Writing a First Novel

According to Karen Stevens, "writing a novel is the longest and loneliest journey a writer can embark upon". Her collection of essays by established and new writers splits that journey into four stages: inspiration, research, voice and form. There is also practical advice from a literary agent and an editor who notes honestly that "chance does play a part" in getting published.' - P.D. Smith, The Guardian 'Seventeen novelists (as well as an agent and a publisher) discuss the development of their first novels, for readers 'who write, want to write, or simply ... wish to share the experiences of professional writers.' - Times Literary Supplement 'This book is an excellent addition to any discussion on novel writing. Specifically directed toward those working on their first novels, it promises to be an invaluable resource both to new novelists and to their instructors.' - Katharine Coles, The University of Utah, USA

This invaluable collection of essays by published novelists focuses on the journey of writing a first novel. Writers generously offer their insight and advice on the joys and challenges that new authors of fiction will inevitably encounter along the way. A literary agent and a publisher add their own professional perspectives.In this inspiring collection of essays, a range of award-winning, established and newly published writers offer highly personal accounts of their creative processes. Authors reveal the anxieties, considerations and discoveries that shaped their own first novels, arming new writers with practical advice, focus and inspiration. The book's final section presents the perspectives of an agent, a publisher and an author on the business of publishing a first novel.
 
Writing a First Novel offers an illuminating read for both aspiring and seasoned writers. It contains contributions by:
 
- Hanif Kureishi
- Valerie Martin
- Johanna Skibsrud
- David Vann
- Maile Chapman
- Edward Hogan
- Kishwar Desai
- Wena Poon
- Alison MacLeod
- Andrew Cowan
- Jane Rusbridge
- Isabel Ashdown
- Helon Habila
- David Swann
- Soumya Bhattacharya
- Jane Feaver
- Hannah Westland
- Helen Garnons-Williams
- Lionel Shriver