As someone who has critiqued and edited many partial and complete manuscripts, I repeatedly see writers making the same critical mistakes. Even those who have studied the best instructional books, followed writers’ blogs, and attended numerous workshops often miss the mark on structure.
Why Structure is Crucial?
Is structure important? Absolutely. Do novelists need to follow specific structural rules to write a great novel? Yes. When I first started writing books, I thought I could wing it. Having read extensively across genres, I assumed I had absorbed the necessary skills. This assumption only held true up to a point.
Many writers believe they can craft a novel without learning the nuts and bolts of novel construction. This is puzzling, considering that aspiring professionals in other fields, like medicine or law, wouldn’t dream of practicing without proper training. I wouldn’t want a surgeon who hadn’t graduated from medical school, just as a reader shouldn’t have to endure a novel from an author who hasn’t learned proper structure.
Novel Writing Is Tough
Writing a novel is complex. Like building a house, it requires a deep understanding of both materials and tools. Just as a builder must know how to use specific materials and tools for different tasks, writers need proper training to be proficient. Novel writing is no exception.
I estimate that 80-90 percent of the novels I critique are fundamentally flawed in structure. Some are so flawed they need to be completely rewritten. It’s disheartening to see writers spend years on a novel only to struggle for years more to find an agent. These efforts, while perhaps good learning experiences, often result in wasted years. It’s akin to being given a thousand car parts and being told to assemble a perfectly operational vehicle with minimal instruction. It’s an impossible task without proper guidance.
There Are Lots of Resources, but . . .
Despite the abundance of resources, many writers still face daunting problems. While determination, a love of storytelling, a good imagination, a solid grasp of language, and perseverance are crucial, there’s a scarcity of how-to books addressing the fundamental issues new novelists encounter.
Aspiring novelists can find countless books on plot, character development, and dialogue. Yet, many of these resources focus on individual components without teaching how to construct a cohesive whole. This is because they often emphasize the tools of the trade rather than the comprehensive process of building a novel.
Think about it Holistically
Building a novel is akin to constructing a house. A builder must see the big picture and understand every aspect of the process, thinking several steps ahead. When reviewing foundation blueprints, a builder envisions how this will affect the entire structure, from hanging joists to laying out the roofline. Each part of the process impacts the others, and a builder must consider the finished product throughout the construction.
Similarly, a novelist must approach writing with a holistic mindset. Plot, premise, theme, and characters must work together seamlessly. Too often, writers piece together random elements without understanding how they fit into the larger narrative. The result is usually a flawed novel, especially if the core concept is weak. A story built on a shaky foundation is doomed to collapse.
By understanding and implementing a holistic approach to novel construction, writers can create well-structured, compelling stories. This comprehensive perspective is crucial for producing a successful novel.
I am an editor who takes a holistic approach.
