Writing the Popular Novel

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I expected yet another basic how-to with lots of step-by-step instructions and writing exercises. None of that is in there, but I read it anyway, and this book is GREAT. The style is conversational and direct.

One of the best pieces of advice I found was the chapter on 10 ways to fail as a writer, such as "Keep a journal." Instead the author advocates "Save your creative energies for paying work." Having read journaling books, I can see the author's point: if I only have an hour in a day to write, should I journal or work on my novel? Which one has the potential to result in a check?

Another one: "Write screenplays instead of novels." The author again makes an excellent point that writing a novel takes as much time as polishing a screenplay, and is comparitively easier to sell. So why not write the novel and be paid millions so someone *else* can write the screenplay?

There's also some debunking about leading chapters with hooks and ending them with cliffhangers.

This book is full of very practical, real-world advice. For beginning writers, though, I'd suggest a basic introductory book on the elements of novel-writing. If you've a bit more experience and are ready to really roll up your sleeves and produce, this book is definitely for you.