Teach Yourself How to Write a Blockbuster (Teach Yourself Creative Writing)

designed for all those wanting to be the next Dan Brown this introduction to writing popular fiction will be a key addition to the writer's bookshelf. Authored jointly by a literary consultant/agent, and a highly successful published author, it offers not simply a guide to writing a novel, but an introduction to writing a plot-based, action-focused blockbuster. Rather than focusing on literary theory, it covers such key practicalities as the importance of plot, pace, action, character and the different demands of such popular commercial genres as romantic fiction, thrillers, and so on. With a substantial part of the book devoted to finding an agent and making a living, and with such key features as editing exercises, soundbites and chapter summaries, it will prove indispensable to all those looking to write for a living.

Helen Corner is the founder of Cornerstones, a leading UK literary consultancy responsible for launching exciting new writers, such as Katherine Langrish, Troll Fell (HarperCollins, 2004); Judith Kelly, Rock Me Gently (Bloomsbury, 2005); and Jane Yardley, Painting Ruby Tuesday. Lee Weatherly writes contemporary fiction for teenagers; several of her books have been shortlisted for Awards; she is also a commercial fiction consultant for the Cornerstones agency and runs a series of writing workshops.