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How to Write a Novel That Matters: Crafting Stories with the Power to Captivate, Enlighten, and Inspire
You don’t just want to be a novelist—you want to be one whose stories are remembered. Are you ready to discover the secret?
You’ve read hundreds of novels over the years, each one teaching you a little more about the kind of writer you want to be—but the truth is, you don’t remember all of them.
Some works of fiction disappear from your mind as soon as you’ve read them, while others haunt you for days, sometimes even returning years later in a flash of imagery or the recognition of a theme playing out in real life.
These are the stories that resonate. These are the stories that matter. These are the stories you want to write.
To do that, you must take a journey of discovery. You must not just read fiction—you must be able to analyze it too.
It’s no secret that successful fiction involves five fundamental Plot, character, setting, style, and theme.
It’s that last one that so many novelists seem to struggle with—and that’s the one that determines whether your novel resonates with its audience. That’s the one that determines whether your book is a book that will be remembered.
When you truly understand theme, you can push your writing to reach its full potential. Whether you’re on your own journey as a novelist or you teach the craft to others, this is an understanding you need under your belt.
This unique masterclass in writing is your gateway to that understanding. Inside, you’ll The three categories of structural theme that form the backbone of a successful work of fictionThe why of why you read, why you write, and why it mattersHow theme underpins the other four fundamental elements of fiction (which is why understanding plot, character, setting, and style isn’t enough!)Your guide to “fiction-writing modes”—and what they mean for your workHow symbols are used to convey key themes in the most successful novels—and the danger that lies in their misuseWhy story is like cake—and how to pick out each unique ingredient when it’s readyKey strategies you can use to convey your message and enrich the themes in your storyA clear understanding of every tool you have at your disposal to weave a strong theme throughout your entire novelWhy Delia Owen’s Where the Crawdads Sing was a bestseller for so long—and how you can use that to help your writingAn adaptable “theme analysis template” that you can use to understand great works of fiction— and steal strategies from the best!Practical exercises to improve your understanding of theme in classic works
And much more.
Great writers are not born—they’re made. That means that no matter where you are on your journey, with the right guidance and the tools to dissect successful fiction, you can push your writing to reach its full potential.
You can write a story that will be remembered—and that will be the theme of your life. That will be your legacy.
Take your writing from words on a page to themes that will echo in a reader’s mind for years to Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.
You’ve read hundreds of novels over the years, each one teaching you a little more about the kind of writer you want to be—but the truth is, you don’t remember all of them.
Some works of fiction disappear from your mind as soon as you’ve read them, while others haunt you for days, sometimes even returning years later in a flash of imagery or the recognition of a theme playing out in real life.
These are the stories that resonate. These are the stories that matter. These are the stories you want to write.
To do that, you must take a journey of discovery. You must not just read fiction—you must be able to analyze it too.
It’s no secret that successful fiction involves five fundamental Plot, character, setting, style, and theme.
It’s that last one that so many novelists seem to struggle with—and that’s the one that determines whether your novel resonates with its audience. That’s the one that determines whether your book is a book that will be remembered.
When you truly understand theme, you can push your writing to reach its full potential. Whether you’re on your own journey as a novelist or you teach the craft to others, this is an understanding you need under your belt.
This unique masterclass in writing is your gateway to that understanding. Inside, you’ll The three categories of structural theme that form the backbone of a successful work of fictionThe why of why you read, why you write, and why it mattersHow theme underpins the other four fundamental elements of fiction (which is why understanding plot, character, setting, and style isn’t enough!)Your guide to “fiction-writing modes”—and what they mean for your workHow symbols are used to convey key themes in the most successful novels—and the danger that lies in their misuseWhy story is like cake—and how to pick out each unique ingredient when it’s readyKey strategies you can use to convey your message and enrich the themes in your storyA clear understanding of every tool you have at your disposal to weave a strong theme throughout your entire novelWhy Delia Owen’s Where the Crawdads Sing was a bestseller for so long—and how you can use that to help your writingAn adaptable “theme analysis template” that you can use to understand great works of fiction— and steal strategies from the best!Practical exercises to improve your understanding of theme in classic works
And much more.
Great writers are not born—they’re made. That means that no matter where you are on your journey, with the right guidance and the tools to dissect successful fiction, you can push your writing to reach its full potential.
You can write a story that will be remembered—and that will be the theme of your life. That will be your legacy.
Take your writing from words on a page to themes that will echo in a reader’s mind for years to Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.
- GenresWriting
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
42 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Mike Klaassen
16 books61 followersMike Klaassen writes thought-provoking and action-filled narratives about young protagonists confronting significant challenges. His works, including The Brute, Cracks, and Backlash: A War of 1812 Novel, display dynamic storytelling and compelling character development.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and research, Mike delved into the art of storytelling, producing a series of insightful books about the craft of writing fiction. These books offer practical guidance for aspiring writers and illuminate the processes behind compelling storytelling.
