How to Write the Great American Novel

While you're free to write about anything you wish, your goal is to produce
a work so universally in touch with the essential American character
and experience that it becomes an integral component of every
bookshelf. The hard part, of course, is that you have to write well.

Instructions

1. Read classic and modern American literature voraciously. If you aspire to write the next Great American Novel, it's essential to become familiar with those that already exist. Develop a sense of the many recurring themes in American literature, such as defiance of the natural world or the individual versus society.

2. Start writing. Create a permanent writing space in your house and set aside a block of time each day to work. Treat your writing time as seriously as you would a job.

3. Take a creative- or novel-writing class. You'll learn how to sketch out various aspects of a story, including characters, themes, conflicts, dialogue, pacing and structure. Get comfortable with critiques and glean feedback from instructors and colleagues.

4. Plot the entire story, but work on developing only the beginning. Though you should have a clear direction that the entire novel will follow, leave room for changes.

5. Polish and edit the beginning before proceeding. You can show this high-quality section to agents or publishers. The exercise forces you to define and develop your characters.

6. Have a qualified editor read your work. Ask for honest feedback. Develop a thick skin, listen carefully, and be thankful for the help, even if the comments are negative. Revise accordingly.

7. Purchase a directory of literary agents. Send your sample section to agents who are interested in your type of writing. If one offers to represent you, expect to pay the agent a percentage of any deal he or she negotiates with a publisher.

8. Start calling yourself a writer, if anyone asks.

Tips & Warnings

• Many writers draw from personal experiences to provide settings and characters for their stories.

• Research the National Writers Union's (nwu.org) many services.

• Contrary to what you may have thought in high school, Herman Melville's Moby Dick is a phenomenal bit of writing, as is anything by William Faulkner. If you don't agree that these writers are geniuses, you're not ready to write the Great American Novel. Consider studying Proust and aiming to write the Pretty Good French Novel.

• Join a critique group in your area or apply for a prestigious program such as the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa (www.uiowa.edu/~iww).

• A commercial-length novel is about 85,000-plus words.

• Don't quit your day job.