How Not to Write a Novel

Rating:
Summary: Worth reading
Review: Doesn't tell you how to write, how boring would that be, tells you that your on the right track. Helps you to understand that what your probably doing is correct and regular, and that you can make it.

Rating:
Summary: Yet you'll still write...
Review: How Not To Write A Novel is more about your mentality while writing your "best seller", than helpful tips on the don'ts.

However he does provide Tips and Summaries at the end of each chapter which are insightful.

This book should be read by all aspiring to be published; it's the reality of the book business (and make no mistake, it is a business above all else).

Mr. Armstrong takes the rose colored glasses off your eyes to let you know that even the JK Rowlings and Stephen Kings were sent hundreds of rejection letters and you will too! Getting published appears more to be about luck than the quality of your writing, and that's only for the really good writers (God help us midlisters).

Read it for 2 reasons: 1) After reading this and getting passed the depression, the newly acquired knowledge of the need for a 2nd job, you'll still write your novel anyway! 2) Now you know...

Rating:
Summary: Don't Do it!
Review: Not your typical "How To" writer's book, as the title implies, but more like a guided tour of the often harsh realities that are part of being a non-bestselling author. Armstrong's eloquent voice combined with blunt honesty and concise details make this an important book for anyone who has ever written a novel, or has considered doing so with illusions of bestseller lists, packed-house book signings, and full-size window displays at Barnes & Noble. Excellent personal anecdotes relating to the publication and promotion of Armstrong's own novels make this book very informative, as well as entertaining.