Sunday, May 4, 2008

What Makes A Good Novel?

On one of my many searches for information for one of my many essays (which i now am finished with *i hope* as an undergrad) i came across this article written in 1973 by Robert P Ashley. it was only a few pages, but it certainly makes it point. Basically the author has come up with five 'tests' of what a good novel is - some like the passage of time, and being taught in the classroom are pretty beyond any use for me. I'm not the next James Joyce by any stretch of the imagination.
What was interesting was his other tests:
  1. Verisimilitude - Latin for 'likeness to truth'.
Ashley makes the important point that 'realism' is essential in any novel - he is not referring to a 'only can happen in the world' realism but a 'likeness to truth' in a world in which we truly 'believe' exists once we immerse ourselves in the novel.

What is necessary is that you 'believe', both while you are under the warm spell of the author's magic as you read and in the cold light of logical analysis after you finish reading. The more romantic and fantastic the novel the greater the necessity for the author to achieve what Coleridge called the 'willing suspension of belief' - if the novelist achieves this, he has passed the test
I really thought this was a fantastic point, especially in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, where it is often the perception that this genre is 'easy' to write as it has 'no rules'. i think its the exact opposite, as terry Pratchett demonstrates one has to build an entire civilisation, rules and order before one has written a single word of dialogue.
books such as Twilight, based in the 'real' world but not quite, epitomise in my opinion the 'willing suspension of belief' and even go as far as to create whole new entire 'beliefs'. Vampires aren't killed with sunlight anymore - they sparkle'. Stephenie Meyer created a world and characters so believable to the reader, that they became real to many, and a new vampire myth has been created in light of this.

2. The 'great expectations' of plot?

Ashley's next test is concerning plot. he first makes the obvious point that the plot must also be plausible and past the above test as well. he uses Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray as an example, the picture ages but he does not. The question is not that do you know of such a thing occurring before but whether you can accept them happening given the circumstances or mood at the beginning of the book.
The second point concerning plot has to do with events occurring in the book have a logical connection. for example

If you say the king died and then the queen died, you have a story; but if you say the king died and then the queen died of grief, you have a plot. in one instance you merely have a chronological sequence; in the other, a logical or cause-and effect sequence


3. Characters!!

Characters should be REAL - you believe in their existence whether they be vampires, or captains on pirate ships, the point of real isn't 'normal' but once again the suspension of belief. we should BELIEVE!!
the second point Ashley makes is the importance of sympathy: You have to care about the characters and what happens to them. You don't have to even love them or even like them, as long as you are never INDIFFERENT.
finally Ashley makes the point of the importance of memorability. Characters must be worth remembering must stick in you mind and not "fade away into oblivion when you put your novel aside".

4. Setting

According to Ashley setting can perform three functions for a novel: 1. it can provide a locale, a place for events to occur in and characters to live in, like a stage
2. It can create atmosphere and mood
3. setting should provide a environment which influences if not determines the outcomes of incidents and behaviours in characters. Ashley uses Mr. Darcy as the perfect example. through out the novel it is the setting which influences his characters. the contrast between the character's reactions in Elizabeth's society and when he is on his own Pembley estate are huge. it is only in the setting of his own estate does he conquer his pride and Elizabeth overcomes her prejudices.

5. Theme

Ashley makes the point that there is no such thing as a new theme

Just as there are no new plots there are no new themes, what Ashley expects of a good novel is that the author sheds a new light on an old theme or a fresh angle such as Conrad's Heart of Darkness which deals with the old theme men's tendency to evil. the theme is not new, but Conrad sens his 'hero' to the heart of darkness in Africa to demonstrate this theme, similarly the Lord of the Flies - same theme but very very different story.

6. Moral Values

Ashley emphasises the importance of morality, of a novel highlighting right versus wrong. good versus evil. etc Not as a sermon does but as in taking a stance for example concerning sexuality he uses the example of Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles - where in certain circumstances, the adulteress is seen as a 'pure woman'.

7. What does it Do to YOU!!

This is a test in which only YOU as the reader can answer, yet it is important to bear in mind that there has to be the 'Je n'ai cest quoi' factor in a book, which makes you laugh/cry or have nightmares. This is the great Test of a novel, what it invokes in you!!

As Ashley says the most important test is the most difficult to define.

8. Technique etc.

Technique is important: style, constructive ability, etc. it is important but not the be all and end of all. as Ashley puts it "the clothes do not make the man, nor does technique make the novel".

Another test is Historical importance: novel which impacted hugely and still do such as James Joyce's Ulysses etc.

the last test Ashley leaves till last - as he makes the point that this is the Test which is being neglected more and more. This test really struck a cord with me. The above tests mention by Ashley are all familiar to any writer, plot characters etc. etc. blah blah but there is something we often miss in our never ending pursuit of writing a good novel.

9. Entertainment - we are storytellers.

Many novelists nowadays look upon themselves as psychologists, philosophers or sociologists - but never what they truly are story tellers.

It is my firm belief that a novel which is not entertaining, which is not pleasurable, which is not fun to read, in the best sense of these terms is to some extent a failure.



