Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
97th out of 198 books
—
267 voters
The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing
by
Evan Marshall (Goodreads Author)
Imagine writing with the skill of a published author, the knowledge of a seasoned editor and the savvy of a New York literary agent....you'd have all the know-how it takes to transform your story idea into a novel worthy of praise and publication.
In this unique guide, agent, editor and novelist Evan Marshall does give you everything it takes to write your novel. Drawing on...more
In this unique guide, agent, editor and novelist Evan Marshall does give you everything it takes to write your novel. Drawing on...more
Paperback, 242 pages
Published
April 1st 2001
by Writer's Digest Books
(first published 1998)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
270)
This is a nuts-and-bolts, explicitly formulaic manual on writing a novel and getting it published. It is just as explicitly geared toward writing and publishing a genre fiction novel, not some creative work of art, imagination or literary skill. If you're not trying to write an eminently saleable genre fiction novel, this book is not essential reading. But no book on writing is worthless, and if you want any instruction on rational plotting--"section" sheets, "reaction sections," that sort of th...more
I learned several new things from Marshall's book. I like the section sheets, and how it makes it easier to plot things out. I like the systematic steps he had me take in preparing to write. He also laid out things very well and in an easy-to-understand way.
At times I felt like his suggestions were overly-simplistic. But, given a book this size, I felt like he did what he could in the space constraints. After all, this book is mainly for beginners, and so can't go into great depth on certain thi...more
At times I felt like his suggestions were overly-simplistic. But, given a book this size, I felt like he did what he could in the space constraints. After all, this book is mainly for beginners, and so can't go into great depth on certain thi...more
The Marshall Plan® is a 16-step blueprint for getting your novel written quickly. These steps are broken down into five sections. The first tries to help with deciding what to write and which genre is best for you. Most writers already have an idea in mind when they buy this type of book, but just in case you don't, Marshall explains how to decide. Marshall breaks down the genres, and goes a step further by helpfully breaking each down into different sub-classifications. There are a surprising n...more
The MarshallPlan for Novel Writing, which offers a very clear and structured plan for writing a novel, will chaff at many writers, for it's emphasis is formula, far more than creative inspiration. However, it may be that those writers who really need to read this book. As Even Marshall states in his book, Geniuses who never finish writing their novel, will never get published. And that is Marshall's goal: to help bring an aspiring author from idea to a finished, and published, product.
The book's...more
The book's...more
So I was a skeptic. I thought that I would never write a novel using such a high degree of structure and planning and with so many special rules of thumb.
Within a few pages of the plotting section I realised that I had read many novels that have used formulas like these, And even more books I have read that have employed writing techniques just like those described in the 'writing' chapters. I knew then that using these ideas it was possible fo me to create a novel, a special story, that I woul...more
Within a few pages of the plotting section I realised that I had read many novels that have used formulas like these, And even more books I have read that have employed writing techniques just like those described in the 'writing' chapters. I knew then that using these ideas it was possible fo me to create a novel, a special story, that I woul...more
I really loved the book's overall principal in how to write a book. It had great insights especially for a new writer like me. But I think whether you are new or have several published books under your belt, his book would help you in some way. The only draw back I found is the cookie-cutter approach. It doesn't allow for you to deviate from his very structure plan when plotting out your book.
For myself, I took the gyst of what he said and implemented it into my writing. However, I did not make...more
For myself, I took the gyst of what he said and implemented it into my writing. However, I did not make...more
I could not review a book as thorough on writing if I had tried to search one out on my own. This was given to me to review from my WIN group (I sit as V.P. on the Board) as to provide our writers with a no-holds-barred informative piece of whether it is worth it to purchase or not.
Yes, by all means, PURCHASE! Writers everywhere, novice to "80 novels under-your-belt" writers, will not find a more step-by-step forgetting nothing book of expertise anywhere. Mr. Marshall, my hat is off to you. Cove...more
Yes, by all means, PURCHASE! Writers everywhere, novice to "80 novels under-your-belt" writers, will not find a more step-by-step forgetting nothing book of expertise anywhere. Mr. Marshall, my hat is off to you. Cove...more
This is another one of those formula books on how to write a best seller. Not, mind you, how to make your book better, but how to make a best seller according to this recipe. I'm not sure that there's much of value for me in it and, after another read, I may sell it down the river -- er -- to a used book store.
This is NOT to say that nobody will get anything of value from the book. As I recall, I did learn a good deal about scene, structure, and pacing from the book. I also believe there will be...more
This is NOT to say that nobody will get anything of value from the book. As I recall, I did learn a good deal about scene, structure, and pacing from the book. I also believe there will be...more
An effective plan explained nicely. Many hate this book because it seems to reduce novel-writing (a so-called art) to a formula. But this is simply one method, and there's no denying that a process is necessary for people who even bothered to read this book in the first place. Why? Because if you're reading it, you're either new at novel-writing completely, having trouble finishing or starting a book, or having trouble selling the one you wrote. Novel writing is a craft. The art is inherently bu...more
Sep 03, 2007
Seth
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fiction writers who need a different view
Shelves:
writing
This book gets a lot of bad press. At its heart, the critics are right: it presents a formulaic approach to creating a saleable fiction manuscript in your chosen market. The Marshall process guides creation of characters, plot points, chapter and scene structure, and a classic Freitag's triangle of tension.
