Mechanics of the Novel: Under the Hood
I’ve already published a few pieces dealing with the mechanics of writing, combinations of things I’ve personally learnt and advice purloined from elsewhere that is just too good not to share.
In line with these existing posts, I’m starting a fortnightly, maybe weekly if inspiration strikes, series of posts related to the craft of writing. These will all be original content posts, (no re-posts or short ‘picture and inspirational quote’ meme posts) and will all be linked by the Under the Hood category that you can peruse by the menus on the right side of this page. Looking under the novel’s hood as it were.
My goal is to help aspiring authors, struggling writers, and frustrated self-publishers. Along the way, I’m hoping to cement my own craft and maybe expand my reach. I only ask that if you find something worthwhile that you share it amongst your own networks.
For the starting writer, there are just so many things you should know. Preparation, proper grammar, research, writing, genre rules, editing, design and eventually publishing are all scary steps towards either authorship or alcoholism. Sadly before you start you can’t actually know which things you need to know. This catch 22 means you really have 4 options…
- Don’t start. That way quitting lies.
- Don’t start until you’ve finished. That way madness lies
- Start anyway and just remember that life = pain
- Make use of the pain, sweat, tears and caffeine poisoning that others have endured before you.
I hope these posts will serve as a path to option 4. Having said that, I would also love to hear anyone who has successfully taken the second path without being devoured by an Elder God.
Now before you get started, repeat after me…
ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn
Arlock.JW 