Notes on “How I Write” by Norvell Page

The Pulp Archivist recently posted a great article on his blog, written by pulp great Norvell Page. http://thepulparchvist.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-i-write-by-norvell-page.html As should be apparent by now, I love me some vintage writing instruction.

There is much advice in the article that is similar to other prolific writers of his era. Even though Page is explaining how he wrote one particular story, I thought it would be useful to abstract out a process.

Here’s my summation of his process:

Research – Read an issue of the target magazine, cover to cover, paying special attention to the cover story and the blurbs the editor puts at the top of each story. What types of stories are they looking for? What tropes do they favor? What tone do they favor?Find a story seed – It’s hard to pull this out of thin air. It is much better to keep a notebook of ideas. In your notebook, make a note of headlines you find interesting, thoughts on stories you liked, general plot points you’ve thought about, etc. Then when it’s time to write your story, put that type/tropes/tone information in the back of your mind and scan your ideas notebook until you find or think up a good fit.Expand – Start to answer some basic story questions. What characters will you need? Who is your protagonist? Who will the villain be? What are his motivations? How can you twist the story idea into something surprising? What are some general plot events you’d like to happen?Outline the Opening Scene / Dramatic Incident – Scene must:Introduce the characters. Introduce the main problem/plot question. Introduce the story’s theme.Set the atmosphere. Complete the Outline – Write one sentence for each major event in the story. Write the Story – Follow the outline, keeping in mind all the work you’ve done so far.

Final tips:

Study your market, be it a magazine, or an audience you want to sell to directly.Keep a notebook of ideas.Pay attention to life going on around you.Writing can be enjoyable, but is also a lot of work.This process works for stories of any length, 4K to novel.

Big thanks to Nathan Housley, the Pulp Archivist.