Like almost all books on writing, this is targetted at the unsusccesful beginner. Talking about your "market" turns some people off right at the start. Talking about word count and outlines lo...more
Like almost all books on writing, this is targetted at the unsusccesful beginner. Talking about your "market" turns some people off right at the start. Talking about word count and outlines lo...more
The number of non-fiction books I've read is nearly invisible, but for books about writing I'm very willing to make exceptions.
I liked this one a lot! Like Evan Marshall stated himself: It's really hands-on! In 16 steps Marshall, a literary agent, takes you from choosing the correct writing genre up to the final goal: getting published. He gives a lot of tips as to how improve your writing (I particularly appreciated that part) and points out the dangers in writing, but also in approaching agen...more
I liked this one a lot! Like Evan Marshall stated himself: It's really hands-on! In 16 steps Marshall, a literary agent, takes you from choosing the correct writing genre up to the final goal: getting published. He gives a lot of tips as to how improve your writing (I particularly appreciated that part) and points out the dangers in writing, but also in approaching agen...more
Very informative, systematic approach to writing a novel. Lays out an achievable strategy with easy-to-complete templates, leaving the author with a blueprint from which to start constructing the novel. Great for beginning writers or seasoned pros. I'm an old hand at writing — mostly non-fiction works as well as stage scripts, but this is my first attempt at a novel. The task seemed daunting, until I read Marshall's book. Highly recommended for the writer.
I like his approach to planning a novel. He divides the whole process into bite-size pieces. I especially like his suggestions for "Shaping your Story Ideas" and am using his "section" model for outlining my next novel. I didn't like his use of the the word "suppose" in place of the common "what-if" question to move your story action into the next scene, but that's a nit-pick. The book and it's worksheets are useful, if you want to plot a novel.
The Marshall Plan contains a great amount of material for the new author and for those more experienced who are trying to hone their skills. Even though I have read it, I still pick it up and browse from time to time.
I didn't give it a five star rating because I thought there was too much emphasis on procedure.
I didn't give it a five star rating because I thought there was too much emphasis on procedure.
Mar 25, 2012
KJ
added it
This book has been my bible for writing my first novel. It provides a perfect framework for keeping the pace of the story hopping while keeping track of characters, when they need to show up and shut up. I also bought the workbook and made great use of it.
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
This is a great book. Although I have to admit, the title of it made it sound like a scam, but its actually a great book that tells you lots of secrets to planning out your novel. You won't have a completed manuscript in 30 days like they say, but you will have a completed plot that will allow you to write your book fast. Its great, and it helped me a lot.
I have read many books on writing and this by far is the best. The system for writing described may not be comfortable for all writers. But it is quite manageable, and the best part of the author's system was the useful way of outlining the interweaving of subplots and point of view. No other book has ever done justice to describing a way to outline plots & sub plots.
The other way this book excels others are in chapters 9 & 10 where he describes techniques for writing dialogue, action, r...more
The other way this book excels others are in chapters 9 & 10 where he describes techniques for writing dialogue, action, r...more
Rubbish! This is all material i could easily have found on google. Nothing is deep or creative here. There's simply no meat, just waffle!
Some good some bad. I like my writing books simple this one has some tips but goes a bit too deep.
This book is very useful when you are just beginning to tease out a story.
Marshal's book does not tell you what to write, but instead gives one a great guideline on how to organize your thoughts, chapters, events, and keep things moving. The advice inspired me, organized me, and gave me a sign ahead to keep swimming toward. Excellent book that is exactly what I've always been waiting for, it delivers all it promises, and more. Stuck? This is definately the book you need, for it is the ideal method for those who find outlines work best for them.
This book was perfect for me. An organized approach to writing, detailing what you shouldn't forget in a novel. I like step-by-step (if you've read my book Building a Midshipman, you'll understand me), reminders. Sometimes my gut gets off target and I forget things like crises and resolution, tying together plot lines. I used it as a check list at the completion of my novel.
Overall, his 16-step program might be the one book you shouldn't miss.
Overall, his 16-step program might be the one book you shouldn't miss.
view 1 comment
I like his concept of 'Suppose'.. I am working his concepts into my own chk lists, character sketches and scene spreadsheets. Marshall knows what to do in a Novel. Just finished.. I get it.. the Marshall Plan - it is how a novel is done!
Although the info in this book was top notch with examples out the wazoo, unfortunately, it points out giant mistakes with my 'Rogue Cartographer', making me completely start over.
This is a must have for anyone who's an aspiring author like myself who wish to be published. It's a good reference book.
May 10, 2013
Penny
marked it as ebooks-i-own
May 05, 2013
Leonardo
marked it as to-read
Apr 30, 2013
Wporter
marked it as to-read
Apr 26, 2013
LillePepa
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Evan Marshall is an internationally recognized expert on fiction writing and author of the “Hidden Manhattan” and “Jane Stuart and Winky” mystery series. A former book editor, for 27 years he has been a leading literary agent specializing in fiction. His Marshall Plan® Novel Writing Software, written with Martha Jewett, is an adaptation of his bestselling Marshall Plan® series.
Marshall Plan® blogs...more
More about Evan Marshall...
Marshall Plan® blogs...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
