3 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

events."

SETTING. Characters don't perform on an empty stage. As outlined by Maass, your favorite novels "probably . . . whisked you into their worlds, transported you to other times or places, and held you captive there." That means setting is more than just a stage. It incorporates a milieu, a broader sense of culture and environment, so integrated into the story that setting almost becomes another character.

THEME. A great novel is more than just entertainment. According to Maass, another aspect of great stories is that they alter the reader's way of seeing the world.

STYLE. Style is the "how" of fiction, reflecting a myriad of choices made by the author, from individual word choice to setting the tone. A key choice is that of viewpoint. In Writing the Breakout Novel, Donald Maass notes that since the invention of the novel, it has been transformed by a progressive narrowing of point of view: from the once-essential author's voice, to omniscient narration, to objective narration, to first- and third-person narration, and most recently to close third-person narration. As Maass observes, today's reader is in search of authentic experience. The next great American novel may very well be written with an intimate, third-person point of view.

So, if you really want to write a great novel, American or otherwise, forget the classics. Aim higher. Forget prizes and awards - that's delegating the definition of your success to others. Write the best novel you can, in whatever genre you enjoy. Write a novel that means something special to you. One you can be proud of. And who knows, maybe someday someone will describe it as great.

Learn more about this author, Mike Klaassen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about You can write the great American novel?
We want to hear your view. Write now!