planning a novel
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Themes in Novel Writing ~4 ~ Gender Inequality
This is part of a series on Themes in Writing Novels, some we chose deliberately, some we develop as the novel unfolds and others we slip into quite by chance, but Themes are certainly worth thinking about for writing the back blurb or book description and for marketing purposes, to find your target audience. What…
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Themes in Novel Writing ~ Theme 3 ~ Racism
RACISM IN NOVEL WRITING If you glance no further than the first few lines of this blog, then I can recommend reading Jodie Picoult’s Small Great Things. Never to be shy of controversy in her writing, Jodie hits racism head on (all types described below). I’ve only read about a quarter of the book so far…
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Themes in Novel Writing ~ Theme 2 ~ Mixed Marriage
If you look back at my introductory post, ‘Themes in Novel Writing’ just over week ago, I looked at why we need to be aware of themes running through our writing. These are usually premeditated, but some creep into our plot unawares. THE THEME WHICH INSPIRED MY NOVEL HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY As I have described…
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Location, location, location ~ How important is a sense of place in a novel?
Is a strong sense of place important for a novel’s success? Good characterisation is vital for a successful novel, as is a sense of the time period. In fact the era, whether a modern setting or in the past, needs to seep into every nook and cranny of the plot, dialogue, setting and language too, but I…
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It’s just a ‘Wet Bank Holiday Monday’ sung to the tune of ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday!’ or making a novel memorable
The Monkees song ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was rolling around my head but more the tune to words ‘It’s just a wet bank holiday Monday!’ At this point I would like to pay a tribute to Davey Jones who died at the relatively young age of 66 years in March this year. I admit it. I…
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A novel impression – unsung heroes v familiar friends and foes
Have you ever thought of the people who never experience the accolade they deserve for their contribution. Last week we focussed on Steve Jobs, remembering his greatness rather than the technology he created. When you listen to a wonderful rendition of Mozart, Bach or Beethoven do you ever think of the individual violinist or percussionist? When you watch a…
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There’s a time for every season – Which period to choose?
I’ve never written in the here and now. Always inspired by social history and the classics it was not a surprise that I chose the Victorian Age for Riduna. Writing its sequel in the Edwardian era and through the First World War has been an even more rewarding journey since I have reseached a period in history which I…
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Which characters – Who gave you inspiration?
Choosing the right characters for your novel is vital but how do we do it? I have already written about the joys and pitfalls of choosing a name on another blog but where do we begin choosing characters? I must admit that my characters seem to creep up on me like new aquaintances many of whom, over subsequent months,…