One Way to Write Your Novel

by Dick Perry

A boost over the hurdle of how to create the novel you want to write.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Shenoa Carroll-Bradd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were simple and timeless, but other sections have become completely irrelevant. Author's voice was friendly and encouraging

[Dawn Ireland]

I was very fortunate to have Dick Perry (One Way to Write Your Novel) as a mentor in the mid 1980s. I was in the process of writing my first novel (science fiction), and didn't know what I was doing.

I read his book and needed help with my novel. I wrote to him via the publisher, and he called me.

We had a long discussion, and he took me on as a mentee. A year later my writers group was involved with the U of Houston writing conference, and he was invited to speak. He was very popular.

It was such a pleasure meeting him after all he did for me.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Writer's Digest book. It's older now, first published in the 1970s, but I found it very helpful in my early days as a writer. Definitely clear and to the point, without a lot of rah rah or beating around the bush.

[Louise Bergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book One Way to Write Your Novel by Dick Perry was published in 1969. I remember borrowing this from the library when I was in middle school. It had a profound effect because it showed me there were books (guides) out there which could teach someone how to write a book. Since I’d always enjoyed reading, One Way opened the possibility that I could write a book, too. This was an amazing realization that has lasted throughout my life.

The book is a rather light-hearted approach to the craft. The author very clearly sticks to the this is One Way to write, Not the Only Way. He believes in my favorite writing rule: Tools, Not Rules.

I enjoyed re-reading this book for this blog post. Some things turned out to be inadvertently funny. For instance, he mentions finding character names in a telephone book. Today’s authors have no idea what that is. They use baby name lists on the internet or the character name generator in Scrivener.

On page 68, he is talking about putting humor in your story and how no two people have the same laugh triggers. “Some people think Dick Van Dyke is the greatest. Some prefer Lucille Ball. This group likes Henny Youngman, that group likes Johnny Carson, and in the corner another group — for some reason — thinks Ronald Reagan is a riot.” This example really amused me because Ronald Reagan didn’t become the president known for his jokes until 1981, which was twelve years after this book was published. His lesson about humor appearing unexpectedly was more apt than he knew.

When re-reading this, it amazed me how many of the writing principles I now try to practice are taught in this book. It actually was an excellent introduction to the craft of writing. I am so glad to have found One Way to Write Your Novel again

[Singalongalong · Rating 4 out of 5]

He actually made me bellylaugh throughout.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent suggestions for writing, all of which the author follows in this non-fiction book. Planning, creating characters, plotting, writing and editing; all from a somewhat clinical and highly organised routine which pushes authors from the 'might write a novel one day' group into sending off manuscripts with a fair chance of acceptance.

Inevitably dated (this was first published in 1969, before home computers and writing software), it's still a useful, inspiring and well-written book that could help anyone who likes a bit of planning in their writing. It's not just about plotting - there are excellent sections on, for instance, dialogue, character development and editing as well. Informally written with plenty of illustrative examples.

Very highly recommended, if you can find it (it's long out of print).

Longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful exposition of one writer's method. Perry is refreshingly honest in admitting that his method may not be perfect for everyone. I found many of his tips to be helpful.

[Geoffreyjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid advice for writers. I read this when it first came out in the mid 1980s and it's still solid advice, 30 years later.