101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists: Insider Secrets from Top Writers

by Andrew McAleer

This title focuses on the behaviors necessary to succeed in the dog-eat-dog world of fiction writing by asking successful authors how they practice their craft. Readers will learn how to adopt those habits on their quest to become novelists. The book will inspire, nourish, and provide the needed kick in the pants to turn the wannabes into doers! The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists is full of "aha" experiences as the reader uncovers the collected wisdom from the cream of today’s fiction writers.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, How To, Research, Crafts

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Andrew McAleer is the author of three mystery novels and serves as the president of Americas oldest continuing literary society, the Boston Authors Club. He teaches crime fiction at Boston College, is a member of the Private Eye Writers of America, the editor of the award-winning Crimestalker Casebook, and a recipient of the Speckled Bands Sherlock Holmes Revere Bowl Award.

Reviews

[Kathrynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this 218 page, trade-sized book! Nicely laid out. The author began each section with a brief description then there were follow-up comments by various successful authors that contributed their experience. :-) Some of my favorite authors had comments in this book!

Tips on writing, how to stay with it, obstacles a person may face and how to overcome them, getting ideas, telling a story well, getting published, query letters, finding an agent, what to watch for in a contract, being nice, finding a mentor (being a mentor), self-publishing, building a website and more.

Also, enjoyed the short quotes before each section by various folks, i.e., Mark Twain, Oprah, B. Franklin and more. Most had me smiling. :-)

Some of the authors that contributed their knowledge were:
Patricia Biggs
Suzanne Brockman
Mary Higgins Clark
Beverly Barton
Many more....

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, filled with valuable information, tips, and advice, but I already knew a lot of these things (perhaps because I read so many other books of a similar nature and have done a great deal of research on the subject), so therefore, I didn't gain a great deal of 'new' information. I would say that it provides good, practical advice for people just starting their research but would be redundant for others who crave reading the 'tricks of the trade'.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with some very good albeit basic advise. Great for beginning writers.

[Orlando Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and actionable insights

This is a book of habits by some of the most successful authors in several genres. It's not a book on how to be successful but rather a book on the habits that can lead to success. The author life is not easy, the road is difficult to navigate on most days. This book can shine a light on the darkened areas, providing a map when you may feel lost.
A worthwhile read for every author, aspiring or veteran.

[Jery Schober · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
My copy is from 2008 and it shows, esp. re: selfpublishing.
Some nice tips, a lot of the usual advice, nothing inspiring.

[Michelle (Bookaholic Banter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes this type of reading can be very dry and boring. This was not the case at all. I found myself enjoying this read so immensely, and the information so helpful, that I put this book aside for a couple years. I just didn't want it to end and I was breezing through it.
This book is very helpful in so many ways. It keeps you motivated to write, makes you want to write your heart out and never give up.
I loved the way the chapters were broken down and you get to hear tips from many famous well-known authors.
This is one I will refer back to time and time again and read over again many times until all the wonderful tips are embedded into my brain.

[Joe Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists by Andrew McAleer (FATAL DEEDS)is an absolute must for the new writer. And it's a one-stop shop. It contains all the tips you need to write a novel from top-notch novelists who have broken into the field. A real treasure.

WRITER'S DIGEST SHOP has this to say: "The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists is a "who's who" of today's great ficition writers that will quickly become your most trusted writing companion!"

[HadiDee]

A lot that's covered in other books

[Alison Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A readable, useful book; interesting format.

[Debra Komar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. There are some helpful hints here, although I'm not sure they total 101. Many are repeated with slight alterations in wording. The author's writing is folksy and positive; there are a lot of stories of rejection and hardship by scrappy first time authors who never give up, with a "big reveal" at the end of the anecdote of some famous author's name and first book to inspire.

This is largely just a collection of quotes and tidbits from previously published interviews with authors - some you've heard of, many you haven't. The advice is generally good, and occasionally helpful and inspiring.

[Rebecca Pappas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book filled with a lot of good tips and information.

