Writing A Novel

Writing a novel is one of those tasks where it is very easy to say the words, but it is an altogether different matter entirely to write the words in a structured and understandable format.

To many, writing a novel at face value would appear to be as easy as riding a bike or learning to swim (I can’t swim..), but it isn’t until you try it for yourself that you find out what a technical and time-consuming task it actually is.

For instance, writing a novel includes the below:

- Plotting
- Character arcs
- A fully developed story with believable characters and environments
- Correct knowledge of punctuation, grammar and spelling
- Understanding points of view
- Coffee. Lots of coffee.

This is a tiny part of what is a much larger range of aspects to consider when writing a novel and it is something that I have come to understand on my own journey. For all writers that is what writing is, a journey we go on, and for the true writers, a journey that never stops.

I encourage everybody to start this craft or at least give it a go. Just don’t go into this craft with the idea of getting published and/or making money, the greatest reward in writing is managing your own time, your patience and your imagination to the ultimate completion of your project. You may also learn a few things about yourself in the process..

Do you write in first person or third person?

There are varying ways to write fiction. You can either delve deep into the mind of the main character and perceive the entirety of the book from their perspective, or take a more indirect approach and look at the scenes from a more third person perspective; but which is better?

First person - When writing in first person, you as the writer have one major advantage. Your writing is not your own narrated language but rather that of the character themselves. This can make it much easier to understand and develop your characters conflicts and motivations more precisely but also provide them with their own individual voice.

This can quickly become a problem however because as the creator of the story, we usually have a wider perspective on how the story is going to pan out and to a lesser extent, the characters and environments our character is going to be flung upon. With this knowledge, it can be very tempting during the writing process to deviate from the first person rule. We may want to give other characters more depth for instance or tell the story in part from others perspective. This ofcourse being impossible under a first person persona.

Writing in first person has its advantages but it also has its restrictions.

Third person - The more commonly used writing style, third person writing gives the writer the freedom to write the story from multiple viewpoints and therefore this gives scope for branching story lines and more developed character profiles.

Whatever your choice, its important to choose a writing style and stick to it, no matter how tempting it may seem to deviate. Breaking this rule only opens the story up to confused, disjointed writing which can be hard to follow. Personally, i feel a writer chooses very early on what kind of writing they are better suited for and sticks to that for the majority. For me, it is third person, but ofcourse, it purely depends on the type of book you are writing.

Blogging vs Writing

I realise as I write this of the sheer irony it creates. The difference between the blog and of writing itself can be extreme, but can also be relatively indifferent, I guess it depends on the blogger themselves.

Writing a short story or book requires thought, and lots of it. Teamed with hoards of imagination, willpower and of-course a willing and able skill with the language itself. Writing is a passion, a state of mind. It can take us to worlds that we never thought we could ever imagine. It's liberating, yet screams escapism. It's creative, yet largely private.

Blogging on the other hand is rather different. Blogs do not need a word count or (technically) any kind of structure or thought process. Due to this, they can act more as a distraction and degrade the skill of your writing as a whole (perhaps only in extreme circumstances..). 

Writing is a life-long skill which is never fully mastered, but you can happily blog after a few mere minutes. Can the two work productively together?

Watching A Film Before Reading The Book (or vice versa)

With the continual onslaught of new films coming out on a weekly basis, there seems to be a lack of creativity amongst the ideas and stories that are created these days. Resulting in the creation of films that have predictable plot lines and characters, and a story that I don't feel attached to.

With the exception of many, the majority of films seem like passable filler between more glamourous, thought provoking work. Why is this? Does the sheer volume of films outlaid these days mean that little work still results in a considerable paycheque? If this is so, then who buys into these films?

So brings me to my point. Films that tend to do the best are the films that are based on books. The ideas, the creativity and full plot are all already there, ready to be pixated onto the big screen. From our imagination, we can see for ourselves how near our imagination was to that of the author, or perhaps the film director.

However, does reading the book prior to watching the film create unrealistic expectations and possible imminent disappointment? I have found this recently with 'The Hobbit'. Having read the book I was excited to see how this was conveyed onto the big screen. Although it is a rather good film, I was left feeling slightly deflated about the whole thing. This is purely because i had read before I watched.

The End Of The Bookstore?

Could it be true? Are we on an inevitable course towards the demise of our trusty bookstore?

If it wasn't bad enough for the sole trading bookstore with the development of major chains such as WH Smith and Waterstones, the continuing onslaught of e-books is no doubt harming this sector considerably.

The one and only reason I buy the e-book as opposed to the real thing is for easy reading in bed. Countless times I've felt inclined to read my book in bed but have been unable to. This being because I'm unable to keep the bedside light on, or even use a specialised book light, as this is also too bright for my other half. It also takes up less room ofcourse. The e-book simply works.

Whilst the e-book is the practical choice, the traditional paper version cannot be beaten and its a real shame its being faded out as time goes on.

Is it the imminent end for the bookstore. If not now but in many years time..

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett

I came across this book whilst out this evening and it has immediately grabbed my interest.

The genre and plot of this book appeal to me. Terry Pratchett has been best known for his tales focused on the Discworld over the last few decades, and this particular book appears to be a slight step away from that world. I feel this may bring new life into his work and will be a welcome change.

Excited to begin reading this one!

'The Complaints' by Ian Rankin

I have recently finished reading The Complaints by Ian Rankin. A detective thriller, following the path of one Malcolm Fox as he overcomes one obstacle after the next in his hunt for truth and justice.

Ian Rankin really does know how to emphasise the power of the scene. He provides excellent descriptions of the surroundings, without over-encumbering you with too much detail, or heaven forbid, telling the reader what they should be seeing.

Each character is given their own set of distinguished unique personalities, however the reader can hardly trust any one of these characters, even up until the very last few page turns. Questions are asked throughout the book, each one begging to be answered and ultimately ensuring that I personally remained swept up in all the drama.

Recommended read.

One Project Or Many?

When writing a novella, short story or even a fully fledged novel, what is your approach? Do you centre your focus onto the one sole project do you tend to have many different projects going on at any one time?

Personally, due to my limited attention span, I have various projects going on at any one time. I feel this may be a bad thing. Yes, I get to delve into different genres, different ideas and create my own stories individually, but where is my focus?

Focus is a primary factor when writing and having the ability to commit yourself to an idea, a plot or a scene is the foundation for your entire project. Although, having many projects at any one time may also bring a wealth of new ideas which you could 'mix and match' between your works.

I guess creativity and how we tackle this is a personal preference and everybody works in their own way. So what is it.. one project or many?

Holiday Books..

In need of a book to take with me on holiday. Always prefer a traditional book to an e-book when abroad. Now to decide which one..

Book Thoughts: The Hobbit

The Hobbit is about a happy go lucky (or in this case, very very lucky) Hobbit who stumbles upon unexpected adventure when a wizard by the name of Gandalf knocks on his door.

The book is a must read, especially with the first film that has been recently released, which will be in a series of three that are expected to be premiered over the next few years. I read the book before watching the film and am glad I did. Although lots of people may of suggested not to, as 'the book will ruin the film' and vice versa, I must disagree.

The Hobbit keeps you entertained throughout and is a book you would rather not put down. Personally, it is a book which I could read from start to end in one sitting (if only I had enough time). From its quirky characters and signature landscapes from The Lord of the Rings saga, plus its never ending adventure, it is rightfully an instant classic. It would appear that the film has largely elaborated on the story, from what I remember, the ending to the film is still relatively close to the beginning of the book.

A renewed fan of Tolkien having never read this book before, I'm looking forward to seeing the film trilogy pan out over the coming years.