Synopsis
"WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL is like having a pocket-sized mentor you can consult any time. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.”—Alex Kourvo, Writing SlicesLawrence Block is almost as well known for his instructional books for writers and his 14 years as a monthly contributor to "Writers Digest," as he is as a bestselling author and MWA Grand Master. WRITING THE NOVEL, his first book for writers, has remained continuously in print since its original appearance in 1978. Recently revised and expanded, each chapter has been updated, and Block has included essential information on digital publishing, self-publishing, how to get published, and the perils—and opportunities—awaiting debut and veteran novelists alike.
Unlike so many advice-givers, Block doesn’t tell you what book to write, or the one and only way to write it. He holds that every novel is different, and so is every novelist; his aim is to give you the tools to enable you to find your own way.
You will find chapters on:
- deciding which novel to write
- developing plot ideas and characters
- outlining
- rewriting
- getting published
- self-publishing
- and so much more!
In this revised edition, WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL, Lawrence Block retains all his original text while creating a writer’s guide that’s fifty percent longer than previous editions. As he would be the first to tell you, you don't need this book—or any other—to succeed as a novelist. Still, thousands of writers have found it most helpful—and who couldn’t use a little extra help?
Review
"Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel is not a practical, nuts-and-bolts writing manual. It's a philosophical handbook that answers the tough questions whoever wants to write a novel has to eventually face: Should you write novels or short stories? How do you get ideas? I've written a novel, now what? That sort of stuff. Lawrence Block delivers his take on writing novels from the widest, most conceptual angle possible, which only a renowned novelist like him could've done successfully. There are some things you can only discuss if everyone around you knows you excel at it. One of the bosses as my job calls it "high level stuff". Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel is a high level writing manual."
-Benoit Lelievre, Dead End Follies
"Because he doesn't seem capable of writing a sentence that's not entertaining, reading this book is an enjoyable experience in itself, not just for its educational and informational value. Block also provides quite a bit of background on how some of his novels came to be written, and that's always interesting to me. As for the writing, I already do many of the things he suggests, but I also picked up some ideas about things I'm going to be watching for in my own books. One of the nice things about writing is that you can always get better at it...If you're a novice writer or an experienced writer or anywhere in between, or if you're just interested in good fiction and its creation, I highly recommend it."
-James Reasoner, Rough Edges
"An essential book, not just for writers but for anybody interested in writing and reading. My favorite chapter is Chapter 18, which is the one I advised my daughter to read first after I gave her the book. You should start wherever you want to. Just be sure to go ahead and read them all because this is still right at the top of my list of good books about writing. Highly recommended."
-Bill Crider, Pop Culture Magazine
"Since the Seventies I've probably bought a dozen or so books on how to write good. I've kept two them and they're both by Larry Block. The damned things are fun to read. He shares his stories of writerly failure and success with his usual wit, style (the best sentences in the business as I always say) and genuine wisdom. And he teaches you stuff. Useful, practical, serious stuff. I keep the two books on the shelf right of my desk. I pick them up all the time if only to make myself feel that maybe the piece I'm working on will not, after all, end my career. Larry makes you feel good about being a writer....This is must-have material, folks. No kidding."
-Ed Gorman
"When a venerated, award-winning craftsman like Lawrence Block pens a tome on how to write a novel, authors would be well advised to pay heed. As much a memoir as it is a how-to, or how-not-to, book, I found the insights into Block's process fascinating, especially the aspects that mirror my own approach. While he makes the point that there may be no right way to write the perfect novel, Block underscores the marvelous diversity of systems that provably work, drawing from a long career as one of the most respected names in the business. Highly recommended to authors, and readers interested in the writing process, alike. Five solid stars."
-Russell Blake
"WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL is like having a pocket-sized mentor you can consult any time. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy."
-Alex Kourvo, Writing Slices
"In addition to old reliable topics like developing plots and characters, rewriting, developing your style, and breaking into the business, Block also addresses the increasingly important topics of self-publishing and all the pros and cons that go with it. If you're looking for a new book on writing, this is it."
-Dan Schwent, Dangerous Dan's Book Blog
"In no way does Lawrence Block ever say that THIS is how you write a book, there is NO other way. On the contrary, this is an informational guide, subjective and simple."
-Rhiannon Mills
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