Key Takeaways
1. Compelling Characters Are the Foundation of Great Fiction
Characters are to a novelist what lumber is to a carpenter and what bricks are to a bricklayer.
Create rounded characters. Develop three-dimensional characters with complex motives, conflicting desires, and rich inner lives. Go beyond stereotypes by giving characters contradictory traits and unexpected qualities. Build detailed character biographies, exploring their physiological, sociological, and psychological dimensions.
Identify the character's core. Uncover each character's ruling passion - their central motivating force that drives their actions throughout the story. This passion should be rooted in their backstory and inform their decisions and conflicts. Characters should be determined and well-motivated, operating at their maximum capacity within the bounds of their established traits.
Examples of compelling characters:
- Michael Corleone in The Godfather
- Scrooge in A Christmas Carol
- Emma Bovary in Madame Bovary
2. Conflict Drives the Story and Reveals Character
Story is struggle. How a character struggles reveals who he is.
Create multi-layered conflict. Develop external conflicts between characters, as well as internal conflicts within characters themselves. Ensure that conflicts are evenly matched, with well-motivated opponents on all sides. Use conflict to reveal character traits, force difficult choices, and drive the plot forward.
Maintain rising tension. Structure your story so that conflicts escalate and complications multiply, building pressure on the characters. Avoid static or jumping conflicts by having characters change incrementally in response to mounting obstacles. Create a "crucible" that keeps characters locked in conflict until the final resolution.
Types of conflict:
- Man vs. Man
- Man vs. Nature
- Man vs. Society
- Man vs. Self
3. A Strong Premise Is Essential for a Cohesive Novel
Writing a story without a premise is like rowing a boat without oars.
Develop a clear premise. Formulate your premise as a concise statement that encapsulates the core conflict and transformation of your story. A good premise contains character, conflict, and conclusion. Use your premise as a guiding principle for plot development and character arcs.
Let the premise shape your story. Use your premise to determine which scenes, characters, and subplots to include or exclude. Every element should contribute to proving the premise. Be willing to cut beloved scenes or characters if they don't serve the central thesis of your story.
Examples of strong premises:
- "Greed leads to self-destruction" (The Great Gatsby)
- "Love conquers all" (Romeo and Juliet)
- "Power corrupts" (Animal Farm)
4. Master the Art of Storytelling Through Structure and Pacing
A story is a narrative of consequential events involving worthy human characters who change as a result of those events.
Craft a compelling narrative arc. Structure your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start just before the inciting incident, develop the conflict through rising action, build to a climactic moment, and provide a satisfying resolution. Use a step-sheet to plan out the key events and character developments.
Control pacing and tension. Vary the rhythm of your storytelling by alternating between scenes, half-scenes, and narrative summary. Cut directly into scenes with rising conflict to maintain a fast pace. Use foreshadowing to create anticipation and maintain reader interest during necessary but less dramatic passages.
Key elements of story structure:
- Inciting incident
- Rising action
- Climax
- Falling action
- Resolution
5. Viewpoint and Narrative Voice Shape the Reader's Experience
The magic of identification, the greatest trick of all.
Choose the right viewpoint. Select a narrative viewpoint that best serves your story and genre. Consider the strengths and limitations of first-person, third-person limited, omniscient, and objective viewpoints. Use viewpoint to control the reader's access to information and create identification with key characters.
Develop a distinctive narrative voice. Craft a narrative voice appropriate to your genre and story. Whether using an "invisible" third-person narrator or a more intrusive first-person voice, maintain consistency and use the voice to enhance the reader's experience of the story world.
Viewpoint options:
- First-person
- Third-person limited
- Omniscient
- Objective
6. Craft Dynamic Dialogue and Sensuous Prose
Good dialogue should be in conflict, indirect, clever, and colorful.
Write engaging dialogue. Create dialogue that reveals character, advances the plot, and maintains conflict. Avoid on-the-nose exchanges in favor of subtext and indirection. Give each character a unique voice and way of speaking. Use dialogue to show rather than tell whenever possible.
Paint vivid word pictures. Employ sensory details and figurative language to bring your scenes to life. Appeal to all five senses in your descriptions. Use specific, concrete language rather than vague generalities. Incorporate poetic devices like metaphor and simile, but avoid purple prose or mixed metaphors.
Tips for dynamic prose:
- Be specific and concrete
- Appeal to all senses
- Use fresh metaphors and similes
- Vary sentence structure and rhythm
7. Rewriting Is Where the Magic Happens
Only writers know how to rewrite. It is this ability alone that turns the amateur into a professional.
Embrace revision. Recognize that first drafts are rarely publishable and that the real work of writing happens in revision. Develop the ability to look at your work objectively and identify areas for improvement. Be willing to make significant changes to plot, character, and prose to strengthen your story.
Seek constructive feedback. Join a writers' group or find beta readers who can provide honest, critical feedback. Learn to separate yourself from your work and consider criticism without becoming defensive. Use feedback to identify blind spots in your writing and guide your revision process.
Steps for effective revision:
- Let the manuscript rest
- Read with fresh eyes
- Analyze structure and pacing
- Deepen characterization
- Tighten prose
- Polish dialogue
- Ensure consistency
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FAQ
What's "How to Write a Damn Good Novel" about?
- Comprehensive guide: The book is a step-by-step guide to writing a dramatic novel, focusing on creating compelling characters and engaging plots.
