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The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing
by
Meg Leder
Get advice from the best in the business on every part of the novel writing and publishing process!
In "The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, 2nd Edition," you'll learn from the invaluable advice of established writers. Discover new ways to generate ideas, implement intriguing techniques, and find the inspiration you need to finish your work. This fully-revised edition in...more
In "The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, 2nd Edition," you'll learn from the invaluable advice of established writers. Discover new ways to generate ideas, implement intriguing techniques, and find the inspiration you need to finish your work. This fully-revised edition in...more
Paperback, 452 pages
Published
July 15th 2002
by Writer's Digest Books
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Excellent advice on creating character, writing dialogue, and plotting. I usually use these types of books only as reference and pick and choose what I read, but something made me decide to read this book from cover to cover. It has great writing prompts and ideas that really get your mind going. Halfway through the book, I found myself putting it down often to grab a pen and write down ideas. I ended up with a plot for a novel, a first chapter, a few short story ideas, and more. It's a miracle...more
This books is great for anyone who is either a)already an author, or b)starting to write. Great tips!
Another collaboration of writers on writing a novel, this one 445 pages and 55 chapters long. Authors include Sue Grafton, Terry Brooks, and Janet Fitch, among others, and has interviews of Margaret Atwood, Tom Clancy, Terry McMillan, Joyce Carol Oates, and several other well known writers. It begins with basics in The Craft, discusses more advanced techniques in The Art, continues on to The Process, takes a side trip into The Genres, and finishes up with The Marketplace and The Interviews. Most...more
This book is informative and helpful.I bought this book to help me with my writing structure and guidance in different fields of writing.I was uncertain about where to start with my writing even though I have some unfinished manuscripts that I want to be published.Well, this book gave me some ideas on how to start writing a book,and also for me to look over my manuscripts and what needs to be done.THE COMPLETE HANDBOOK OF NOVEL WRITING covers all avenues that get you started or help you on your...more
I do have to say that this is a valuable resource to all those that wish to embark in the fantastic, craze and sometimes tedious world of novel writing. It does provide great advice from some of the most recognized authors in specific genres.
This is just a series of short articles put together to provide great insight in general lines as to what are some of the most basic recommendations. This book offers advice in general, and is not specific nor tailored to a specific genre. If potential write...more
This is just a series of short articles put together to provide great insight in general lines as to what are some of the most basic recommendations. This book offers advice in general, and is not specific nor tailored to a specific genre. If potential write...more
A collection of short articles/essays/advice from top writers on the elements of writing novels. Most are the usual "do this, don't do that, here's some examples" that I generally don't find that inspiring. I look for motivation and inspiration to keep going in a book like this more than instructions on how to write, and generally I'd say it's 50% in delivering that for me.
This book has advice for every aspect and genre of writing. This is one of the first books I read when I switched to writing fiction, and parts of it were immensely helpful. Some of this advice I've hear again in many other writing books, but others I've never heard again elsewhere despite the fact I found it insightful. I'd recommend this book to beginning writers.
Was given to this for my birthday last year. Very invaluable advice from the likes of Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut, Sue Grafton and many more established writers.
Am writing my own story at the moment but when it comes to writing the second draft of it, this book is going to be glued to my side!
Would really recommend it for all writers starting out.
Am writing my own story at the moment but when it comes to writing the second draft of it, this book is going to be glued to my side!
Would really recommend it for all writers starting out.
Already helpful, and I'm only on p. 3. Discovered a new subplot for the story I'm working on, and all it took was James N. Frey (author of the first chapter, "The Philosophy of Plot") pointing out that all characters, both heroes and villains, need a mission to accomplish, a believable motive, and clever ways to carry out their mission.
I admittedly have not finished all the essays in this book, but I don't feel I have to in order to rate this collection of essays. I love this book, and in fact will be buying a copy for my aspiring writer brother for Christmas. Each essay opened my eyes to ways I could make my writing better, brighter, crisper, more elegant, etc. Many of them are written by well-established authors who have learned the ropes and want to share some of their most hard-gained information. This book is a gem, a pre...more
Writing good fiction and getting published is hard. Giving crappy advice on how to write is apparently the easiest thing in the world.
extremely helpful to any aspiring novelist!
Jun 05, 2009
Lawrence
is currently reading it
just started
A personal favorite of mine, and a real eye opener for anyone looking to understand the craft of writing. I usually have a very tough time reading non-fiction how-to books, but what I loved about this one is that each section is written by a different author, which gave each chapter a nice breath of fresh air and made the entire book feel more like a discussion than a lecture. And most of the material can easily be applied to short story writing. Highly recommended.
Practical and inspirational, this is a great all-around read for the those with their sights set on the writing journey.
this is a great book. It is like 55 mini short seminar courses given by notable authors all condensed into one book . Every author gives unique and valued pointers on the art of novel writing. It is a must have for writers and for those who just love to read and learn more about what makes a great story.
This is an amazing book so far. Whatever area of your writing you'd like to improve, there is a chapter on it in this book. There is also advice on how to get published. It has been very helpful in my own attempts at writing a novel. I've gained new perspective on my characters, setting, etc. I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking to write for publication
Writing tips on a variety of topics from a variety of authors. I thought the one from Richard Russo was great as well as the article on point of view. Just like any other writing book, take the tips that work for you and throw the others out. But this one had lots to choose from.
I won this book from a writing contest and so far--love it! My favorite is where one author compares your scenes to movie production costs. Would you be willing to spend $300,000.00 on this scene? If not, cut it or make it worthwhile.
Currently reading for a writing class. Some interesting insights and helpful info so far. I have been pleasantly surprised. (I think my expectations were pretty low.)
May 06, 2009
Brooke
added it
Not bad, not bad at all.
May 10, 2013
Penny
marked it as i-ll-think-about-it
Apr 30, 2013
Sarah
is currently reading it
Apr 26, 2013
Ciarán
marked it as to-read
Apr 13, 2013
Amber
marked it as to-read
Apr 11, 2013
Michael
marked it as to-read
Apr 01, 2013
Evangheline Farcas
is currently reading it
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