Writing the Breakout Novel

Rating:
Summary: Worth the time and the money, despite some drawbacks
Review: OK, so I will first start with the drawbacks. They're basically what the unsatsified reviewers of this prduct said - Maas likes to talk about himself and isn't shy about using this book to promote himself and his clients. A little annoying but BIG DEAL!

This book was extremely helpful. I've read many books on writing before. All are useful in their own way, but this one was useful through and through. Each chapter offered something important. The major contribution of this book was getting me to think BIGGER. To see the novel as an orchestra and to consider what I wanted the final product to look like and how to achieve it. It was also helpful how he reviewed different book and what it was about them that was successful. Read this book and every now and then look inside and consider whether you're following all the suggestions he offers. Writing a great novel (breakout novel) is more work, true, and with this book he helps you figure out just what work it is that needs to be done.

I can't see a book being bad if it follows all of the criteria.

Rating:
Summary: "Breakout"? Try "Lackluster"
Review: Very well written - I like the fact that Maass enforced most of thhe key concepts with examples from successful fiction - really helped enforce the concepts. Maass has a easy-to-read style - was able to get through the entire book in about 4-5 hours, but really enhanced my understanding of what separates good fiction from typical. I also like the fact that he is an agent and is writing from the perspective of someone who sees a lot of material and seems to have an eye for what makes a work "break out". Definitely worth the price.