A Novel Idea

Somerset Maugham: "There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately no one knows what they are."                                                                                                                             

Do you dream of writing the Great American Novel? Seeing your book listed on the New York Times bestseller list?

You may be in luck. November is National Novel Writing Month. You are challenged to write 50,000 words in November. More information and support can be found at: http://nanowrimo.org/.

The NaNo blog is: http://blog.nanowrimo.org/.

You won't be alone as you write. In 2011, more than 250,000 people participated in NaNo's invitation to write a novel. If you choose to take part, keep in mind that halfway through the month, on Nov. 15, is "I Love to Write Day."                                                         

What is the first and most basic advice on writing that novel? Or essay? Or memoir?

Read. Read a lot. Read every day.

And write. Write a lot. Write every day.

Find a trusted writing partner ("first reader") or group. If you're not sure where to find a writing partner, try a library bulletin board or ask a librarian. Book stores often host writing groups. 

Take a writing class at a college or university. Some larger universities have creative writing centers. Check with the English department. A university is also a good place to find a writing partner or group.

Read Writer or Poets & Writers magazines.

Attend authors' readings or receptions. Ask questions. I always like to find out which writers other writers like to read. For example, Jonathan Franzen and David Foster Wallace were friends and sometimes each other's critics. Or, if you prefer a more feisty approach to writers critiquing other writers, this is what Mark Twain had to say about Jane Austen: "Every time I read "Pride and Prejudice" I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin bone." 

Exercise! Writing exercise examples: write about, don't merely describe, one room in your house. Write an essay about your favorite childhood super hero. Compose a list of your favorite words. Edit a short story or novel. How would you have opened "A Tale of Two Cities" or "The Grapes of Wrath"? 

Whether you want to write the perfect essay, best picture book or most profound novel, there are so many good or great writing books. These are just the beginning! Check your library for more book selections. 

Now Write series - Various. If you're interested in writing mysteries, fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, this is the perfect series. Includes practical advice and writing exercises to get you started or to keep you moving along. 

Writing With Pictures - Shulevitz, Uri. For anyone interested in writing/illustrating picture books.

How to Write a Children's Book And Get It Published - Seuling, Barbara. This is a good place to start. Seuling shares tips on everything from plots to finding the right publisher.

Children's Writer's Word Book - Mogilner, Alijandra. Writing for children is especially tricky because of the language. For example, did you know that "unreasonable" is considered a second grade level word because of the use of a prefix and suffix? 

2014 Children's Writer's Market - Who accepts unsolicited manuscripts? What is the deadline for a winter holiday themed article? This is an excellent guide through children's publishing.

On Writing Well - Zinsser, William. If you write nonfiction, this is THE book to keep handy. 

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing - Fogarty, Mignon. Fogarty will help you with tricky grammar. Lie or lay? Subject/verb agreement? Too many commas?

The Art of Description - Doty, Mark. It's no surprise that a poet would produce such a beautiful book on rich, descriptive writing.   

On Writing - King, Stephen. Yes, that Stephen King. People sometimes laugh when I suggest this book. It's incredibly helpful and a kick to read. King brings us along on overcoming addiction, staring at that blank page, and gives us his dos and don'ts. My "don't" is don't miss reading this book.  

Bird by Bird - LaMott, Anne. One of the "must reads" for writers. If your writing coach doesn't suggest this book, consider a new coach! LaMott writes bluntly about shitty first drafts and battling writer's block. She also gives advice on handling writing classes that turn into "Lord of the Flies." 

Turning Life Into Fiction - Hemley, Robin. Our own experiences can be fictionalized, bringing to life the advice to "write what you know." Hemley is the director of the Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa. His own writing jumps between fiction and memoir.  

Help! for Writers - Clark, Roy Peter. If you're stuck, the solution is probably in Clark's book.    

How to Write Short - Clark, Roy Peter. Keep it short and make every word count. Clark includes helpful tips and exercises at the end of each chapter.

Women Writing On Family - Smallwood, Carol & Holland, Suzann, editors. Includes dozens of essays on topics ranging from finding time to write to finding your writing style. 

Writing Down the Bones - Goldberg, Natalie. Writers argue about whether a pen or even the type of paper is important when writing. Goldberg maintains that our tools are important to the beginning of our writing. (You can decide for yourself) Also covered - syntax, writing time and mental blocks.

November is Family Literacy Month.