The Secret to Writing a Successful Novel
April 18th, 2009I’ve written six books, five of them novels and I have been published. While that
doesn’t necessarily put me in the same class as King or Clancy, I think I’ve
discovered a few basic truths about what it takes to put together a readable,
enjoyable, and ultimately, satisfying novel. I am willing to share this non-earth-
shaking, insiders information, but I am required by the ANWA to make a few
disclaimers and assumptions By the way, that stands for the American Novel Writers
Association, of which I the founding, and currently, only member.
One disclaimer is, that anything that I disclose is my own opinion and not
something I gathered from any writer’s guide, article, or book. Another is that I’ve
only been writing for fifteen years, so I don’t have an entire lifetime of writing on my
resume. On the assumption side, I’m hoping that someone reading this has (a)
written a short story, (b) a whole novel, (c) either or both, (d) decided it’s time to
write something at all, or (e) is a really successful author that’s already sold millions
of books and wants to ridicule any thoughts other want-a-be authors have say
about writing. The last one is probably unlikely at best, but the ANWA made me add
it.
So it’s almost time to reveal my secret, but, in the interest of novelists
everywhere, I should take a short poll. If you have been writing, you already are
aware of the simple steps required in novel writing. Like establishing a plot through
a rudimentary outline and then finding a suitable setting. You must have established
characters with a variety of physical and social descriptions that they will use
throughout the story. How many do this with every book? A show of hands, please.
Hmm, so maybe not all of you. I’ll guess that someone doesn’t even use an outline.
So, perhaps, you employ index cards or a list, instead. That still works in many
cases. As long as you know where you are going and how you will get there.
Therefore, the end justifies the means. My first novel was an exercise in abstract
reasoning. I had no outline, and, in fact, no written notes of any kind. I didn’t know
any better having read not a single book or article on writing, whatsoever. I was
stranger in a strange land (apologies to Heinlein) and didn’t know what the dickens
writing was all about. (apology to Charles) Instead, I plodded through a rough draft,
editing prodigiously as I went. But I learned in abundance and came away a better
writer. When I was done, I had an epiphany. Although the end product was rather
interesting and fairly well done for a beginner’s effort, I realized that I could have
saved myself lots of agony. Let’s start at the end. No, really.
I suffered through manufacturing a decent ending. Something that would tie all
the loose ends together. It took weeks to finally concoct the ending that would be
both believable and pacify the reader. After I typed the last few lines, I took a deep
breath of relief. A few months later, as I had time to regroup, I contemplated my
next novel. I was knocking about several ideas when it hit me. I was going about
everything backwards. Rather than invent a plot and all the appropriate and sundry
characters, I needed what every great novel needed: a perfect ending. There, I said it
and let the cat out of the hat. (apologies to Dr. Seuss)
The secret is to develop the ending first. After all, why do you go to see a movie
or read a book? Sure, you want to enjoy the ride but, when all is said and done, you
want an ending that made it all worthwhile. So, it’s your job, albeit, responsibility
as a trustworthy writer, to invent the best possible ending for your novel before
your write a single word. An ending that leaves the reader panting, excited,
exhausted, and mainly, wanting more. More what, you ask? Why, more of your
incredible writing, of course. Because you did your homework and went to the
trouble to design that amazing ending, the reader will be begging to seek out your
other works.
It seems logical, right? Once you have the ending, you simply work backward
toward the beginning with plot, setting, and populace. It rather akin to making a
cake. You imagine a magnificent chocolate, caramel fudge, layer cake, drizzled with
vanilla icing. Next, you decide what ingredients you would need to make it. Then
you buy the various components and prepare for the creating process. Okay, maybe
baking is an unfair comparison, but the mindset is the same. The end of a novel has
to be the foundation of the entire product with all the other elements part of the
building procedure. The final affect is a complete package that works on every level.
The reason I’m harping on this point is that all of us have seen movies or read
books that left us flat. We walked away wondering why we spent all that wasted
time. I want your readers with just the opposite opinion. That warm, fuzzy, and
satisfied feeling you get after a terrific meal or mind-blowing sex. (apology to Dr.
Ruth) So, if you’re ready to tackle the great American novel, get a firm hold of the
ending first. Cheers in advance to a successful writing experience and bottoms up.
Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for
nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising
and has a Master’s Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own
advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design
firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the
Phoenix,” available at amazon.com. His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow
Pages.” Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com,
a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.
