A Novel Idea - Softcover

Jones, Eddie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1946016829 ISBN 13: 9781946016829

Publisher: Dry Bones Publishing, 2019

Synopsis

Do you dream of writing a novel? Has anyone ever said, "You should write a story about that." If so, you may have a novel idea within you. Start your novel today. This quick study guide helps you learn the basic elements of novel writing, so you can make real progress on your novel today. The print copy makes a great gift for anyone who dreams of a becoming a published author.

A Novel Idea includes instructional materials, notes, and handouts from workshops taught by the author over the past 10 years at writers’ conferences. The intent of this book is to PRESENT the basic elements of novel writing in UNDER 60 MINUTES. Do not expect lengthy explanations or examples of how to use these techniques. Think of this book as Cliff’s Notes© for a novelist. When your plot sags, dialogue drags, or scenes feel stale, pull out this book and re-read sections. Chances are, a quick review of the basics will inspire you to push on.

Topics include:

How To Write Plot
We remember characters; we pitch plot. In this section you'll learn how to map your story using the "passage markers" that shape every story's journey. From introduction and motivation to your Lead's moment of maximum angst, you'll see how easy it is to develop a story that keeps your characters on the path to a confrontational climax.

How To Write Scenes!
Making a scene is as easy as: ABCD - Action, Backstory, Conflict, Decision. A good scene reveals information that moves the story forward (new goals, old secrets, hidden motives), shows conflict between characters (adds tension), deepens your characters' development, and creates suspense (introduces a new wrinkle that leaves the reader hanging). Learn the three keys to scene summary, how to create memorable moments in your story, and what four questions you should ask of each scene.

How To Write Dialogue
Dialogue can breathe life into any fiction or non-fiction story. In this section we examine what a scene is: Doing (Action), Thinking (Narrative), and Talking (Dialogue). Learn when to add tags, when to skip tags, and where to place tags. Explore the types of dialogue — Direct, Reflective, Misdirected, Modulated, Descriptive, Breathless, and Compressed.

How To Create Compelling Characters
Compelling characters are larger than life. They risk more, laugh often and love with passion. In this section you’ll learn how to invent both likable and loathsome main characters, heroes and heroines, reflection, nemesis and supporting characters. Examine your Lead's motivation, focus on his or her flaws, and explore the feelings of your hero/heroine. You’ll see how conflict, crisis, and consequences shape your characters.

How to Write Romance & Romantic Comedy
Romantic comedies are stories with light-hearted, humorous plots that demonstrate how true love can overcome all obstacles. In a typical romantic comedy, the two lovers tend to be young, likable, and apparently meant for each other, yet they are kept apart by complicating circumstances. A happy ending is always the result. Learn the basic story structure of romance and romantic comedies in less than ten minutes.

How to Write Cozy Mysteries
Despite changes within the book publishing industry, cozy mysteries remain popular. Cozy mysteries allow readers to fall in love with a quirky sleuth while at the same time solving a puzzle. Cozies avoid profanity, graphic violence, and overt sexual scenes. For readers, the payoff has less to do with “who done it” and more to do with “how the who done it.” Learn the basic story structure of cozy mysteries in less than ten minutes. Much of this information can also be adapted to general murder mysteries, suspense, and thrillers.

About this title

From the Author

If you buy this book YOU WILL NOT LEARN HOW TO WRITE a novel in 60 minutes. Some consumers who purchased this book were confused and thought they could buy this book and learn how to WRITE a novel in 60 minutes.  To do that you would have to type at over 1,300 words per minute for an 80,000 word novel. If you buy this book YOU WILL, in 60 minutes, LEARN the basic elements of a novel.

For ten years I've sat across the appointment table with authors who pitch me their project. When I ask:* "Who's your main character?"
* "What's the inciting incident in Act One?"
* What is the main character's call to action and how do they deny this call?"

I often get blank stares so I wrote this book to help beginning novelist learn the basics of plotting, scenes, dialogue, and character development. 

I quote Steven James, James Scott Bell, from the book, Save the Cat, and other successful authors and screenwriters because these individuals have mastered the craft of writing. I tell authors in my class to learn from those who are best-sellers. There is nothing new in this book that you cannot find in a library full of writing books. I have simply compiled the essential elements of a novel into one book.
I teach this information at writers conferences and to my clients at WritersCoach.us . Some authors say it helps them organize their novel. You decide if it helps you.

About the Author

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About this edition

• Publisher: Dry Bones Publishing
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1946016829
• ISBN 13: 9781946016829
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 98