Write a Novel and Get it Published · Teach Yourself by May, Stephen -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Contents Acknowledgements Preface Foreword

Only got a minute? Only got five minutes? Only got ten minutes?

Introduction

The apprenticeship of writing Art and craft The myth of the 'writer' The importance of being a reader Three qualities needed for success How to use this book

1 Beginnings

Hardware or software? A writer in search of an idea The quality of your story Getting started Practise, practise, practise

2 Plot

The three functions of storytelling Holding the reader's attention What is a plot? The basic requirements for a plot

3 The eight-point arc

Grand, major and minor arcs Analysis of a story How to use this information

4 Sub-plot and symbolism

Sub-plot Symbolism

5 Character

Identification with the character Making characters real Seven tools to convey characters Motivation Representation Know your characters by knowing yourself Roman à clef

6 Dialogue

The three functions of speech Giving the impression of real speech Supporting your dialogue Types of speech Conventions of written speech

7 Viewpoint

Types of viewpoint What tense? The impact of viewpoint decisions Tone

8 Setting the scene

Researching the setting Making scenes real Perception and selection Visualization

9 Style

Find your own style Fowlers' preferences Things to beware of Taking chances

10 Theme

Subject matter Thread Thesis

11 The difficult business of second drafts

Writing and editing: don't get it right, get it written Composting Points for revision Shaping the novel The art of good style Novel length Finishing your book

12 Writer's block

The inevitability of becoming blocked Technical and non-technical writer's block Physical blocks Emotional blocks Psychological blocks Some unblocking techniques Writing as an organic process

13 Support

The physical environment Time Work is a four-letter word Writing every day Daydreaming is the job too If you can't write, do nothing else Treat emails as if they were the post Too much time People who can help Writing groups and writers' circles Creative writing courses Literary consultancies Writing agencies Festivals and conferences

14 Marketing your manuscript

Agents How to present your manuscript The synopsis Independent publishers – the 'small presses' Digital publishing Self-publishing The nations and the regions What do I want from my book? How much will I get for my book? A typical deal

Taking it further Copyright