The Art & Craft of Novel Writing

by Oakley Hall

Oakley Hall cites the works and methods of great novelists to show readers what works in the novel and why. This book features advice on taking a novel through each of its stages, guiding writers through the process of writing a novel.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Research

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Oakley Hall also wrote under the nom de plume of O.M. Hall and Jason Manor.

Oakley Maxwell Hall was an American novelist. He was born in San Diego, California, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and served in the Marines during World War II. Some of his mysteries were published under the pen names "O.M. Hall" and "Jason Manor." Hall received his Master of Fine Arts in English from the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa.

Reviews

[Joseph Carrabis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely have I read a book that covers the entirety of a subject so well, so elegantly, so masterfully, with detailed examples and explanations. I had trouble finding pages I didn't dogear, highlight portions of, make notes on, et cetera. This book is a must for anyone learning/practicing/perfecting their craft. My great loss is my local library not carrying any of his books. I'll spend the money to see how this wonderful teacher applies his craft. If he's half the master at writing as he is at teaching, Whoa!
I've written more on my blog.

[KrininaLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to review this because I didn't--couldn't--read the whole thing. One day I will, because I loved what I did read (which was about 50 pages). From what I could see, it's not a "how-to" on writing. There are no exercises or direct tips. Rather, Hall discusses the various tools and methods other writers use, citing examples from literary greats. It is enlightening, but not instructive. But these types of books on writing have their place on our shelves as well as those with "practical" advice.
I guess I did review it ...

[Karl Kronlage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that English teachers should read even more than writers. He goes over all the literary terms that make writing great, and then gives examples. Good stuff. But if you're looking for a book that's going to make you a better writer, this probably isn't it. It will make you more aware - and that makes it worthwhile.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information... interesting and thought provoking - great for getting your feet wet in the world of creating fiction.

[Jim Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful tool for aspiring students as well as those wishing to understand how the mind of the novelist works. The author, Oakley Hall, does a great job of illustrating the various pitfalls of novel writing and how to avoid them. He's clearly a student of the game and his admiration of writers like Hemingway, Faulkner, and Twain are evident.

What I found the most helpful about this book is how Mr. Hall dissects the craft behind writing systematically. Whether you're trying to write dialogue, relay information, or character development, there's something in this handy book that is sure to help. I highly recommend reading this one.

[James Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important book on writing I have ever read and I recommend this for any serious aspiring fiction writing. Writing my first novel I have read a lot of tips, advice and guidelines from famous writers such as Henry James to famous professors like Leslie Epstein and none have helped me understand what makes top quality fiction as Oakley Hall's book here.

[Becca Wierwille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a lot of value in the way Oakley Hall shares the art and craft of novel writing by drawing examples from of a wide variety of successful novelists. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the tools used in crafting successful stories, as well as insight into the processes of different novelists.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of books which did not say any new things about novel writing, yet summarized a few very important hints. Especially the dramatization of the language; the difference between told and dramatized so, that the reader's attention is caught. Good examples. I felt inspired

[Tali Zarate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here, but a good reminder of the basics of craft. The advice wasn't specific to novels, though, just general guidelines for well-crafted prose.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched guide with relevant examples and helpful margin notes.

[Candace Simar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all-time favorite books on writing.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far the best book I have read on the art of fiction writing. It is loaded with examples by great writers to illustrate elements that bring their characters' story to life.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, Oakley is a guru of the craft. He's from my neck of the woods, a neighbor down in Irvine, so I can't go off on him. He might come over and write me to death. He's got great credentials but if you've been writing for some time, nothing new here. I actually read this book after I wrote my second novel (I've written several since), and found it quite enlightening. However, as any writer worth his/her salt will do, I ignored what didn't work for me, at least within the book I was writing. I always have a tough time with people who tell you how to doing something in the arts, for the arts are arts so that models can be broken. What if every band after Led Zepplin continued to sound like Led Zepplin. What if every rap group after Run-DMC. And so on. Art was meant to be broken. And thank heavens not everyone listens to gurus. But if you're looking for a good place to start (point of view, characterization, plotting, style, dialog, etc.) then jump in here. The water's fine.

[SDAntoNia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat dated, but quite useful, even after having read several other books on novel writing. Still had fresh information to offer, and many classic books the author insists that writers must read (with writerly eyes, no doubt, as now I can no longer read just for fun...), and samples of his own synopsis and novel notes.
To Community,
William-James-MEOW Date: Sunday, July 15. 12014 H.E. (Holocene Era)

[Michael Valiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing, and topical examples are a little dated for a modern audience, but the advice and layout of this 'how to write' book are excellent!

A must read for all aspiring writers.

[Shashi Martynova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright, precise, intuitive, and helpful.