The Art of Fiction
1884
The Art of Fiction, published in 1884 by Walter Besant, is a lecture-essay that explores the craft of novel-writing and literary criticism during the Victorian era. Besant argues that fiction is a fine art comparable to painting and music, emphasizing that it is governed by learnable laws while also requiring innate talent. The work outlines practical rules for writers, including the importance of human interest and character development, and offers guidance for aspiring authors on revising their work and navigating the publishing world.
