Writing A Novel is both a practical guide for budding writers and a source of fresh new approaches for the more experienced novelist. Rosemary Aitken introduces the concept of the ?reader contract' ? what the writer must undertake to do in order to satisfy the reader. Topics covered: · Getting started ? knowing your strengths, understanding your imaginative style and creating a setting for your novel. · Creating believable and consistent characters, both major and minor. · Using dialogue to give information and show personality. · Creating and sustaining plots and sub-plots, and planning the chapters. · Controlling the style and pace of the narrative. · Dealings with publishers and agents. AUTHOR: Rosemary Aitken is author of over a dozen published novels, as well as a number of short stories, plays and poems. She has had twenty-five years' experience as a tutor and lecturer in Higher Education, and is actively involved in many creative courses and writer's workshops.