One of the newer ‘genres’ is the literary fiction book. This type of book is often difficult to define, and books written in this style usually fall into another category as well. In addition, this style can be difficult to master, and only those who truly wish to write one of these novels should even attempt it.
What is Literary Fiction?
Literary fiction wasn’t really defined as a genre until the 1970s. At this point, literary fiction was said to be fiction that had literary merit. This definition still exists, but it can be difficult to understand. At its most basic, literary fiction focuses on character, style, and psychological depth. Plot may or may not be important. On the other hand, mainstream fiction is driven by plot or narrative.
This definition leaves much room for interpretation, and literary fiction is a rather subjective genre, if it can be called a genre at all. Literary fiction is the type of fiction that often wins literary awards, so if you are confused as to what qualifies as literary fiction, take a look at some past winners of these awards.
One thing all literary fiction has in common is the focus on human nature. These books might also be classified as fantasy, science fiction, or mystery, but they will also speak strongly to society. For example, one of the most famous of literary writers, Charles Dickens, described how dark society could be. His book weren’t always fun, and they didn’t necessarily entertain, but they did address aspects of human nature. Therefore, they are literary fiction.
Should You Write Literary Fiction?
This is a difficult question to answer. Perhaps, yes, you could write a literary fiction book. But that doesn’t mean you should. First evaluate your interest in the genre. Do you enjoy reading literary classics? Do you find authors such as Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas, or Roald Dahl engaging enough to read an entire book written in that style? If the answer is ‘no’ then you should probably readdress your desire to write literary fiction. Either that, or be continually faced with writer’s block.
If you truly have a burning desire to create a great work of literary fiction, then do so. But you have to want it, or your book will fall far short of a literary classic. Though this type of fiction may seem challenging, remember that it can also be liberating. When writing literary fiction, you are free to incorporate other genres as well. Perhaps you’ll write a romance that is also literary fiction, or even a western. You never know until you try.
Science fiction is fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological advances. This genre could also include major social or environmental changes, and frequently involves space or time travel, and sometimes life on other planets.
Science fiction is a popular and entertaining genre, but it is one that presents its own unique challenges. If you’re considering writing a science fiction book, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
The Worlds of Science Fiction
Science fiction, like fantasy, usually requires the creation of its own world. This world may resemble our world, or it might be radically different. It might take place in the future, or even in an alternate reality. Regardless of when or where your novel takes place, your world has to make sense. It has to be believable, or your readers will abandon you.
You have to be careful with your science fiction world. If it looks too much like our world, your book will strike your audience as more of a fantasy novel. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if your goal is to write a science fiction book, you’ll need to pay particular attention to the world you create.
Some research into the fields of astronomy or biology will not be wasted. Check your facts, and don’t break the rules. Bend them as far as you can, but keep everything plausible. You don’t want to get too far from reality, or your audience will trade you in for the nearest comic book.
The Creatures of Science Fiction
The creatures you create must be realistic and plausible, just like the world they inhabit. The plants and animals that you come up with must have some basis in scientific fact, at least on some level, or your readers will go elsewhere for their science fiction.
If you really need inspiration, look to the ocean. We have some spectacular creatures right here on our own planet, hidden in the depths of the sea. Some of them would make wonderful additions to a science fiction world. Just be sure they fit into the reality you are creating.
Make Your Story Believable
Science fiction can be a tricky thing. The true science fiction fan just isn’t easy to fool. They know too much, they’ve read too much, and they expect a lot from you, as an author. They need a complex and engaging plot, and you’ll need to grab them with facts and details.
Before you put pen to paper, research everything. Make sure that every piece of science that you address in your book is rooted in fact. Pour over scientific texts and be up to date on the most recent research. Write a book that can draw in those people who have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or biology. If you can do that, you’ve got your winner.
Science fiction is not always an easy genre to write. It can provide challenges you haven’t even thought of yet. And if it’s your first book, then you’ll face even greater difficulties as you try to find your way. But if you master the basics of writing fiction, avoid common mistakes, and trust in your story, you’ll eventually be left with a rich and believable novel.
So, you’ve come up with an engaging plot, you understand all the basics, and you’ve read every hint and tip for aspiring writers you can get your hands on. You finally feel that you’re ready to get started on your masterpiece. What next? How, exactly, do you approach that first novel? How do you tackle that blank piece of paper in front of you? The answers to these questions are easier than you might think. Take a deep breath and get ready to write your first book.
Putting Together the Pieces of Your Novel
A project as large as a novel can seem intimidating. And it’s almost impossible to really tackle something that you see as intimidating. So, break down your novel into smaller pieces.
