How to Write a Fiction Book: 10 Steps You Can't Miss!

 

Hannah Yang

 

Speculative Fiction Author

 

So you want to write a novel.

Maybe you have a great idea for a story that you’d love to see on the page. Or maybe you just love reading books and want to try creating one of your own.

Regardless of your reasons, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you a step-by-step guide to help you start writing your first novel.

Contents:

1. 10 Steps to Writing Fiction Novels
2. Conclusion: How to Write a Fiction Book

 

Read more here.

A Handbook of Short Story Writing, by John T. Frederick (John Towner), Foreword by Olivia Salter

 

A Handbook of Short Story Writing

 

by John T. Frederick (John Towner)

 

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

In our age of endless distractions and fleeting attention spans, there remains a timeless art form that captivates and inspires readers across generations—the short story. Its brevity, precision, and unwavering ability to evoke rich emotions make it a powerful literary medium. And within the realm of short story writing, few have delved as deeply into the craft as the esteemed John T. Frederick.

As I hold this invaluable handbook in my hands, I am struck by the immense knowledge and passion that Frederick brought to the art of writing. His distinguished career as a writer and editor, coupled with his unconditional love for storytelling, shines through every page. Within these chapters, Frederick generously shares his wisdom, offering valuable insights, techniques, and practical advice that will guide aspiring writers on their journey towards mastering the elusive art of the short story.

In this comprehensive handbook, Frederick explores the fundamental elements of storytelling with meticulous detail. From crafting compelling dialogue and developing nuanced characters to building tension and creating vivid settings, he leaves no stone unturned. Drawing upon classic works of literature, Frederick illuminates the essence of storytelling through a wealth of examples, urging writers to embrace the power of language and the art of storytelling to convey profound human experiences.

Yet, beyond technical advice, this handbook resonates on a deeper level. Frederick hones in on the emotional core of storytelling, emphasizing the need for authenticity and vulnerability. He invites writers to explore the depths of their own past, observing that the richest stories often derive from personal experiences and raw emotions. Through his guidance, aspiring authors are encouraged to reflect on the essence of being human and to infuse their stories with genuine humanity.

Moreover, Frederick's keen understanding of the writing process allows him to address the hurdles and challenges that writers face along their creative journey. Whether it be the dreaded writer's block, self-doubt, or the daunting task of revising and editing, he offers invaluable strategies to overcome these obstacles, encouraging writers to persist in their pursuit of excellence.

It is clear that this handbook is a labor of love—a testament to John T. Frederick's unwavering dedication to the craft of storytelling. His words will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for aspiring writers and a source of inspiration for seasoned veterans. As we traverse the pages of this invaluable guide, we embark on a transformative adventure, one that will challenge us, enlighten us, and ultimately lead us to become better storytellers.

May this handbook find its way into the hands of all those who dream of unraveling the beauty of the short story. Let us be guided by John T. Frederick, a writer whose legacy lives on through his words, seeking to create stories that will endure long after they are read.

Olivia Salter

02/12/2023

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Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

👉How to Write a Short Story: 10 Good Tips for Writers

 

Short Story-Writing: An Art or a Trade? by N. Bryllion Fagin (PDF) Foreword By Olivia Salter

Short Story-Writing: An Art or a Trade?

 

by N. Bryllion Fagin (PDF)

 

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

Short story writing has long been a captivating and versatile form of literature, captivating readers with its ability to convey powerful narratives in a condensed format. But what lies at the heart of this craft? Is short story writing an artistic endeavor that requires inherent skill and imagination, or is it something that can be learned and honed through trade-like techniques?

In "Short Story-Writing: An Art or a Trade?" N. Bryllion Fagin delves deep into this age-old discussion, offering valuable insights and perspectives that shed light on the intricate nature of this compelling literary form. With a commendable blend of scholarly analysis and practical advice, Fagin navigates the reader through the nuances of short story writing, examining both the artistry and the craftsmanship required to succeed in this pursuit.

Fagin brilliantly captures the essence of short stories as a means of capturing fleeting moments and evoking powerful emotions within a limited space. Each story, like a brushstroke on a canvas, holds the power to paint vivid pictures that resonate with readers for a lifetime. Fagin's exploration of the artistic aspect emphasizes the role of creativity and intuition in crafting impactful tales, reminding us of the beauty and magic that lie within the realm of storytelling.

However, Fagin also acknowledges the practical side of short story writing. Like any trade, there are techniques, strategies, and tools that can be adopted to refine one's skills. Through meticulous research and astute observations, Fagin uncovers these underlying structures that enhance the narrative flow, the character development, and the overall impact of a short story. The author's ability to dissect these elements and present them to the reader in a comprehensive manner is a testament to their profound understanding of the craft.

"Short Story-Writing: An Art or a Trade?" is not merely a theoretical discourse, but a practical guide for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts alike. Fagin's wealth of knowledge is shared generously through insightful tips and prompts that encourage experimentation and growth. By providing a range of examples from renowned short story authors and their contrasting approaches, Fagin contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the creative process, igniting inspiration in the minds of those who long to tell their own tales.

Whether you are a seasoned writer seeking to refine your techniques or someone who wishes to explore short story writing for the first time, this book serves as an invaluable resource. Fagin's eloquent prose, combined with their passion for the subject, creates an engaging and thought-provoking read that invites readers to critically examine their own writing practice while developing the skills necessary to excel in this captivating craft.