Fusing his love for folklore with his skill in fiction, Mike initiated "Klaassen's Classic Folktales," a collection that retells ancient stories as novellas. Through this series, he breathes new life into time-honored tales, offering readers of all ages a fresh perspective on these enduring stories.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 27, 2024
Review of How to Write a Novel that Matters by Mike Klaassen
A must have book for anyone seriously considering writing fiction who doesn't know where to start
A few years ago, I thought that I should put my degree in English Literature to work and decided to write a book. Two years later, I have not yet decided what kind of book I will write, but my life would have been simplified if I had this book by Mike Klaassen in my hands back then because it would have saved me a lot of time and money. This book is a great overview of what you can expect when you go to a book club and discuss the elements of what comprises a story. In particular, as far as when it comes to theme and structure. He does a great job breaking it down for everyone, not just newbies to writing. Reading this book is like taking an in-depth course in fiction writing.
What I like most about this book are the summaries Klaassen calls "takeaways" at the end of the chapters. It's a great tool once you have read the book to go back and review or refresh what you have learned.
Where I think the book is lacking, and the reason why I gave it 4 not 5 stars (I probably would have given it 4.5 stars if the "star rating system" allowed it) is that it seems to me that the author relies a little bit too much on what others have to say rather than putting forward more of his own thoughts to paper. However, on the plus side of that, is the fact that he has done a ton of work and research so you wouldn't have to! Considering this, maybe I would even give it 4.75 stars...
Another thing the book does which I think is great is that it takes some of the more recent and popular books and breaks it down for you and offers templates for you to work with. Therefore, this book is not just theoretical, but it is also practical. Even if you already have a lot of books about writing and fiction and a whole degree in literature, you can still extract some knowledge and takeaways just by reading and understanding Mike's clarifying analysis and his breakdown of the books discussed (that you may already have read).
If you are on the fence about purchasing this book, just get off that fence already; I promise you that you will not regret it.
A must have book for anyone seriously considering writing fiction who doesn't know where to start
A few years ago, I thought that I should put my degree in English Literature to work and decided to write a book. Two years later, I have not yet decided what kind of book I will write, but my life would have been simplified if I had this book by Mike Klaassen in my hands back then because it would have saved me a lot of time and money. This book is a great overview of what you can expect when you go to a book club and discuss the elements of what comprises a story. In particular, as far as when it comes to theme and structure. He does a great job breaking it down for everyone, not just newbies to writing. Reading this book is like taking an in-depth course in fiction writing.
What I like most about this book are the summaries Klaassen calls "takeaways" at the end of the chapters. It's a great tool once you have read the book to go back and review or refresh what you have learned.
Where I think the book is lacking, and the reason why I gave it 4 not 5 stars (I probably would have given it 4.5 stars if the "star rating system" allowed it) is that it seems to me that the author relies a little bit too much on what others have to say rather than putting forward more of his own thoughts to paper. However, on the plus side of that, is the fact that he has done a ton of work and research so you wouldn't have to! Considering this, maybe I would even give it 4.75 stars...
Another thing the book does which I think is great is that it takes some of the more recent and popular books and breaks it down for you and offers templates for you to work with. Therefore, this book is not just theoretical, but it is also practical. Even if you already have a lot of books about writing and fiction and a whole degree in literature, you can still extract some knowledge and takeaways just by reading and understanding Mike's clarifying analysis and his breakdown of the books discussed (that you may already have read).
If you are on the fence about purchasing this book, just get off that fence already; I promise you that you will not regret it.
April 8, 2024
How to Write a Novel That Matters” is a detailed guide aimed at writers who wish to elevate their craft beyond mere storytelling to create narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
The book is particularly strong in its exploration of how to effectively integrate themes into every aspect of novel writing, from plot development to character arcs. The author provides a plethora of examples that demonstrate how themes can drive narrative decisions, making the story’s events feel inevitable and necessary rather than arbitrary.
One of the standout features of this guide is its focus on character development. Here, the author excels, offering practical steps for writers to create fully realised characters whose motivations and transformations are believable and impactful. The discussions on how characters’ personal growth can mirror broader themes are insightful, helping writers see the potential for depth in their own work.
However, the book does have its challenges. It occasionally delves into overly complex theoretical discussions that might be more at home in an academic text than a guide meant for everyday use. This could potentially alienate newcomers who are looking for straightforward advice on crafting their first novel.
Moreover, whilst the practical advice is invaluable, the dense, occasionally pedantic prose can make the material feel inaccessible at times. This approach might deter those who are less patient or who prefer a more hands-on, simplistic guide to writing.
Despite these issues, the book is an excellent tool for those committed to writing meaningful fiction. It encourages writers to think critically about the purpose of their work and provides the tools to achieve profound emotional and thematic depth. Its comprehensive treatment of complex topics justifies the four-star rating, making it a worthy addition to the shelves of those who aspire to make their writing truly matter.
The book is particularly strong in its exploration of how to effectively integrate themes into every aspect of novel writing, from plot development to character arcs. The author provides a plethora of examples that demonstrate how themes can drive narrative decisions, making the story’s events feel inevitable and necessary rather than arbitrary.