- Dramatic storytelling: It emphasizes the importance of drama in novels, using examples from classic literature to illustrate key points.
- Practical advice: The author, James N. Frey, provides practical advice on various aspects of novel writing, from character development to rewriting.
- Target audience: It is aimed at both aspiring and experienced writers who want to improve their storytelling skills.
Why should I read "How to Write a Damn Good Novel"?
- Improve writing skills: The book offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your novel-writing abilities.
- Structured approach: It provides a structured approach to writing, making it easier to tackle the complex task of novel creation.
- Proven methods: The advice is based on tried-and-tested methods used by successful authors.
- Inspiration and motivation: Reading the book can inspire and motivate you to start or continue writing your novel.
What are the key takeaways of "How to Write a Damn Good Novel"?
- Character importance: Creating vivid, well-rounded characters is crucial for a compelling novel.
- Conflict is essential: The three greatest rules of dramatic writing are conflict, conflict, and conflict.
- Premise is key: A strong premise guides the story and ensures it has a clear direction and purpose.
- Rewriting is vital: The process of rewriting is essential to refine and perfect your novel.
How does James N. Frey define a "premise" in novel writing?
- Core of the story: The premise is the central idea or theme that the novel seeks to prove or explore.
- Guides the narrative: It serves as a guiding principle for the story, helping to maintain focus and coherence.
- Character, conflict, conclusion: A good premise includes elements of character, conflict, and conclusion.
- Specific to the story: The premise is not a universal truth but is specific to the particular story being told.
What is the significance of conflict in "How to Write a Damn Good Novel"?
- Driving force: Conflict is the driving force of a dramatic novel, bringing characters to life and engaging readers.
- Character development: It reveals character traits and motivations, allowing characters to grow and change.
- Types of conflict: The book discusses different types of conflict, including inner conflict and opposition between characters.
- Rising conflict: A well-structured novel features a slowly rising conflict that builds to a climax.
How does Frey suggest creating well-rounded characters?
- Three dimensions: Characters should have physiological, sociological, and psychological dimensions.
- Character biographies: Writing detailed biographies helps understand characters' motivations and behaviors.
- Ruling passion: Identify a character's ruling passion, which drives their actions and decisions.
- Avoid stereotypes: Create unique characters by avoiding clichés and combining unexpected traits.
What is the role of a stepsheet in novel writing according to Frey?
- Blueprint for the novel: A stepsheet is a detailed plan of the incidents in a story, serving as a blueprint for the novel.
- Ensures coherence: It helps maintain a logical sequence of events, ensuring the story flows smoothly.
- Tracks character growth: The stepsheet charts the development and growth of characters throughout the story.
- Flexible tool: While it provides structure, it can be adjusted as the story evolves during the writing process.
How does Frey recommend handling dialogue in a novel?
- Indirect dialogue: Characters should express their thoughts and desires indirectly, adding depth and interest.
- Conflict in dialogue: Dialogue should be in conflict, revealing character motivations and advancing the plot.
- Avoid clichés: Strive for fresh, colorful, and clever dialogue that reflects the character's personality.
- Rewriting dialogue: Dialogue often requires multiple revisions to achieve the desired impact and authenticity.
What are some of the best quotes from "How to Write a Damn Good Novel" and what do they mean?
- "Conflict! Conflict! Conflict!": This emphasizes the importance of conflict as the core element of dramatic storytelling.
- "Writing a story without a premise is like rowing a boat without oars.": Highlights the necessity of a clear premise to guide the narrative.
- "Characters are to a novelist what lumber is to a carpenter.": Stresses the fundamental role of characters in constructing a novel.
- "The climax is the last, for which the first was made.": Underlines the significance of building towards a powerful climax in the story.
How does Frey address the rewriting process in novel writing?
- Essential step: Rewriting is crucial for refining and perfecting the novel, turning a draft into a polished work.
- Objective evaluation: Writers must learn to evaluate their work objectively, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Ruthless editing: Be prepared to make significant changes, including cutting favorite scenes if necessary.
- Feedback and critique: Seek feedback from others, such as writers' groups, to gain different perspectives on the manuscript.
What is the "Zen of Novel Writing" according to Frey?
- Commitment and discipline: Becoming a novelist requires dedication, self-discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice time and energy.
- Overcoming challenges: Writers must persevere through challenges like writer's block and self-doubt.
- Regular writing schedule: Establishing a consistent writing routine is key to completing a novel.
- Focus on the craft: Success in novel writing comes from mastering the craft, not just relying on talent or inspiration.
How does Frey suggest dealing with writer's block?
- Identify the cause: Determine if the block is due to not knowing characters well enough, editing while writing, or fear of failure/success.
- Keep writing: Continue writing even if it's difficult, as persistence can help overcome the block.
- Interview characters: If characters are uncooperative, interview them to understand their motivations and actions better.
- Separate writing and editing: Avoid editing while drafting to maintain creative flow and prevent self-censorship.
Review Summary
How to Write a Damn Good Novel receives mixed reviews. Many praise its practical advice on character development, conflict, and storytelling techniques, finding it helpful for beginners. Critics argue it's dated and overly dogmatic, with some disagreeing with Frey's methods. Readers appreciate the examples from classic literature, though some find them irrelevant to modern writing. The book's tone is described as both engaging and off-putting. Overall, it's seen as a useful starting point for aspiring novelists, but not a definitive guide.
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