Ashley, P. (1973). What makes a good novel. The English Journal, 60, 596-620.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

An odd idea

Well, i have returned to the world of study after a lovely two weeks in the sun, which was badly needed. I feel refreshed and bushy tailed - not for essays and studies however but for writing.

No, this doesn't mean updates for my fanfics, but actually ideas for stories. Oddly i actually have a book in my mind which will be feasible for me to do. Strangely its going to be non fiction. I have to start somewhere and why not write a book which i could have used!! I know enough about the area to write about and research it. The question is though 'will it be marketable to be published' so now i wonder should i contact publisher/agent with the idea and then proceed with some guidance (e.g. we want 100, 000 words) or just write it and see how it goes?
I more than likely need to research this, and then decide.
However as much as i can't 'focus' i will need to as my exams are in less than a month *shudder* and i REALLY need to cop on and pull up my grades *sigh*
But what next year? i have applied for some MA and research (though the liklihood of getting anything is quite slim) so what then? I plan on staying near college, so perhaps a job there?

I know that i need a 'day' job but i guess its difficult when a 'day' job in psychology is a day/night job as its so intense.
I can't wait for the end of June. I'll be finished my holidays and can finally get down to writing and planning this. Its so annoying to have to wait and do other things when i just want to get this project started and running.
Hopefully it won't be another flash in the pan of an idea, but the basis for this non fiction book is central to my life. I think i would regret it if i never tried to write it, even if its never published!

i also had some thoughts on a historical fiction idea. again, not sure if it would be marketable or how i would approach it. I barely even have a plot or idea, just a timeframe, a place, and a local legend. It is problematic as the actually information on these people is very limited and biased by conguerers. So perhaps use it for the basis of a fictional society in a fantasy.
I think though at the moment i will concentrate:
  1. essays
  2. exams
  3. holidays
  4. nonfiction book
  5. poetry/short story competitions
I think my next step after submitting the nonfiction book etc is to invest in going to creative writing courses in Dublin, during the new academic year. i think myself that my writing could benefit from some sort of feedback and i think i'll need the summer to come up with some sort of idea of where i want to go with myself and my writing.

Epona

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Rambling updates and thoughts

This is just a small note, as you can probably see (the one person who actually may look at this blog) that i have made some additional changes to font/colour etc. No amazing updates however. I have to say the real world has been insanely busy of late, with lots of annoying essays etc. due in. I am still waiting on exam results so fingers crossed. In addition to font changes i have added links to my myspace/fanfiction/TW fanfiction sites that i am members of.

Please feel free to take alook around and leave a critique/comment on my stories/poems.

It is slightly pathetic but at the moment i seem drained of all creative energy. My fanfics are unfinished and i haven't started anysort of original work (not even an idea). I am so envious of those people who have a thousand and one ideas for a novel. I always dismiss any i have out of hand ( or make the mistake of mentioning one to an older (and 'wiser') sibling who starts a lecture on the unoriginality of said plot.

Fair enough. He was right.

I sound awful pretentious when i say this but i don't want to write a mediocre novel with an overdone plot. I wish i could have that inspirational dream (Twilight) or a ephiphany and just know what to do.

Years ago, when i first wrote my first fanfiction ( an exciting new world for me) i was thrilled and exuberant about it. Every waking moment I planned the plot on my old refill pad (which i still have) and it was so thrilling to get reviews.

It was amazing to think that 'People out there in the BIG WWW world actually would read your stuff!! You who was a nobody'. Hell, even the odd death threat was fine by me.

Talk about an ego trip!!

In recent years and as i have switched fandoms (present obsession Twilight) i have noticed a decline in quality of fanfics. The majority of writers (especially in TW) are young teens, and of course i bare that in mind. In this FF world though there is no midddle. Some are amazing (and you honestly think why oh why are these talented writers not publishing their own books) and other are absolutely horrendous - there is no middle.

Sometimes i wonder though if FF is damaging to fans - not in the traditional sense but in the literary and creative sense. I have come across some absolutely amazing authors picking through the garbage of Fanfics, and you are left feeling; first, 'Crap, she writes so amazingly well- way better than me. i'll never make it' and second 'wow. why is this person not writing a book!!'
I know many people would say - they just enjoy the characters and the writing and are satisfied with this - and fair deuce to them. however i wonder though if there is a kinda honey trap with FF - that though you practice writing, learn and get feedback (granted the 'i luv it, plz cntinu' isn't exactly helpful) you grow so dependent on the characters and background already being established that you go lazy??

A good friend of mine, who is an aspiring author Sera Phyn had an interesting view on the pros/cons of FF:

if you have a serious desire to become a published author, get out of fanfiction! Use it as something to practice with, a way to sharpen your storytelling skills, and then put it behind you. Let your favorite characters teach you about plot development, and then leave them to the author who created them. Somewhere along the way, discover your own voice and style, your own characters and stories, and spend your time building them.

i have to say i agree with her. I currently find that i have lost my 'voice and style' and creativity. I have a dozen plot ideas in my mind - all of which are FF centred. I don't even bother trying to start them - as i just feel .......tired. i have two unfinished FF currently. I want to finish them on principle, but everytime i sit down to start.

i just stare.

