Novel Writing: Four Ways to Get an Idea for a Novel

Tried and True Ways to Go from "Hmm..." To "Ahh!"

After studying English Literature for four years, with double concentrations in European and Russian Literature and Poetics, focusing on Spenser and Chaucer, I know something about constructing literary works and novels. After writing two novels and two children's novels of my own, I know a little more about constructing novels. Four time-tested and true methods to get an idea for a novel have been used from Chaucer's time (i.e.; Romaunt de la Rose, Boccaccio) to the present day.

Interpretation of a classic novel or myth

The first idea is to develop a modern day interpretation of an immortal classic, beloved for generations. Dickens was known to use this method himself from time to time, such as in the writing of The Pickwick Papers. Bridget Jones's Diary is a contemporary example of this approach.

Bridget Jones's Diary is an interpretation of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice. In Austen's book, as you may recall, Elizabeth Bennett immediately forms an bad opinion of Mr. Darcy based on circumstantial incidents, and he reciprocates by forming an equally poor opinion of her. They are perfectly happy disliking each other until...

Enter an ex-friend of Mr. Darcy's. Elizabeth is enraptured with the new Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy blanches white. While Elizabeth is busily throwing herself into Wickham's slightly avaricious arms, Darcy is examining her "fine eyes." Then comes the revelation and corroboration of the dastardly deed.

Elizabeth rightly changes her allegiance. There is a meeting of minds. Elizabeth and Darcy find it is not too late to form better opinions of each other. And there is a meeting of hearts.

While reading the above, you can picture Pride and Prejudice or Bridget Jones's Diary, for the description perfectly fits both. This is, of course, because the latter interprets the former into a modern day setting.