Take Five: Donald Maass on His New Book, “Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling”
By Writer Unboxed | October 3, 2012 |
Therese here. It might be argued that every good literary agent knows a thing or two about story. But having authored several must-have books on the craft of writing–including The Fire in Fiction, The Breakout Novelist, and the book that busted many a writer out of the box, Writing the Breakout Novel–we think it’s an indelible truth that literary agent and longtime WU contributor Donald Maass is an authority figure on the topic.
He has a new book out this month from Writer’s Digest Books: Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling.
What makes this book stand apart from the rest? We’re glad he’s with us today to answer that and more.
Tell us a little about your new book, Writing 21st Century Fiction.
Don: It’s about the biggest long term trend (for writers) in our century: the merging of commercial and literary fiction. Now, that’s not to say that one hundred years from now crime writers won’t write mysteries or literary novelists won’t explore the human condition. Novels become powerful, though, when they simultaneously tell great stories and tell them beautifully.
Why this book, why now? Did industry changes affect the way you approached this book?
Don: The idea sprang directly from an observation about the New York Times Best Sellers List. In recent years the hardcover list has been populated much as you would expect, by thrillers and brand name authors. What’s changed is that those novels make the list for only a few weeks.
By contrast, the trade paperback list is dominated by fiction categorized as literary but which in certain cases has run on the list for one year, two years or more. Excuse me? Literary fiction selling at blockbuster levels while thrillers pop up briefly then disappear?
That interested me. I began to analyze why this so-called literary fiction has commercial legs, and also to find out why genre novelists who bring literary art to their stories sell noticeably better than many others in their categories.
The result is Writing 21st Century Fiction. It’s about the death of genre, or more accurately the liberation from genre boxes—including the “literary” box. It’s about creating fiction that’s powerful, free and uniquely your own. It’s about how we change the world.
How is Writing 21st Century Fiction different from your former craft books for writers (all of which are on my keeper shelf)? What distinguishes it from other craft books on the market today?
Don: There’s a great chasm dividing the nation of fiction writers. On one side are the literary writers, on the other are commercial storytellers. Generally speaking they don’t meet, talk, share the same values or even work the same way.
Each side has something the other needs, but how do you talk with literary writers about that dirty word “plot”, and how do you open up storytellers to beautiful writing when they sneer as they try to get to the bank?
You don’t. Writing 21st Century Fiction is different. For commercial storytellers I break down the construction of inner journeys, open a map to emotional landscapes, show how to write personally and more. For literary writers I show how to push premise, turn inner states into meaningful external events, lay out the hierarchy of externalizations and more.
For all fiction writers I help identify both the writer you are, the writer you’re not, and how to compensate. I go beyond the flash of beautiful imagery (pretty words) to show that beautiful writing is a great deal more. It’s a set of techniques that all novelists can use no matter what their values, intent, way of working or story style.
The book includes 380 “21st Century Tools” to help get you there.
Can you share an excerpt with us?
Is fiction a dying art form? It’s easy imagine so but the truth is that fiction is no more dying than movies or newspapers. The business has changed, sure, but readers still buy certain novels in big numbers.
Not all novels, though. 21st Century book consumers support what’s important to them. To infuse a novel with a significance that speaks to many requires, paradoxically, that you ignore what the public wants and focus instead on what matters to you. High impact fiction is highly personal.
E.M. Forster wisely advised only connect, but what is it that creates a deep and lasting sense of connection with readers? You would think that story archetypes, everyman characters and easy-to-read prose would do it. Actually, it’s the opposite. High impact 21st Century fiction is built on unique voices, uncommon characters and tales that can only be told by one particular author. They’re suis generis.
What’s next for you?
Don: My publisher, Writers Digest Books, has suggested a second edition of Writing the Breakout Novel. I think that’s a good idea but it may be a little while before I tackle it. Business at my literary agency is hopping and the new landscape of publishing is full of exciting strategies that are keeping us busy. I’m also enjoying being a new dad and hanging out here at Writer Unboxed. It’s a great community.
It wouldn’t be the same without you, Don. Thanks for all you bring to WU.
Readers, you can learn more about Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling here. Write on!
Writer Unboxed began as a collaboration between Kathleen Bolton and Therese Walsh in 2006. Since then, the site has grown to include ~50 regular contributors and a variety of guests on rotation throughout a given year.
