of view, making the first page sing, writing blurbs and pitches, mistakes to avoid in writing fight scenes, or about horses etc.
So where are you at on the writing journey - and what resources have you found helpful, insightful or inspiration in developing your skills as an writer? Drop a comment below - or on the CWD facebook page. It will be great to hear from you :)
Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.She has published over forty stories and poems, including the Under the Mountain Series (5 books), Ruhanna's Flight and Other Stories, Akrad's Children and Rasel's Song, the first two books in the Akrad's Legacy series - and new short story in the Starlit Realms: Fantasy anthology.
Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life.
Thanks Jenny. You always offer helpful, sound advice in a simple, straightforward way.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much advice out there, that it can seem overwhelming. Where does one start? With the simplest of basic principles, like the ones you've outlined and recommended here.
As the experiences you've shared suggest, once we grasp the basics, we can afford to spread our wings, fly a little further, explore new territory, and reach greater heights.
It's even better when we have a capable, confident, experienced flock to fly with.