The other day I was thinking about how certain novels have a big part to play in developing our writing, and wanted to share my personal list with you (including specific lessons they teach about craft).
I invite you to pick and choose, discover other titles of your choice that fulfil the same ‘writing lesson,’ and hopefully offer me some recommendations too! After all, reading should be first and foremost a joy; not a means to an end. By the end of this article you will:
- Be more aware of how to develop the minutiae of craft through reading fiction.
- Be able to apply it the next time you read something new.
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Say What?
The life and times of the original desperate housewife in 19th century France.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Improves your description of the natural world.
- Reveals how a character’s ‘fatal flaw’ can guide a narrative.
Have you ever noticed the way colour is applied in an Impressionist painting? The way each stroke builds the emotions and essence of a place or person?
Flaubert is a master of this in writing, especially when it comes to descriptions of the Normandy countryside. He shows how to paint finer shades of meaning from the natural world, build a complex ‘impression’ of it and how to place characters within this context.
Also, with every crisis Emma Bovary encounters being essentially of her own making, Flaubert reveals how you don’t have to struggle thinking of plot ideas. Simply develop your characters well and let their personalities and desires guide what happens next.
I’m Not Scared by Niccolò Ammaniti
Say What?
Wheat-scorched Italian countryside. Playing out with friends to discover innocence-shattering secrets.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Demonstrates a beautifully simple style.
- Shows how to expertly write about the adult world from a child’s perspective.
Some prose reads like an overstuffed Edwardian hat: brimming with lace, frills and a furry creature long since deceased.
Ammaniti’s writing is the total opposite, the Coco Chanel of prose. Both his language and plot are boyish, elegant and chic in the earthiest way possible. There are numerous coming of age novels, but this I find the most subtle and authentic of all.
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Say What?
A Mexican love story involving food, magic realism and a whole lot of patience.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Demonstrates how to connect with the senses and how to use your character’s world to express them.
Protagonist Tita has to wait years to finally be with Pedro, and the only way she can express her love is through cooking. This no doubt demonstrates how to use the senses effectively in our writing.
Sometimes when we’re describing something we forget the whole of the five sense ‘palette,’ unaware that we can make better use of it and even expand upon it.
Expressing the senses through a character’s world lies not only in the realms of Magic realism; whether it be cooking as in Tita’s case, the setting or even everyday objects. To offer an example, I once wrote a sentence expressing a melancholic Parisian afternoon:
When I walk out; the light bright out, a saxophone is a weeping willow on the bridge.
Here I allowed my emotions to express themselves without ‘telling’ the reader explicitly. The sound of a saxophone is reminiscent of Blues music and ‘weeping willow’ conjures images of ‘sadness,’ ‘tears,’ and being ‘hunched over.’
Salem’s Lot by Steven King
Say What?
A modern day Dracula in a small Maine town.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Shows how to be the best ‘pantser’ on earth.
- Indicates how to handle a large cast of characters.
Stephen King admits that in a literary sense he’s not the best writer. But there’s a reason why he’s so popular. He knows how to tell a cracking good story and has a jolly good time doing it (went all 1940s there for some reason).
In other words he’s the ultimate ‘pantser.’ Often we become so rigid in plotting, we forget to just enjoy ourselves and go with the ride. This book (like pretty much any Stephen King novel) also teaches us how to successfully handle a large cast of characters and how their individual stories eventually entwine to become one.
Not an easy feat. So take a plane to Maine, get lost in a cellar and take some tips from the master storyteller.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Say What?
The Wild West of the Yukon gold rush (from the perspective of a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix).
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Allows you to explore other possibilities in point of view.
Humans? Pff…boring. How about a dog, or a toothpick, or a toaster? I bet they have stories of their own to tell and interesting ones at that.
Aside from the fact that The Call of the Wild is such a wonderful take on evolution in reverse, it opened my eyes to the fact that I could write as anybody and anything I wanted.
The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle
Say What?
Stuffy British scientists resolving an ‘end of the world’ problem.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Shows you how to be creative with the visual side of storytelling.
The Black Cloud is a science fiction novel filled with diagrams that give context to the scientists’ discoveries.
While not appropriate to every story, as a visual/kinaesthetic learner I always appreciate this extra information often used in the world of science fiction and fantasy.
But what if you could use it outside of these genres? How could your writing be designed physically on the page? How could you go beyond the limitations you’ve given yourself in terms of how a story is told?
Any Ernest Hemingway
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Teaches you to write with journalistic straightforwardness and detachment.
I was going to suggest The Old Man and the Sea but in fact any Hemingway would be just fine.
With his background in journalism, his style feels very much like reporting and because of this is always slightly detached from his characters (exaggerated even further by his frequent use of third-person objective POV).
You may feel this style doesn’t suit you. All the same, I feel that practising different styles and point of views is useful in discovering who we are as writers. Plus it’s fun trying on different author hats!
Adverbs by Daniel Handler
Say What?
A collection of witty short stories each taking an adverb as its title.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Shows you how to effectively write humour.
Daniel Handler is ‘hands’ down my favourite author of all time, and many of you would better recognise him by his pseudonym ‘Lemony Snicket’ from the A Series of Unfortunate Events books.
Teetering on the edge of the dark and macabre, Handler’s writing is filled with irony. No one has taught me to write humorously better than him and I find myself sounding like him when I’m not writing prose.
By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart
Say What?
Outpourings from a poet in a peculiar position.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Teaches you to write prose that abounds with poetic luxuriance.
Mistress to the married poet George Barker, this prose poem was influenced by their singular relationship, in which Smart bore several children.