One of the standout features of this guide is its focus on character development. Here, the author excels, offering practical steps for writers to create fully realised characters whose motivations and transformations are believable and impactful. The discussions on how characters’ personal growth can mirror broader themes are insightful, helping writers see the potential for depth in their own work.
However, the book does have its challenges. It occasionally delves into overly complex theoretical discussions that might be more at home in an academic text than a guide meant for everyday use. This could potentially alienate newcomers who are looking for straightforward advice on crafting their first novel.
Moreover, whilst the practical advice is invaluable, the dense, occasionally pedantic prose can make the material feel inaccessible at times. This approach might deter those who are less patient or who prefer a more hands-on, simplistic guide to writing.
Despite these issues, the book is an excellent tool for those committed to writing meaningful fiction. It encourages writers to think critically about the purpose of their work and provides the tools to achieve profound emotional and thematic depth. Its comprehensive treatment of complex topics justifies the four-star rating, making it a worthy addition to the shelves of those who aspire to make their writing truly matter.
April 10, 2024
How to Write a Novel that matters: A Brilliant and Essential Book for Fiction Writing
This book is brilliantly well written when for me it answers the question what makes a best seller? I have always wondered why I enjoyed a particular fiction but I could not quite point a finger what it is that made me enjoy a story. Reading “How to Write a Novel that matters” gave me a clear insight about Theme, Fundamental Elements of Theme, Genre, Message, Message Development, Theme Analysis, Theme Analysis Template, Troubleshooting a Manuscript and Fiction that Matters. I love how the book is conversational, straightforward, detailed and smoothly transitioned to the next chapter making the book cohesive and comprehensive overall. I am amazed how in depth the details are about some of the best sellers that were mentioned in this book. This book “How to Write a Novel that Matters” is so timely and relevant to me as a writer. I am working on my first novel. I was quite stuck about the word count. This book gave me all the knowledge and determination to continue writing it just in time for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer’s Month) this coming November 2024. Hopefully, armed with the useful knowledge from this book, I could create my own novel that would matter to readers. “How to Write a Novel that Matters” is truly an amazing and must have book for every fiction writer, teacher or student. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one who are fiction writing enthusiasts.
This book is brilliantly well written when for me it answers the question what makes a best seller? I have always wondered why I enjoyed a particular fiction but I could not quite point a finger what it is that made me enjoy a story. Reading “How to Write a Novel that matters” gave me a clear insight about Theme, Fundamental Elements of Theme, Genre, Message, Message Development, Theme Analysis, Theme Analysis Template, Troubleshooting a Manuscript and Fiction that Matters. I love how the book is conversational, straightforward, detailed and smoothly transitioned to the next chapter making the book cohesive and comprehensive overall. I am amazed how in depth the details are about some of the best sellers that were mentioned in this book. This book “How to Write a Novel that Matters” is so timely and relevant to me as a writer. I am working on my first novel. I was quite stuck about the word count. This book gave me all the knowledge and determination to continue writing it just in time for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer’s Month) this coming November 2024. Hopefully, armed with the useful knowledge from this book, I could create my own novel that would matter to readers. “How to Write a Novel that Matters” is truly an amazing and must have book for every fiction writer, teacher or student. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one who are fiction writing enthusiasts.
April 9, 2024
In “How to Write a Novel That Matters,” Mike Klaassen offers a wealth of information on the deep meaning of theme and the power it has for creating engaging stories that will remain on the minds of readers for a long time. Abstract in nature, theme in fiction can be a challenging writing element even for experienced authors, and Klaassen covers it more thoroughly than any book I have ever read. Using easy-to-follow concepts and meaningful examples, Klaassen talks about the importance of establishing theme before one begins writing a novel, that doing so will help writers keep focused and on track with the story, ensure the main idea in the story flows inconspicuously through the narrative, and seamlessly connect other components (character, setting, conflict, and plot) within the story.
“How to Write a Novel That Matters” is an insightful reference book for novice and seasoned authors alike.
“How to Write a Novel That Matters” is an insightful reference book for novice and seasoned authors alike.
May 8, 2024
Klaassen does a deep dive into one of the the facets of novels that make them great, as the title states that would be theme. While it's good if your merely inquisitive, I think it is particularly helpful to aspiring authors in that they can incorporate Klassen's idea with intentionality. After explanations and examples, he provides templates which can be applied to raw manuscripts, to provide vectors for improvement. I'm happy to have it on my shelf, and will reference it for future writings by myself.
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April 12, 2024HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL THAT MATTER - is a great book that any writer needs on their shelf. I have finally understood what was holding me back from writing my story. Thank you so much Mike for making my journey easier. The book has made me confident in my own writing. Thank you Mike.
May 17, 2024
A gripping read, almost as good a novel, at least for a potential writer like me. Though I have not yet finished this, I suspect I will be reading this a few times to get it all into my thinking. Though it is easy to read and follow, there is a lot of dots to connect. Do give this book a go.
April 5, 2024
This is a book packed with research and specific topics on writing, much like a manual about technical and advanced writing. I think this is a great book for seasoned authors!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews