How to write a Page-turner with the help of a flatulent donkey
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- It’s probably the one thing readers of mainstream fiction prize above all others.
A book so good they couldn’t put it down.
But how do we write one?
Isn’t it, like, an ineffable mystery?
Nope.
If we study the craft we can derive a simple formula.
Of course we need a great plot, a wonderful villain, compelling scenes, lashings of ‘show don’t tell…but there is something else.
To find out what we will be calling on the services of a donkey called Ned, and the ghost of the great Richard Francis Burton.
And we will be taking bus number 2 to St. Giles in the centre of Oxford.
All aboard!
If you liked it, get my free, novel-writing e-course:
www.malcolmpry...
Nice to hear from (and see) you. I confess to leaning towards so-called literary fiction because that's what I enjoy reading and one should write what one enjoys, but the elements of curiosity, conflict, and causality apply regardless of genre and intent.
That said, I think the idea of a book the reader can't put down is a little misleading because readers have lives. I recall a novel that was action-packed and well-written, but had immensely long chapters without any scene breaks. I finished it but I could only sit down to read knowing the next two or three hours was clear of anything I needed to do, like eat, work, sleep, whatever.
Maybe a novel the reader can't wait to pick up again, for whatever reason, is a more reasonable aim.
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Love this. Malcolm is a writer's writer's writer with an outstanding ability to temper what could be a dry lesson with a rather gassy one.
Thanks Khun J. !
Thank you so much, Malcolm, for your insight and advice. Much appreciated. I'll look forward to the future videos which I am sure will be equally helpful and supportive for those embarking on the journey of writing. Terrific stuff.
I will hazard a guess, prematurely, and offer a wee tip before watching this fine video exposition: a page turner, dear reader, requires - at the least - more than one page.
Thanks for this, Malcolm. If only I'd seen it
fifteen years ago, before my hopes and dreams were so cruelly dashed by the indifference of the London Literatti... Never mind - looking forward to the next episode!
Wonderful Malcolm, keep the page turning tips coming😀
And you left us hanging 😄😃 Do I really have to find the next episode? 🤔🧐😃
Excellent Malcolm - thank you very much. I was also quietly very impressed by your ability to say Shehera...Shezera..whatever her name was! After 66 years I've still not mastered it.
That was a stunt double saying Sheherawotsit. I can't do it either!
Brilliant! And now I'm waiting with bated breath for the next one on causality...
Hi Malcolm, so good to see you here. Looking forward to your series of video lessons, and very much enjoyed this one. 😊
Thank you. As always interesting and informative. Your previous guides got me to write my novel. With this I can hopefully craft it into a page turner.
What is the name of the first novel you wrote please?
Aberystwyth Mon Amour. Website: www.malcolmpryce.com
Thank you!! You make me think and plan, Oxford Writer.
Cannot wait for next instalment of the C. Diolch yn fawr from Wales and Aberystwyth
Hi Malcolm, what a great idea - story craft via the oxford bus trip. I never took the ride during my studies there, or saw the ducks outside of Tesco, but I spent some great times in Trinity College, though I’m a Hildabeast, myself. You Shererezade, you, I’m waiting with anticipation now for your next video.
Thanks for such a great comment, Donna. As for the ducks, was there even a Tescos there when you were a Hildabeast? When I arrived in Oxford it was a Borders bookshop, and the aisle where my books were located now sells tomatoes.
'Ello cariad.
Shwmae!
Thank you, Malcolm. Your words and delivery are an absolute delight and I find myself wanting to hear more and more. Many of the techniques and principles you cover aren’t new to me, but to have them presented in such an engaging and memorable way gives them a refreshing angle. Totally relatable and applicable. Just thought you should know your work is appreciated.
Hey thank you very much for those kind words, I really appreciate it