When writing a novel, the first aspect that comes to mind for most people is the plot. The events that happen. Usually, there is an idea and maybe a twist at the end. And as important a plot is to the novel, it is neither the first element nor the most important to consider. For me, it is most important to first think through the Dramatic Elements. They are the foundation of the book. When put together, they cover everything that needs to come together to tell a compelling st

(Photo: William Gibson at the Spook Country promotional tour in San Francisco, CA. Taken by Fred Armitage August 2007.) As a relatively...