Rules for Writing a Novel

During Somerset Maugham's long life, he showed a remarkable understanding of human nature. He wore many hats in his lifetime. He was a doctor, a playwright, a secret agent during WWI, and a writer of short stories and novels.

I was amazed to discover over 800 quotations attributed to him, and found most of them to be quite relevant to the life of anyone who loves to write.

His message in the quotation above is one with which I wholeheartedly agree. There are no rules when it comes to writing a novel or any other creative work. Each writer is unique, and the method s/he uses to complete a work in progress is absolutely the only one that is correct in that moment.

We can all learn new tricks and techniques, and we can all use help, but in the end, it is up to each writer to develop his or her distinctive voice and style.

If you are a writer, you will know exactly what I mean.

Write On!

Thanks for reading,

Useful Tools for Readers

Click Here To View This Lesson in My Store

Identifying the elements of a novel is a skill that will help your student gain appreciation for the books that they read. Once they are proficient in identifying the elements in this lesson, it will be easy for them to discuss and write about the novels they are assigned or those they choose to read. 

After your students finish reading a novel, this guide will help them identify the following elements:

Plot (Exposition, Complications, Climax, Resolution)

Setting

Conflict (s)

Protagonist

Antagonist

Major Characters

Point of View

Tone

Theme(s)

Narrative Techniques

Frame Story

Flashback

Letters of a Diary

Dialect

Symbolism

Parable

Satire or Parody

Verbal Irony

Situational Irony

Dramatic Irony

Foreshadowing

Reading a novel is a rewarding experience, and especially so if one knows what literary techniques the author used to enrich his or her writing. As the student reads, it is helpful to keep a reading reaction journal in which they can take notes to use for future reference.

Click here for a lesson that shows students how to keep a Reading Reaction Journal that will help them remember and analyze what they have read. Teachers can use the journal to evaluate whether or not students are doing a close reading of assigned literary works. 

This is a valuable tool for you and your students, and it is especially useful as a study tool for AP students while reading advanced literary selections. 

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