Three Rules for Writing a Novel: A Guide to Story Development

W. Somerset Maugham famously said, “There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

From the standpoint that every novel is unique, Maugham had a point. But, are there fundamentals inherent in writing long-form fiction?

Yes.

Are these basics properly termed “rules”?

Might be a stretch, but, considering literary license is in play, it’s probably ok.

Are there just three?

Not hardly.

However, a clear elucidation of the “rules” and how to use them is just w...