In 2016, the Writer Unboxed team published a book with Writer’s Digest / Random House. AUTHOR IN PROGRESS: A No-Holds-Barred Guide to What It Really Takes to Get Published is a comprehensive guide focused on helping writers over/around/through hurdles faced at every stage of the novel-writing process. It’s received some ***** reviews; we hope you’ll check it out.
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Write on!
I have my copy of WRITING 21ST CENTURY FICTION (signed from BONI Orlando!) sitting on the corner of my desk. It will definitely have a home on my “keeper” shelf.
I once heard a bestselling author describe her work as a “hybrid” of contemporary/mainstream fiction and literary fiction, and I thought it was an accurate description. I then looked at my bookshelves and realized so many of my favorite novels were “hybrids” of one sort or another. I think that’s why this line from the post rang true for me – “It’s about creating fiction that’s powerful, free and uniquely your own.”
Thanks Madeline. As a BONI sutdent (that’s “Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop 2.0) you’ve already been exposed to some of the new tools in “Writing 21st Century Fiction”. I’ll be keen to see how they’ve worked for you.
Hi, Donald,
Really energized by this post. Kiersi Burkhart and I exchanged blog posts a couple of days ago on the topic of “literary” vs. “entertaining” fiction (-Well, I drug in Simon Cowell as Exhibit A re: the carefully manipultated “reality” on the X Factor). https://prolificnovelista.com/
Most of our readers seem to think a huge divide exists between literary and commercial fiction–thanks for your insider’s take, which is music to my literary ears.
Don,
Thanks for the interview. I can’t wait to read your new book. Writing the Breakout Novel is my favorite craft book. I look forward to reading your insights on the changing landscape in publishing and what writers need to do to thrive. Thanks again and best wishes for success with your new book.
Thanks, CG.
I’m a genre writer who’s interested in bridging the gap and exploring meaningful inner journeys. So I’ll head over and get my copy. Thanks for your mentorship to our community, Don.
Welcome, Vaughn. That inner journey is a key element that’s too often underdeveloped in both commercial *and* literary fiction. This new book of mine breaks down its ways and means…among other things.
I like it! I think it was the stories that can “only be told by a particular author” part that hooked me. Everybody likes to think they’re irreplaceable. :)
Laura-
But that’s exactly right. You are. What gives your fiction power is what only you can bring to it. What’s less well understood and less often discussed is how your passions, points and wisdom work through characters. That’s something I get into in this new book. It’s a critical part of making what I call “standout characters”.
Don,
Thank you. I’m purchasing one and will recommend it at a novel prep workshop I’m hosting at the end of the month. I agree that the keepers are the ones that mesh the prose and plot beautifully. I’ve recently started reading “literary thrillers” and going on that inner journey with high stakes makes for a wonderful read.
Malena-
Literary thrillers…authors like Alan Furst and (in his recent work) Michael Koryta are among those I discuss in this new book.
There’s discussion of many authors from many categories, of course. I think I cited fifty or more.
“Out this month.” WHEN, exactly? Because your book is on my shelf, mentally, already. This single line made my day (perhaps too much so): “It’s about the death of genre, or more accurately the liberation from genre boxes—including the “literary” box.” As I read this piece I thought about the non-fiction book realm and how true this also rings for those works (one example “Eat Pray Love.”) The memoir, which once almost died & at least was disdained, made a huge comeback. Connection. I’ve been trying to get that back in my first novel’s final stages (rewrite city, nitty gritty). Thank you for all you do for writers!
xo Diana
Diana, the official pub date is Oct 16th, but you can find and purchase it now at some outlets.
Diana-
Yes, October 16th. BTW, is you should see a scary “This Item is Under Review” message on Amazon it’s because a few copies had a middle signature upside down and backwards. They’re culling out the bad copies.
And thanks, Therese, for this interview. Much appreciated.
Ah, so that’s what was up with Amazon. I’d gotten an email from Writer’s Digest announcing your book, went over to Amazon and devoured the “Look Inside” section, ordered it, then received notice that my order was dropped because it was under review. Scandalous! LOL No, honestly, your opening chapter(s) had me riveted… one of those instances where I thought for sure you were inside my head—and then your voice started speaking to my heart exactly the way The Fire in Fiction did. I’ll be chomping at the bit to read this new release!
And this concludes my fangirl reply. Carry on.
Great. Another book to study. And I say this as a writer who owns Writing the Breakout Novel and The Fire In Fiction and refers to both whenever he starts a new story.
Marion-
Yes, my mission in life: more work for you. (And great novels for all of us!)
I’m about a third of the way into Donald’s new book, and – no surprise here – it’s wonderful.
Just be warned: you may end up buying more books as a result of purchasing this one. Rather than offering vague and theoretical examples, he cites specific books and authors throughout his book, and if you’re reading it on a Kindle like I am, it’s SOOOO easy to quickly pause and look up those books in the Kindle store, and seconds later you’ve just downloaded another book. But that’s okay – I’m always eager to be exposed to great writing.
So thanks, Don. I’m grateful as always for your insights, even if my bank account isn’t.
Welcome, Keith. Your bank account is poorer but your storytelling toolbox grows richer. I never blink at buying fiction. And it’s tax deductible! (Research, you know.)
This post thrills me like crazy! Firstly the news that Donald has a new book (haven’t missed one yet, all are exceptional.), AND that this one shines a spotlight on my own piece of writing real estate– Literary fiction — is so very exciting!
Barbara-
Will be curious to learn what you learn from this new one. Drop me a line!
This is such an exciting interview. The blend of literary and commercial/action/plot, is not a new concept — Shakespeare was a master of it, but the fact that it has taken a foothold on the present day market and is selling–what a boon for creativity.
In the past ten years as cable became a dominating force in television there has been a blending of character development/action storytelling evolving to a fine art. I’m thinking shows like Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and Dexter etc. Perhaps the public taste for this kind of programming on the screen is also being reflected in what sells in books? And speaking of books-I’m off to download your new one. Thank you for all that you do to help us fledging writers find our footholds.
Bernadette-
Not for nothing is Shakespeare still performed and read today. He did it all–and invented tons of the English language to boot.
But here’s the thing: there will be novels written in the 21st Century that still will be read 400 years from now. Some of them, in fact, may be written by writers who are reading Writer Unboxed right now.
There’s something to think about.
Thank you, Donald Maass, for offering your new book as a Borrow on Kindle Prime. I went to download a sample and saw I could borrow it. Not that I won’t end up buying it! Your previous books helped me figure out what I needed to do to with the novel I’ve been working on for ten+ years. (Kind of hate to admit that.) It still needs work, and I hope to discover more Aha! moments in your new book.
I’m told there will be six-week special displays at some Barnes & Noble locations too.
“It’s about creating fiction that’s powerful, free and uniquely your own. ”
YES!
You bet.
I am smiling to read about this book, and so glad you have written it. Forever I have rebelled against the genre box and knew in my depths that what I was writing were hybrids. I identify myself as a storyteller, with all that encompasses (at least to me): a place I want to take my readers, characters who matter, language as music, a collaboration of mind and heart. Looking forward to adding it to my ‘Donald Maass shelf’.
Your list of story values is great, missing from it is “strong events”. I’ve got some methods to work on those!
Unique is, more and more, looking like artistic hybrid.
Novels such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children which uses photographs as part of the story, or The Night Circus which uses words to paint complex pictures of setting and detail so that it feels cinematic (I’ll not be surprised to hear Tim Burton will direct the movie), and leaves the reader breathlessly unaware they are reading a romance novel, are helping readers and writers everywhere to make the imaginative leap.
Cinematic is a word that might help capture one of the reasons for the rise of the non-genre (up-market?) novel. Many novelists are reading books on screen writing (John Truby is the hero of many), and incorporating the impact of that kind of writing into the novel experience.
Also, I think the subject matter has become more interesting. The cultural shift away from psychological toward the sociological has opened the doors (literally) to some pretty funky truths, and some fearless story tellers are there to bring the point home (Room, the rise of the memoir), and reinvent history (The Book Thief, The Dovekeepers, Let the Great World Spin).
Thanks for this, and for the reminder that there is no box.
The only box is the one you put yourself in.
As to cinematic, I’d say that 21st Century Fiction has an advantage over screenplays, in that that it can take up deeper inside characters. It can take us on longer and more nuanced inner journeys.
A great movie twangs your heart a couple of times. A great novel can change you forever.
Ah, crap, I just placed my office supply order yesterday. Now I’m gonna need more highlighters. ;0
Your wisdom is appreciated, my dear Yoda.
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper’s Truth
Happy to cause you to highlight, I am.
I hate to gush, Don, but Writing 21st Century Fiction is simply great. I say this and I’m less than halfway through it. Some of your insights are more than writing instruction; they’re literary criticism of a high order. (I could say this better, but I’m rushing off somewhere.) Super job.
Wow, thanks John. High praise.
Can’t wait to read this, Don. Should be arriving in the mail soon.
