Max Speed Moorcock

Michael Moorcock, a famous fantasy writer, once wrote an article detailing how he was able to write books quickly. His approach involves following a specific formula and structuring the narrative around a time element.

First, Moorcock suggests modeling the basic plot around the Quest theme, as seen in stories like the Maltese Falcon or the Holy Grail. The formula involves a fallible hero who is up against a superhuman force, such as politics or supernatural evil. The hero is reluctant to be involved but is inevitably pulled in on a personal level.

Moorcock advises making lists of coherent images and preparing an event for every four pages. A complete structure is also necessary, where the narrative problems that need to be solved at each point are clear. For every snag or desperate moment, there should be a list of potential solutions ready.

Mysteries are also an essential element of the story. The writer should include them wherever possible and then build on them gradually. The goal is to put the mystery in place without knowing the end, so the writer can use it later without having to provide boring exposition.

To structure the book, divide it into four sections with 15,000 words each, further divided into six chapters. Each chapter must contribute to the immediate goal of the section, moving the story forward.

According to Moorcock, everything in the story must have a narrative function, and there must be no revelations of anything that was not already established. Every major character must be introduced in the first part, and all main themes should be established in the first part, developed in the second and third, and resolved in the last part.

Finally, every hero should have a sidekick who can make the responses the hero isn't allowed to make. In times of doubt, the writer should switch to a minor character's viewpoint to keep the narrative moving.

In summary, Moorcock's approach to writing books quickly involves following a specific formula and structuring the story around a time element. Lists of coherent images and mysteries are also necessary elements, as is a complete structure where narrative problems are clear.