Impermanent Things
The amateur novelist comes to understand a key aspect of novel writing: no change—minor or catastrophic—is off the table. Today’s episode: the delirious fever of rewriting.
Query Letters That DON’T Work, Not Even a Little Bit
Having personally harassed over a thousand literary agents in the greater Tri-State area, I thought I’d share a few samples of flawed query letters so that you may learn from my mistakes.
The 8th “R” of Positivity for the Unpublished Novelist
The amateur novelist has an enlightening experience where all enlightening experiences seem to happen: out in the woods. Today's episode: The importance of relaxation (without having to waste time relaxing).
The Psychology of Waiting
The amateur novelist resists the urge to make a tally mark in his skin for each day that goes by without good news. Today’s episode: managing neuroses.
We Whose Futures Rest on 150 Words
The amateur novelist takes on the attributes of a salesman, going door to proverbial door in the vast cruel market of the publishing industry. Today’s episode: perfecting the plot hook.
Defining Narrative Arc
Normally, in workshop, I am quick to share definitions and advice... But on this question—“What is narrative arc?” I found myself unusually hesitant.
An Entirely New Terror
With the writing of the novel out of the way, the amateur novelist is free to pursue an even more horrifying endeavor: the search for an agent.
From Your Lips She Drew the Hallelujah
The long history of Rebellious Bird brought to a close? Even the amateur novelist knows the completion of a novel is only the beginning.
The Premiere of Season Two
Paralyzed with fear! Back to work again, will the amateur novelist escape the evil clutches of the impossible Perfect Novel?
Writer, Interrupted
In the unexpected but inevitable season finale of The Novelist’s Deflowering, the amateur novelist learns that to write a better book he must overcome his impatience by letting go of his dreams.
Perfectionism, or The Art of the Stalemate
The amateur novelist finds that writing a novel is a game one cannot win.
Interview with NaNoWriMo Participant David Harris
A writer determined to become an author reveals to us that writing a novel doesn’t have to be a mythic and impossible task. “As I’ve dived deeper into reading I’m learning that the books I read are written by men and women, not by demigods.”
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