Name: Alex Wheatle: Tension by Write Your Novel
Duration: 39 min 21 s
Description: Alex Wheatle MBE joins Yvonne to discuss the device of tension in his book Cane Warriors. Tension can drive a story, develop character and help to grip the reader’s attention - something that Wheatle drew on in telling the story of enslaved boy Noa in the novel. Wheatle explains the decisions he made to guide readers through the narrative and maintain the feeling of suspense and shock.

Alex Wheatle MBE joins Yvonne to discuss the device of tension in his book Cane Warriors. Tension can drive a story, develop character and help to grip the reader’s attention - something that Wheatle drew on in telling the story of enslaved boy Noa in the novel. Wheatle explains the decisions he made to guide readers through the narrative and maintain the feeling of suspense and shock.

Alex Wheatle: Tension

David Nicholls joins Yvonne to delve into how he used the device of dialogue throughout his novel Sweet Sorrow. Nicholls reveals his thought processes on deciding what he wanted his characters to say, what he didn’t want them to say and how that can influence character and setting.

David Nicholls: Dialogue

Carmen Marcus joins Yvonne to explore how she used the technique of rhythm and language in her novel How Saints Die. The story is seen through the eyes of ten year old Ellie and Marcus - both a novelist and a poet - explains how the use of particular words, sounds and silences helps to create a relationship between the reader and character.

Carmen Marcus: Rhythm and Language

Paul Mendez joins Yvonne Battle Felton in conversation to examine his semi-autobiographical novel Rainbow Milk and the significance of the point of view of the main characters with this work. Point of view includes who the narrator is and how (and when) the story will be told. Mendez explains the decisions he felt he had to make when developing the main characters of Norman and Jesse.

Paul Mendez: Point of View

Write Your Novel is an innovative write-along podcast series - written and devised by Dr Yvonne Battle-Felton. 

The series examines the writing craft and looks at specific devices which form the basis of constructing a novel. All writers have to make certain decisions about the use of description or dialogue, and Write Your Novel explores these methods across a variety of different texts. 

In each episode, Yvonne is joined by a leading writer as they focus on one of these specific writing mechanisms through the prism of their work.  Guests - including David Nicholls and Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi - explain their approach in constructing their novel. 

A writing exercise at the end of each conversation supports the listener to help them proactively work through the techniques in their own work. The conversation continues in the Write Your Novel Discord community where advice and information can be shared amongst listeners. Join the Discord server via https://newwritingnorth.com/projects/write-your-novel/ 

Presenter: Yvonne Battle-Felton
Producer: Candace Wilson
Music: Joe Gardner
A Sonderbug Production funded by Arts Council England and supported by New Writing North.

Alex Wheatle: Tension

Write Your Novel

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