Start with your cast of characters. You’ll need to know your own characters before you begin writing. Tackle one character at a time. Develop him or her enough to start your book. You’ll want to draw up a profile, as complete as possible. Describe his (or her) past, address specific character flaws or strengths, and don’t forget to describe what he or she looks like. Do this for each of your main characters, including your villain.
You’ve probably already thought of your main plot, but take some time to address to specifics. Do this by breaking your plot into sections. How does your story start? Think about setting, characters, and don’t forget about conflict. You need to introduce some type of conflict early on, so think about how you’ll do that.
What will the climax of your plot look like? You’ll need to know how your characters can get to that climax. You’ll also need to decide how that climax will be resolved. It’s usually a good idea to have the end of your book in your mind. That way, you’ll be able to slowly guide your characters toward that end.
Setting Goals for Your Novel
A novel does not write itself. You’ll need to sit down and commit your story to paper. It’s best if you write every day, no exceptions, and you should commit yourself to writing a minimum of a half-hour at a time. Any less than this and it’s difficult to get anything accomplished.
If you can write more than that, then great. But be realistic. Don’t expect that you’ll work on your novel for six hours every day. It simply will not happen. Set a goal that you can stick to. If you set a goal that you will not be able to meet, you’ll soon find yourself discouraged and not writing at all. And if that happens … no book.
Finishing Your Novel
Did you really think that writing the novel was the end to it? It’s not. Personally, I don’t know anyone who writes a novel that’s ready to be published with the first draft. It takes time and effort to polish your manuscript.
Once you’ve finished that first draft, let it sit a while. At least a week, preferably. Once you’ve allowed the dust to settle, pick it up again. Read it over, or perhaps have a trusted friend or family member read it over for you. What didn’t make sense about that first draft? Go back and correct those elements of plot that need a little polishing. And don’t forget to check your spelling and grammar. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes.
Now let the novel sit again. At least a week, as before. Then go back and check it again; you’ll almost certainly find something worth fixing. Writing a novel is no small task, and it isn’t an exaggeration to say that polishing a manuscript takes longer than writing it ever will. Only when you’ve revised your work at least twice are you ready to consider publication.
Writing your first novel is a lot of work. You’ll agonize over your characters, frustrate yourself with a convoluted plot, and inevitably encounter the dreaded writer’s block. But your finished product will be well worth the effort.
And what do you do after you’ve finished that first novel? Get started on the second one, of course.
Without a plot, a novel just isn’t a novel. Something has to happen that will engage the readers and keep their attention, or a novel isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. In order to create an engaging plot, there are some elements that must not be overlooked.
Start the Story With Action
Start your story with some point of action or suspense. Your audience wants to be immersed into your novel within the first page, so get on with the story. There will be time later to provide your readers with all the background information they could possibly want. For now, get the attention of your readers by jumping right into the action.
Where are the Main Characters?
If you want a book that grabs the attention of your readers and doesn’t let them go, then you have to introduce your main characters. Within the first page or two, you’ll need to have at least one of your main characters make an appearance. You might have certain characters who, of necessity, do not make an appearance until later in the book, but you can’t start your book without at least one of them.
If you want to take a bit of a risk, try introducing your antagonist first. The hero can come later. However, if you’re going to do this, you’ll need to really hook your audience with suspense. Give them a reason to keep reading, to meet the hero (or heroes), or they’ll toss your book out the window.
Every Character in a Novel Needs a Motive
Like real people, the characters in your story shouldn’t do anything without a reason. If your hero goes to an inn and discovers a crucial piece of information, he’d better have a good reason for going to that inn. Even if that reason is as benign as needing a place to stay for the night. Just make sure he didn’t travel ten miles out of his way with no real motive. At least let him meet up with an old friend, or something along those lines. Your characters have to have believable motives, or your audience just won’t buy it.
Keep the Action Moving in Every Chapter
Your book started with a wonderful hook and now … somewhere along the way, you lost it. You started meandering, and while you eventually wrapped up your plot (along with the subplots you so carefully crafted), it’s taken so long and had so many boring bits that your readers became lost and confused. If you want to keep your readers, you need to keep the action going.
Reexamine your entire story. Do you have chapters, maybe several in a row, where nothing really happens? Bits of text that do absolutely nothing to advance your plot? Get rid of them. Don’t worry if it shortens your novel. I’d rather read a story of a mere 80,000 words that was cohesive and entertaining than one twice as long that seemed to forget the point halfway through.
Keep your plot moving forward, avoid common mistakes, and be aware of the basics of writing fiction, and you will find that your story slowly comes together. Write what you love, and soon you will have an end product that your readers will thank you for.