I love poetry but the thought of reading a whole prose poem a mere 134 pages may be off-putting to some. But have a go, even if you don’t read the whole thing.
It goes down easier than a creamy whisky and I promise that the next time you write, your metaphors and similes will be the top of the class.
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Say What?
Post-war Downtown Abbey gone wrong.
How Can It Improve Your Writing?
- Shows you how to build tension slowly.
I must confess that I’ve not completely finished this book but what it’s already taught me about craft needed to be mentioned.
It’s really a ghost story. This however is not apparent until well into the novel in which there’s a kind of genre shift from social/class drama to Gothic fiction.
It happens so slowly and imperceptibly that with a careful writer’s eye, you see how masterly Waters stays in control of the narrative.
* * *
I hope you benefit from this list and please offer your own suggestions using the same format in this post. I look forward to your words of wisdom.
Until next time,
Sophie X
You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Greetings I am so thrilled I found your web site, I really found you by error, while I was searching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome job.
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back in the future. I want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice morning!
Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
Excellent blog here! Also your website rather a lot up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your associate link in your host? I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
What i do not understood is in fact how you’re no longer actually a lot more smartly-liked than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore significantly relating to this topic, produced me in my opinion consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested until it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. At all times take care of it up!
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
It’s arduous to search out educated individuals on this subject, but you sound like you already know what you’re speaking about! Thanks
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You definitely know what youre talking about, why
waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when yyou could
be giving us something enlightening to read?
Here is my site; pubic hair removal (Jerold)
Best view i have ever seen !
Pretty grеat post. I simply stumbled upⲟn yoᥙr blog and wantеԁ to mention that I have really enjoyed surfing around y᧐ur blog posts.
After аll І’ll bе subscribing in youг rss feed
ɑnd І am hoping уoս write agaіn vеry soon!
Feel free to visit my webpage why ɗo people buy online – Derek,
Ӏ used tⲟ be aƄle tο find go᧐ɗ advice from yօur blog posts.
Mʏ website :: buy hot chocolate, Larhonda,
Hey there, I think уour site miɡht be having browser compatibility issues.
Ꮃhen I lоok at yoսr blog site іn Opera, it lоoks fіne but when opening іn Internet Explorer, іt hаs ѕome overlapping.
I jսst wanted to ɡive you a quick heads up! Other then tһat,
great blog!
Feel free to visit my web-site :: money mаking,
Dante,
These аre гeally great ideas in ߋn the topic ߋf blogging.
You һave touched some good factors һere. Any ᴡay keеp uⲣ wrinting.
My web site; offer online shopping – Eleanor,
Grеat delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.
mу homepage oreder flowers online, Ramon,
Thanks for some other great article. The place else may just anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nonetheless I am experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss downside? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
Hello
YOU NEED QUALITY VISITORS FOR YOUR: janedoewrites.com ?
WE PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY VISITORS WITH:
– 100% safe for your site
– real visitors with unique IPs. No bots, proxies, or datacenters
– visitors from Search Engine (by keyword)
– visitors from Social Media Sites (referrals)
– visitors from any country you want (USA/UK/CA/EU…)
– very low bounce rate
– very long visit duration
– multiple pages visited
– tractable in google analytics
– custom URL tracking provided
– boost ranking in SERP, SEO, profit from CPM
CLAIM YOUR 24 HOURS FREE TEST HERE=> ventfara@mail.com
Thanks, Noelia Hildebrand
Hello
YOU NEED QUALITY VISITORS FOR YOUR: janedoewrites.com ?
WE PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY VISITORS WITH:
– 100% safe for your site
– real visitors with unique IPs. No bots, proxies, or datacenters
– visitors from Search Engine (by keyword)
– visitors from Social Media Sites (referrals)
– visitors from any country you want (USA/UK/CA/EU…)
– very low bounce rate
– very long visit duration
– multiple pages visited
– tractable in google analytics
– custom URL tracking provided
– boost ranking in SERP, SEO, profit from CPM
CLAIM YOUR 24 HOURS FREE TEST HERE=> ventfara@mail.com
Thanks, Corina Hertzog
Best view i have ever seen !
Best view i have ever seen !
Hello
YOU NEED HELP TO BUILD SEO LINKS FOR: janedoewrites.com ?
I just checked out your website, and wanted to find out if you need help for SEO Link Building ?
WE OFFER YOU THE BEST SEO STRATEGY FOR 2021.
Build an unlimited number of Backlinks and increase Traffic to your websites which will lead to a higher number of customers and much more sales for you.
If You Are Interested, I’m waiting for your response here => seosubmitter@mail.com
Thanks, Rosaria Whisman
Howdy! This is often type of off subject but I want some enable from an established website. Can it be challenging to put in place your own site? I’m not really techincal but I can determine things out pretty speedy. I’m serious about building my own but I’m undecided the place to start. Do you may have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks
Every little thing is incredibly open up having a precise description of the worries. It absolutely was actually informative. Your web site is helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
I actually like seeking via a write-up that can make people today Assume. Also, thanks for making it possible for for me to comment! original site
Many thanks with your great publishing! I in fact loved looking at it, you could be a great creator. I will remember to bookmark your site and can finally return afterwards in everyday life. I desire to motivate that you choose to keep on your terrific composing, Have got a awesome evening! benmmdi.se/map3.php exam speed exam
http://spafitness55038.isblog.net/the-definitive-guide-to-dampfer-shop-16856955
I’ll promptly seize your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter support. Would you’ve any? Please let me know as a way that I could subscribe. Many thanks.
http://moving51579.livebloggs.com