Blank. I guess this is writers block, Yes?

Joy.

I think my best option is to just not force it.

Let it flow when it flows. and if it doesn't??

There is always McDonalds.

*Shrugs*

Friday, January 4, 2008

New Year Resolutions

Well New Years has come and gone, and i have decided to set out my resolutions for this year. granted, i have never stuck to 'my list' ever but upon looking at a friends blog i decided to take the plunge and make my goals for this year public. Please bare in mind some are personal and some writing related. In no particular order of preference
  • Get a good undergraduate degree - 1.1 or 2.1
  • Lose weight - goal weight: 10 stone
  • start and write the first draft of a novel.
  • go interailing across europe
  • excercise at least three times a week
  • take a creative writing class.
I think i would be very lucky (and happy) if i succeeded in completing this list but i think i would be happy if i only completed one goal!!
Well, time for me to go (sadly) i have procrastinated for too long, my exam books are calling *sigh*
Salut for now
epona

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

The Bunny Bites

I believe today at 5am i was bitten by the plot bunny. It is so typical this occurs in one of the busiest weeks of the year ( i'm not refering to Christmas; i haven't thought of that at all) the week before we finish university! the week essays are due, photocopiers are having spasms in the library from over use and epona is pulling out her hair over stress of FYP, the future, essays and exams.
so this morning is double edged in a way. i have the start of a story ( not very original really) but i think i shall enjoy writing it (when ever i get time to do it). I know i need to put it all down, lay it all out before i put it in the back of my mind - i need to play with the ideas - imagine scenes and scenarios.
when will i do this i don't know!! i have meetings, deadlines and exams looming. the sensible part of me is saying wait till March or even summer when i have time, but i know by then i would have lost focus -strike when the iron is hot is very true with me.
i am so bad at time management as well or having to do more than two things at once - i like to place my undivided attention on one thing. live and breath it for ages and then i'll know it.
*sigh*
Anyhow, deep down i'm happy i thought of my story - i love the idea of my narrator. Contrary bastard that he is *laughs*
Anyhow upon finishing the amazing book thief - i thought of something

"Finishing a good book is like saying goodbye to an old friend"

I could only hope and dream to write a book such as 'the book thief'.

anyway, i best go - i have lectures etc to go to.
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Real Life Argh!!

I believe my 'quest' to become a novelist may have to be put on hold temporarily as 'real life' as intruded once again. University etc. has consumed my life; however i hope to get back on track (what track? what novel? Ha? Indeed) in early/mid new year. I was hoping ot at least be able to do some research and at least let a concept grow.
The fact is I have no idea/characters or anything. Recently i feel like i have been tapped dry; i don't write anymore, or have ideas or epiphanys. I want to become a writer so badly, yet every idea i think of; it feels flat. oddly it seems when i'm in a dull mundane atmosphere, my mind wanders and then thoughts creep in, sadly i haven't had 'boring' in a while! i have thought of writing fantasy, doing this and that; but none of it seemed original and very cliche. Even my 'fanfiction' style seems over complicated and overly flourished - i have seen this in reviews and in quizes. i need to take a step back and think less of 'yeats' etc and more of would i/or some normal person read this?
Why am i even discussing writing style, when i have nothing to write about!! i have nothing!
Argh i feel so frustrated with everything; work and now this. I just wish i had that idea - something that will spark me to write (and i have had it before) and then i will just write madly and obsessively listening to my Muse, radiohead and coldplay.
Sigh
Good times

Monday, November 19, 2007

Goals, Aims and Aspirations

"Goals", "aims" etc how many times have i started a brand new pretty journals with these above headings - my life is cluttered with half finished notebooks with scrawled lists of hopes and desires. Lists; i'm a great maker but a terrible doer, the eternal procrastinator. It easier i think as well to shove a slip of paper in a drawer or close a notebook, and forget it than it is to have the "list" looking you in the face in black and white. Thus why i'm typing here, and laying my university work to one side (procrastinator indeed).
I suppose it is blatantly obvious what my goals and desires are by glancing at this blog. Surprise, surprise its not to win the olympics.
Writing is my goal; whether it be novelist, writer or poet. I want to see someday my words in print, binded in a pretty cover. I don't want to be a bestseller, or a nobel prize winner (though i don't think i'd complain if that were to happen haha), i just want my words there. Immortalised. I think it wouldn't matter to me at all if they weren't 'big sellers' or i never 'lived off' my writing. I don't want to write to be 'famous' or whatever, it's not the reason i want to persue this. I honestly don't know why or have a set reason, i just enjoy writing.
I guess i want to just keep that in mind, when i'm freaking out or frustrated to death with this (and life), that this experience is to be enjoyed.
I can't describe the satisfaction at completing a piece of work, granted at the moment - this is refering only to a couple of decent poems. I doubt i shall be doing an Emily Dickenson and leaving a thousand poems in my wake.
So, to sum up this rambling and somewhat pointless post, my most important goal, ambition and aim is to write - whether it be fiction, prose or poems.
I want to write.