Collecting a bunch of anecdotes about writing from a litany of disparate writers seems rather odd to me. A little bit of a disingenuous title maybe? This is how

Collecting a bunch of anecdotes about writing from a litany of disparate writers seems rather odd to me. A little bit of a disingenuous title maybe? This is how "successful" writers wrote novels. Personally I think the novel is on its way out to pasture the way Sonnets are. How many people read Sonnets? Back in the day, plenty. Look at the names on that list and a significant number either work in relatively well defined genres (King, Gaiman, Martin) or were working in a pre-TV time when reading was an essential pastime (Twain, Proust) and audiences were engaged at a much higher level. That may not seem like a direct connection to "how to write a novel" but it certainly applies to "why write a novel." I always preferred short fiction. This is why I've pursued screenwriting with much more discipline of late (just entered Shore Scripts, will wait for Nicholls & others next year) trying my hand at TV series (stoner golfer comedy, toy company workplace comedy) and various film ideas. Honestly I think writing Novels is like writing every part for a Symphony. Even if some of the parts are absolute genius, they're easily drowned out by slop or chaos. Very challenging discipline, and if you feel it's a good fit for you, I do say "You've got nothing to lose but your time and your mind by trying!" Seriously though, happy writing to all.