Writing A Novel: For aspiring writers, nuggets of advice
A session entitled "How to write a novel" was conducted by HM Naqvi and Irshad Abdul Kadir.
"You have to know your people,” states Naqvi. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Many young aspiring writers came in with pen and paper to attend the session, “How to write a novel” with HM Naqvi, a novelist and short story writer Irshad Abdul Kadir.
Both writers maintained that writing required more discipline than skill.
“A novel is more character-based, where the writer delves into the intricacies of human characters and their relationships with one another, however a short story is more incident-based,” said Naqvi.
They said writers need to follow a routine and write every day.
Irshad focused on the need to work with a central idea for young writers. Each story requires a main plot with which you work around with characters and scenarios.” Both writers agreed that research was imperative.
“In Home Boy, the protagonist loses his job and becomes a cab driver. I attended a school in Long Island where cab drivers are trained. You have to know your people,” stated Naqvi.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2013.
Many young aspiring writers came in with pen and paper to attend the session, “How to write a novel” with HM Naqvi, a novelist and short story writer Irshad Abdul Kadir.
Both writers maintained that writing required more discipline than skill.
“A novel is more character-based, where the writer delves into the intricacies of human characters and their relationships with one another, however a short story is more incident-based,” said Naqvi.
They said writers need to follow a routine and write every day.
Irshad focused on the need to work with a central idea for young writers. Each story requires a main plot with which you work around with characters and scenarios.” Both writers agreed that research was imperative.
“In Home Boy, the protagonist loses his job and becomes a cab driver. I attended a school in Long Island where cab drivers are trained. You have to know your people,” stated Naqvi.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2013.