In "Short Story-Writing: An Art or a Trade?", N. Bryllion Fagin elevates our understanding of short story-writing by deftly merging the realms of artistry and trade. By doing so, they inspire us to appreciate the inherent beauty of storytelling while emphasizing the necessity of honing our craft. I am honored to introduce you to this remarkable work, confident that its pages will empower and enlighten all who embark on the fruitful journey of short story creation.

 

Olivia Salter

02/04/2024

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If your Web browser is not configured to display PDF files. No worries, just click here to download the PDF file.

 

Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

👉How to Write a Short Story: 10 Good Tips for Writers

 

Writing Conflict: External Conflict in Literature by Olivia Salter

Writing Conflict: External Conflict in Literature

 

by Olivia Salter

 

External conflict is a crucial element in literature that drives the  story forward and creates tension and drama. It involves the protagonist facing challenges or obstacles that come from outside sources, such as other characters, society, nature, or supernatural forces. These conflicts serve to test the strength and resolve of the main character, forcing them to confront their fears, make difficult decisions, and ultimately grow and evolve throughout the story.

One of the most common forms of external conflict in literature is man vs. man, where the protagonist is pitted against another character or group of characters. This type of conflict can take the form of physical confrontations, verbal sparring, or even psychological warfare. Through these interactions, the protagonist's values, beliefs, and morals are tested, leading to inner turmoil and self-discovery.

Another form of external conflict is man vs. society, where the protagonist must navigate the expectations, norms, and rules of the world around them. This can involve challenging societal injustices, fighting against oppressive systems, or simply trying to fit in and find their place in society. By confronting these external forces, the protagonist can bring about change, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to do the same.

Nature can also serve as a source of external conflict in literature, with the protagonist facing the elements, natural disasters, or dangerous wildlife. These challenges force the protagonist to rely on their survival instincts, adapt to their surroundings, and overcome adversity in order to survive. Nature can be a powerful symbol of both beauty and danger, reflecting the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

Finally, external conflict can also take on a supernatural or otherworldly form, where the protagonist must battle supernatural beings, mystical forces, or otherworldly creatures. These conflicts often test the protagonist's belief in the unknown, their faith in themselves, and their ability to confront the mysteries of the universe. By delving into the realm of the supernatural, authors can explore themes of magic, destiny, and the power of belief.

In conclusion, external conflict plays a vital role in literature by challenging the protagonist, driving the plot forward, and highlighting the complexities of human nature. By incorporating various forms of external conflict into their stories, authors can create engaging narratives that captivate readers, provoke thought, and inspire change. Ultimately, it is through the protagonist's struggles and triumphs against external forces that the true depth of their character is revealed, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have finished the story. 

Also See

• What Is External Conflict in Literature? Definition and Examples
  

Masterpieces of the Masters of Fiction by William Dudley Foulke

 

MASTERPIECES OF THE MASTERS OF FICTION

 

BY

WILLIAM DUDLEY FOULKE

NEW YORK

THE COSMOPOLITAN PRESS
1912

Copyright, 1912, by
William Dudley Foulke

PREFACE

A short time ago I determined that instead of taking up any new works of fiction I would go over the masterpieces which I had read long since and see what changes time had made in my impressions of them. To do this I chose some forty of the most distinguished authors and decided to select one story from each,—the best one, if I could make up my mind which that was—at all events, one which stood in the first rank of his productions. I determined to read these in succession, one after another, in the shortest time possible, and thus get a comprehensive notion of the whole. Of course under such conditions exhaustive criticism would be out of the question, but I thought that the general perspective and the comparative merits and faults of each work would appear more vividly in this manner than in any other way.

The productions of living authors were discarded, as well as all fiction in verse.

Arranged chronologically, the selections I made were as follows:

1535	Rabelais	“Gargantua”
1605-1615	Cervantes	“Don Quixote”
1715-1735	Le Sage	“Gil Blas”
1719	Defoe	“Robinson Crusoe”
1726	Swift	“Gulliver’s Travels”
1733	Prévost	“Manon Lescaut”
1749	Fielding	“Tom Jones”
1759	Johnson	“Rasselas”
1759	Voltaire	“Candide”
1759-1767	Sterne	“Tristram Shandy”
1766	Goldsmith	“The Vicar of Wakefield”
1774	Goethe	“The Sorrows of Young Werther”
1787	Saint Pierre	“Paul and Virginia”
1807	Chateaubriand	“Atala”
1813	Austen	“Pride and Prejudice”
1813	Fouqué	“Undine”
1814	Chamisso	“Peter Schlemihl”
1820	Irving	“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
1820	Scott	“Ivanhoe”
1827	Manzoni	“The Betrothed”
1835	Balzac	“Eugenie Grandet”
1841	Gogol	“Dead Souls”
1845	Dumas	“The Three Guardsmen”
1847	Brontë	“Jane Eyre”
1847	Merimée	“Carmen”
1850	Dickens	“David Copperfield”
1850	Hawthorne	“The Scarlet Letter”
1852	Thackeray	“Henry Esmond”
1852	Stowe	“Uncle Tom’s Cabin”
1853	Gaskell	“Cranford”
1856	Auerbach	“Barfüssele”
1857	Von Scheffel	“Ekkehard”
1857	Feuillet	“The Romance of a Poor Young Man”
1857	Flaubert	“Madame Bovary”
1859	Meredith	“The Ordeal of Richard Feverel”
1861	Reade	“The Cloister and the Hearth”
1862	Hugo	“Les Misérables”
1863	Eliot	“Romola”
1866	Dostoyevsky	“Crime and Punishment”
1868	Turgenieff	“Smoke”
1869	Blackmore	“Lorna Doone”
1878	Tolstoi	“Anna Karenina”
1883	Stevenson	“Treasure Island”

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