Ayn Rand — The Art of Fiction

The author of The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, We the Living, and Anthem once taught fiction…

Photo by Ken West

In a previous article, I offered a brief look at Ayn Rand’s insights on writing in general, and the Art of Non-Fiction Writing in particular.

Today we delve into her illuminating and practical insights on fiction writing. As the author of The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, We the Living, and Anthem, Rand was a master of her craft and the world-changing author of page-turning novels.

She gave an informal series of lectures to a small group of friends and acquaintances. These extemporaneous lectures were recorded and became the basis for the book, The Art of Fiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers. (Links to the book and the recorded extemporaneous lectures are at the end of this article.)

Here are some of the topics Rand covered:

· Writing and the Subconscious

· Literature as an Art Form

· Theme and Plot

· The Plot-Theme

· The Climax

· How to Develop Plot Ability

· Characterization

· Style and its particular issues