The Purpose of This Site

Write a Novel is a form of open courseware: Learning materials placed online for free use by anyone who wishes to do so.

The guide contains 18 items, PDF documents that give you some basic information on topics related to writing fiction in general and novels in particular. Each item includes one or more assignments based on the material you've read.

These are the terms of use:

1. You are welcome to link to this site, and to download and print out the materials for your use.

2. You may use this site as a resource for a course in writing fiction.

3. If you pass along any of the materials, you should cite their source: Write a Novel, a resource created by Crawford Kilian.

4. You are free to submit comments to any of the items posted. I will remove any that are irrelevant or abusive.

5. I cannot respond to requests that I read or evaluate your work. This is a guide for "self-propelled" students, and the resources must serve as you find them.

As a lifelong writer, I wish you every success in any form of writing you pursue.

Comments

[Nick]

What a great idea-- I will be using this site a lot. Just a suggestion-- you should add "Writing.com" in your "Writers' Resources" area. It's a wonderful place for writers to get input and aid.

Anyway, thanks!

[Elsie Montgomery]

I agree - a great idea. I've also another suggestion for a link: www.inscribe.org is the website for InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship, a Canadian group. I'm putting this link on that site today!

[Jeff]

The idea is sound and the site looks great. I'll be reviewing it and linking to it. Best of luck!

[Ruth]

Thank you for talking TO me, rather than AT me. For the first time ever, I truly relaxed and enjoyed reading (listening) to an article on writing. I would dearly love to know how one develops such a soothing and encouraging voice, but I suspect you were simply born nice.

[Dana Phillip Doiron]

Thank you for this great site. I'm working on a first novel while managing a host of other writing projects. One may be of interest to your frequent visitors.
A colleague and I are giving birth to a new book series called A
Message in a Bottle. The first book will be a collection of letters
from fathers to their children (and invariably children of the world)
with meaningful messages. We are seeking submissions from dad's who
have a message to give to their children that will help make this world
a better place and connect fathers to their children more profoundly(we have some tricks up our sleeve for that one in addition to the
collection of letters.

I know that some of you and your colleagues could add a letter to this
project and reach so many readers, both parents and kids. I would be
honored if you would consider helping me to find fathers who would
consider writing a brief(300 to 700 word)letter for the book. You can
submit the letters by return email or online at http://www.tylerhayden.com/ until our new site
www.themessageinabottle.com

Next in line is a book of messages from mothers to their children. Moms, get a head-start. Send your messages now.

Authors of each message used will receive a byline and a copy of the
book.

Dana

Dana Phillip Doiron
Mahone Bay

[Andrew Macrae]

Many thanks for generously sharing your knowledge and insight in this way.

[chaitra]

Duplicate:

http://www.steampunk.com/sfch/writing/ckilian/#foreword

[Judy Brown]

Thanks for providing such a wonderful resource for writers.

I'll be linking to this one on my writing blog. :)

[Nighthawk]

This is an excellent site and provides the most comprehensive, straightforward advice on writing I have ever read online. Keep it up!

[Damien Kane]

This looks very promising. Thanks for sharing the information. I look forward to reading it. One of the best things about writing is one never stops learning.

[John Birch]

Absolutely anyone who writes fiction, including published authors, can benefit from the down-to-earth wisdom in incredible this site.

[Laura Sweeney]

Thanks so much for this valuable site. It is now in my favorite's list.