Just yesterday, I said to another author that what I appreciate about you is that you teach questions. I’m after a way of prying things open, which is what you do best. (IMHO.)
It’s a weird thing but we see only half the potential in our stories until someone hands us keys to open doors we didn’t know where there.
I was so incredibly happy to read this. It’s amazing to hear that the commercial/literary mix is what sells and keeps selling. I’ve heard before that it defines mainstream, but I love hearing the confirmation. I think that is fiction in it’s truest form. Although it makes it difficult to sell, my hope is agents start looking for novels that blend the line rather than go for genre fiction and easy prose.
Your right, Margaret, in that novels unbounded by genre boxes can sometimes be difficult to categorize, tough to pitch and head scratching for publishers.
Don’t worry. Original fiction may be a challenge to get out there, but its success becomes obvious in retrospect. And once you blaze a trail others will travel down it, guaranteed.
I have been eagerly awaiting for Writing 21st Century Fiction since April, when I sat in your workshop at the Pikes Peak Writer’s Conference. I loved what you taught, and it definitely impacted my writing.
I do have a question, though. With the blurring of genre lines, will this make it harder for new writers to gain interest from traditional agents/publishers? I only ask because my first novel is one of those action oriented, character driven novels which doesn’t really fit into any one genre category very easily. I seriously fear it will never get any interest, because no one will know what to do with it. (This is based off of different agent/publishing websites and interviews.)
Lara- See my reply to Margaret above…except substitute “you’re” for “your”.
Oops – totally didn’t see her comment. Thanks!
[…] It might be argued that every good literary agent knows a thing or two about story. But having authored several must-have books on the craft of writing–including The Fire in Fiction, The Breakout Novelist, and the book that busted many a writer out of the box, Writing the Breakout Novel–we think it’s an indelible truth that literary agent and longtime WU contributor Donald Maass is an authority figure on the topic. He has a new book out this month from Writer’s Digest Books: Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling. […]
So excited for this, Donald! Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook was a godsend in helping me sell my work and I’m sure this will be as well! Thanks for helping so many authors!
So excited about your new book. I’m headed to Amazon to pre-order.
Thanks for helping us write better stories!
I’ve been waiting for this to come out since you talked about it in NYC at Backspace in May. As with all of your books on craft, this will be one to sit beside my writing chair. My other ones, especially Breakout Novel, have fallen apart from repeated use. :)
Thank you, Don, for continuously challenging us as writers, and for appearing here at WU each month. Thank you!
I’m thinking my publisher should do a boxed set–?
i have a feeling merging has been more the norm but probably thwarted by past marketing regimentations, but, as i say, just a feeling
either way, interesting concept / trend, that combining inner / outer appears to be more enduring and preferred by readers
makes, i believe, for a more interesting writing experience also
if the digital version of the book goes on sale, hope you splash it on your site; i’m signed up for email alerts now
best wishes all ;-)
Adan-
The whole subject of plot v. character, inner v. outer, what’s the right balance, has been a lot in the air. I’m aiming to resolve the whole debate with: not balanced but both crafted to the max.
Thanks, Donald.
I’m gonna add this new book of yours to my Christmas Wish List.
If I’ve been good enough to get it on December 25th, I’m sure I’ll dog-ear it, highlight certain passages, write notes to myself in the margin, and hawk it to the students in my writing classes.
Yes – enjoy being a new dad. Try to live in the moment with that kid because those moments are fleeting.
Blessings to you as you encourage writers.
Julie-
Well then, try to be good. Only twelve weeks to Christmas…
So excited to hear about the new book, Donald. My editor at Harper always used to call my books ‘Literary commercial’, and I’ve used your books pretty much as my bible to help craft my first three books (and, dare I say it, my third novel ‘A Sister’s Gift’ reached #1 slot on Amazon kindle UK this past Christmas, where it stayed for ten days, so SOMETHING is working!). Have pre-ordered your latest and am looking forward to reading more of your words of wisdom!!
Thanks, Giselle! So great to hear that from you.
Happy groan. Another book to read, and one I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on. There’s always more to learn in this crazy craft of writing, and you’re one of the few I trust in helping me write beyond my abilities.
Let me know what you find in it that stretches you.
And then, there’s another challenge: how much deeper can we go into interior conflicts and other such things, and still satisfy a reader who IS looking for genre reading?
My daily question — at least, for my cozy series. But there are other stories in my little head … .
Looking forward to the new book.
I love to read and try to write in that happy groove where literary and commercial intersect, so I’m definitely checking this one out!