I started reading it last year then got sidetracked with a million things, but me putting the book aside for a while does not reflect on the quality of the book. It's one that I will refer back to when I need a little inspiration.

Because it was written in 2008 some things have changed as far as how to submit queries but for the most part everything in it can be applied to today.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded down because I'm mean.

This is a book of advice compiled from various authors. Some of their advice conflict with each other, which itself is a lesson: there is no "one right way" to write.

Much of the advice is pretty shallow, frankly. Some of the advice is outdated. It also caters heavily to the traditionally published author.

There's nothing here that you can't find in another, better-organized book.

[Zhelana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was little more than a collection of blurbs - authors writing about writing but nothing really in depth. Just maybe a sentence or two from a handful of people each section. If the author had actually written their own thoughts, it would have been better.

[Elliot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious writing mainly about getting published, not advice about the mechanics of writing.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Lots of useful advice, tips, and inspiration for fiction (or non-fiction) writers.

[Bülent Duagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a glimpse into the lives of writers..

[Ulzeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fine insights. Also a fun read.

[Jonathan]

There's a few pearls of wisdom, but a lot of it isn't "insider secrets." It's just common sense.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and realistic advice from novelists. Plenty of inspiration and advice to keep going when the writing gets tough.

[Abhishek · Rating 1 out of 5]

No seriously, just read the wiki papge of ernest hemingway or search a bit about Jeffrey Archer or Jack London - it will be far more interesting than this motley of unrefined opinions !

Then again, shout back - Every guy has his own way , mate !

[Raven Bower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the theory of this book and the answers the novelists gave were interesting. Above all, the neatest thing about this was how some of them agreed on some subjects (even if they put it differently) and yet had dynamically different opinions on other subjects.

That said, to be a bit persnickety here, the book had little to do with the habits of the authors and more to do with their opinions – which, by definition, are not the same thing. Therefore, I think the title is somewhat deceiving.

Combined with the answers being short and sometimes vague, it wasn’t as helpful as one might think from the title.

End analysis Mr. Spock – an interesting read if you’re looking for snippets of opinions from various authors. If you’re looking for more in depth modes on actual work/writing habits it’s best to look elsewhere.

[Cal Bowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not one that I would recommend - each of the 101 'habits' has a few paragraphs from the author, usually in the form of a parable, followed by 3 to 6 authors with their views on whatever the topic is. This is more of a collection of authors thoughts on writing, and the book as a whole conflicts with itself because they use so many external sources. The organization is thorough, and well-planned out, but this is not anything that leaves a writer inspired and prepared.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift from my mom's boss's wife, who is a librarian and knows a lot about writing and writers. I enjoyed reading the book and learned a lot from it. My favorite chapters were about overcoming challenges and about the business of publishing. I made liberal use of my highlighter and will probably reference sections in the future.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first 51 habits a lot. I feel the authors in the book push new novelists to get their first draft done, and enjoy the work they did to complete it. Which is great. Others mention building your reputation as an author and dealing with rejection. Honestly its a book new authors should read if they want to take their writing seriously for years to come.

[Lauren Lopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though some of the information and advice feels a bit antiquated, I was able to glean a few good gems of knowledge and insight.

A quick read, I would recommend this for the first time novelist who plans to pursue the traditional route.

The self-published author with a few books under her belt? You can probably skip this book.

[Xae · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing new here, but that's part of the fun. This book is the writer's equivalent of a book of devotionals, albeit one of many. This is better for mystery writers due to the volume of mystery writers represented, but any writer can get something out of this.

[B.C. Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

With as many writers giving their 2 cents, this book had good insight, but much of it is best to suited for someone who is still considering a move into writing.

Anyone already immersed in that world might only add a little to their ferver.

[Adriano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great advice here, but the self-publishing section feels dated in a way. It's more concerned vanity publishers, which isn't entirely wrong, but the landscape has changed quite a bit.

The 99 other habits provided are pure gold. I'd love to see an updated version one day.

[J.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good advice. Easy to read a tidbit at a time.

[Michele Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. Full of questions put to top novelists and their honest answers. My head is in the right place now.