Writing the Novella - by Sharon Oard Warner (Paperback)

About the Book

While the novella has existed as a distinct literary form for over four hundred years, Writing the Novella is the first craft book dedicated to creating this intermediate-length fiction.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Bronze Medal for Writing/Publishing in the 2022 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards

"A novella compresses the world with a short story's focus, but it explores that smaller space with a novel's generosity."--Josh Weil, author of The New Valley: Novellas

While the novella has existed as a distinct literary form for over four hundred years, Writing the Novella is the first craft book dedicated to creating this intermediate-length fiction. Innovative, integrated journal prompts inspire and sustain the creative process, and classic novellas serve as examples throughout. Part 1 defines the novella form and steers early decision-making on situation, character, plot, and point of view. Part 2 provides detailed directions for writing the scenic plot points that support a strong but flexible narrative arc. Appendix materials include a list of recommended novellas, publishing opportunities, and blank templates for the story map, graphs, and charts used throughout the book. By turns instructive and inspirational, Writing the Novella will be a welcome resource for new and experienced writers alike.

Review Quotes

"An incredibly absorbing and easy-to-use personalized guide for those of us wanting to try our hands at writing a novella."--Sheila Bender, Sheila Bender's Writing It Real

"Let me suggest that before you write that novel, you write a novella. And let Sharon Oard Warner's Writing the Novella be your guide. It covers all the bases and is written with grace, candor, and insight. See for yourself. It's really quite wonderful. Buy the book, recharge your writing life, and thank me later."--John Dufresne, author of Storyville! An Illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction

"Novella writers, especially novices, simply must consult this basic how-to guide before putting pen to paper. It's that useful."--Diane Donovan, Donovan's Bookshelf

"Sharon Oard Warner is a born teacher and multitalented writer, and Writing the Novella is a delicious smorgasbord of information about what constitutes good fiction, the special demands of the novella form, classic models of the genre, and sage advice on the rough-and-tumble of the writing process."--Minrose Gwin, author of The Accidentals

"Sharon Oard Warner's Writing the Novella is the first of its kind--a smart, practical, and comprehensive book devoted to the craft of the novella. This is a must read for anyone interested in better understanding and practicing this classic literary genre."--Olivia Kate Cerrone, author of The Hunger Saint

"This book is engaging, detailed, and wise."--Choice

"This book on the craft of writing a novella . . . succeeds in its task of teaching the reader what makes a novella work, from structure and plot to character and setting and pace and so on."--Kelly Harrison, West Trade Review

"Warner's guide is a master class in the form--an erudite and friendly guide to accompany you from the first spark of inspiration to your completed novella."--Priscilla Long, author of The Writer's Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life

"Warner's style is casual and humorous, her voice generous and, at points, vulnerable as she recounts her own particular struggles to perfect her craft. And she is a champion of this somewhat ambiguous beast, the novella, positioned as it is between the brevity of the short story and the expansive breadth of the novel."--Paul Eberly