Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.
Here are my rules of writing:
1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
First the theme, then the character(s), then the plot. These are the steps in the creative process for writing a novel. We are at developing the characters. I already wrote about this subject in great detail, but I might as well synopsize these concepts a little.
First, you reveal your characters through the plot. You develop your characters at this stage. The development should be complete before you begin to write. The revelation begins with the first page. The point is the revelation of your "already" developed characters. This is a critical step. The development of the characters begins to set the scene. It begins to develop the plot. It begins to gel the novel.
You write a novel based on the theme and the characters. The plot is an outgrowth of these two things. It may be possible to write something in another way, but I wouldn't recommend it. A plot without a theme is meaningless. A plot without defined and developed characters is nothing.
Surely, you've read a novel that seemed poorly written and conceived. It is possible the author missed these two basic steps. If the characters are deficient and/or there seems no point in the novel, it is very likely the author did not start with the theme and developed characters.
More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.
My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.
The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
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