Even the most famous novelists had to start somewhere. Now you can make your start - successfully - with this book.
Literary agent Oscar ...
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reviews
Dec 14, 2009
Steve
rated it: 
Hit and miss. The first part of the book--how to write a novel--is pretty much useless. When it isn't redundant/obvious it is formulaic ("Remember to check your spelling" and "Your hero must be sympathetic...").
The second part, however, is quite useful. The author is a former literary agent, so the stuff about literary agents and the publishing business is both interesting and informative.
I personally am interested solely in literary fiction and find More...
The second part, however, is quite useful. The author is a former literary agent, so the stuff about literary agents and the publishing business is both interesting and informative.
I personally am interested solely in literary fiction and find More...
Apr 09, 2008
Kevin
rated it: 
This book was interesting for its detailed analysis of novel structure. Of course, anyone who has sat through a literature class knows the basic format, but this book looks at successful novels, and what makes them successful.
Unfortunately the biographical sketches of successful authors which make up the second half of the book are much less interesting. Too, the whole book (published in the '80s) is becoming a little dated. Still, in all it seems like a good book to read if you More...
Unfortunately the biographical sketches of successful authors which make up the second half of the book are much less interesting. Too, the whole book (published in the '80s) is becoming a little dated. Still, in all it seems like a good book to read if you More...
Feb 10, 2010
Mira
rated it:
Outdated; minimal reference to computers. But the writing craft advice is still valid.
Sep 19, 2008
Sara
rated it:
The first half is pretty much stuff I knew from NaNoWriMo. The second half got a little boring. It wasn't overwhelming though, and made me feel as if rewriting and publishing were something that I could do.
(my copy was a little out of date too...citing books that are old movies by this point. ALSO: some crude words/references!)
(my copy was a little out of date too...citing books that are old movies by this point. ALSO: some crude words/references!)
Jan 23, 2008
Debra
rated it: 
This is a lovely book, it has sound advise and at the end of each chapter it gives tips and covers the topics that were included.
This book doesn't try to sell itself.
This book doesn't try to sell itself.
May 04, 2008
Kristen
rated it:
This is a great book for all aspiring writers to use as a reference guide. It's a good think to have as a refresher course.
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