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Product Description
Product Description
This powerful book builds on the success of its predecessor - Writing the Breakout Novel - and takes readers to the next level: improving their work with practical, hands-on lessons and exercises. With patented techniques from his popular writing workshops, Donald Maass shows fiction writers exactly how to make their work stand out from the crowd. Readers will learn how to strengthen any novel-in-progress, with sections on: Building Plot Layers; Creating Inner Conflict; Strengthening Point of View and Voice; Discovering Larger Than Life Character Qualities; Developing the Psychology of Place; Every workbook exercise is followed by examples from real-life breakout novels. This is one of the most accessible novel-writing guides available today.
About the Author
Donald Maass as a leading literary agent, represents more than 100 fiction writers and sells more than 100 novels per year to top publishers in North America and overseas. He is the author of 14 pseudonymous novels and the books The Career Novelist and Writing the Breakout Novel.
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First Sentence
Why would we wish to read about characters whom we do not like? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
Why would we wish to read about characters whom we do not like? Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Practical, motivational and very user-friendly!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-on Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed (Paperback)
I'm about halfway through reading this book, but already it has fired up my imagination! I promised myself I'd look through each chapter before getting down to the workbook aspect of it, but the questions are so thought-provoking that you just want to get cracking on that novel!Of course, nothing replaces hard work and imagination, but this book goes a long way to helping wannabe writers structure their manuscripts and sharpen up prose, plot and characterisation. Personally, I had plenty of ideas, but lacked clear direction. This book really helps me address my weaknesses and tighten up my writing. I'd wholeheartedly recommend you consult this book, if only to get an idea of how many factors contribute to the success of a professional novel.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should be on every writer's shelf,
By
This review is from: Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-on Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed (Paperback)
This book, unlike so many others I've bought on the subject of writing, actually taught me some useful things. It's not for anyone wanting a novel about grammar, punctuation, etc.; it teaches you how to add more depth and realism into your manuscript. I particularly found the section on pausing a scene helpful -- that rather than just describe the action, take a moment to "capture" your character's state of mind and/or feelings about where he/she is. The book is full of advice like this, which I'd say is truly inspirational. Donald Maass knows his stuff!
However, as he says, this workbook will not guarantee you become a "Breakout Novelist", but it WILL improve your writing. Furthermore, all examples and extracts in the book are from big name authors who have indeed written breakout novels (books that rise above others in its category and become widely popular). Overall: Any writer looking to get published should read this first. In my opinion, it is the number one tip book for authors. Though be warned: Maass does presume you know the basics of storytelling. If you're just starting out, try "The Self-Editing Guide for Fiction Writers" and "The Elements of Style" instead, and once you're confident with your writing, move on to more advanced reading like Maass. Also, as you've probably read elsewhere, join a decent writers' critique group. Honest, knowledgeable advice goes further than the well-intentioned praise of friends and family. There's ALWAYS something to learn. Writing evolves, and so do you. Keep at it and don't live for the goal of publication. Publication is like the exhaustion that comes after a tough slog, with all the hard work involved in promoting and selling your book. And to any who want this book for a fast-track way to make millions: don't expect miracles. The odds on your book becoming a bestseller are next to non-existent. Instead, increase your chance of being accepted by an agent/publisher by making your manuscript the best it can be. Utilise every avenue of good advice and critique. Grow thick skin when you don't hear what you want. Praise yourself when you do. Most of all, have fun. When you're not published you write because you want to, not because you have to. Enjoy that freedom. My final thoughts: Be prepared for some time-consuming editing after reading this book, especially if you're buying this to improve an already complete manuscript. But if you truly love writing, every moment is worth it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It does exactly what it says on the tin.,
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This review is from: Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-on Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed (Paperback)
I have purchased this book following the reviews the other buyers posted and I must say this book does not disappoint. Maass really knows what he is talking about. The book is thorough and easy to follow and the exercises really make you want to touch pen to paper. Highly recommended for the wanna be writers stuck amongst their story threads.
Read it, do what it says and you won't be disappointed.
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