Gross Anatomy of a Novel: Setting and Detail

Firsts in Fiction Gross Anatomy of a Novel: Setting and Detail Continuing our look at Gross Anatomy of a Novel, we turn our attention to an oft-overlooked aspect of writing: setting and detail. First, let’s define “setting.” Setting refers to the time and place in...

Gross Anatomy of a Novel: Dramatic Question

Firsts in Fiction Gross Anatomy of a Novel: Dramatic Question In Part 2 of our Gross Anatomy series we turn our attention to an element of plotting: Discovering the plot’s dramatic question(s). First, let’s define “plot.” A plot is a series of events in a novel or...

Gross Anatomy of a Novel: Character

If you’re looking for the novel spotlight, you can find it (and many other fun features) on our newsletter. Be sure to sign up at aarongansky.com! Intro: What is Gross Anatomy of a Novel? In this series, we’re going to take a holistic look and approach to novel...

From the Vaults: 10 Tips for Naming Your Character

*ADDENDUM* The good people at EditionGuard.com put together a pretty fancy infographic, and were kind enough to ask me to include a link to it in this particular post. I’ve checked it out, and it’s got some good information that really supplements what we’re talking...

Juggling Multiple Plot Lines

NOVEL SPOTLIGHT (Pops): In 2011, Simon & Schuster published Stephen King’s 11/22/63. I received the book as a Christmas present from one of my sons-in-law. It’s weighty book, as King’s novels often are, of 850 pages or so. King has proven himself a master writer....