How do you write a novel?
- Select the number of words, say 100,000
- Split the novel into Act1, Act2 and Act3
- Act1 is 25% [the setup]
- Act2 is 50% [the playout]
- Act3 is 25% [the resolution]
- Specify the number of chapters to be 30
- Create a protagonist
- Create an antagonist with helpers
- Lay out obstacles that the protagonist must deal with
- Only trouble is interesting
- Dialogue is not conversation
- Character is revealed through action/ tough choices
- Action is character
- Structure is character
- The structure of the novel emanates from the protagonist's character
- Jump into a scene at the last possible moment
- Show, don't tell
- Dress fiction as if it was fact
- Promise dramatic action
- Writing is re-writing, edit and edit till it's done
- Writing is like building a house - put up scaffolding and remove it when finished
Punk fiction
- An action thriller novel
- A movie
- A graphic novel
- A video game
- Rock 'n' Roll on paper