Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print

Rating:
Summary: Solid Advice
Review: As a young writer preparing to write a first novel I was wary of books such as Lawrence Block's WRITING THE NOVEL, but I'm thankful for the impulse that made me buy it. Block writes with a crisp and straightforward conversational tone. He's neither chummy nor condescending, and I find his advice on outlining particularly useful; he always wanted to write, was someone who started by wanted to see his name in print but who also was dedicated to the craft. Block appreciates that what works for him may not work for everybody, and he offers various examples of productive working styles, but he stresses that in all cases the successful writer is dedicated to the PROCESS of writing and understands the importance of writing steadily.

Block considers himself a craftsman. Those with high artistic pretensions would be well served to read this book for a dose of reality. The reality is that you should enjoy the work of writing, accepting the fact that "getting published" may not happen, while realizing that writing a novel is an amazing learning experience that you will always prize having done. One thing the book could use is an update for the computer word processing age. Otherwise, highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: For Writers of Any Genera
Review: As someone who finds enjoyment by writing SF&F, I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this book. Hey, this guy's a mystery writer, right? What does he know about SF&F? Well, it really doesn't matter, because what Block has written is for writers of any genera.

This is not a "how-to" book; neither is it a "guide" to writing novels. Rather, I like to think of it as a reflection book -- that is, you should approach this book as if you are discerning how you should write your book. And Block makes this clear: each writer is different and, consequently, each writer works differently -- writing may be the only profession where the end does justify the means.

The book itself is 15 chapters and a little under 200 pages. It can easily be read in a week. Block draws from his years of experience as a mystery writer and, much to my surprise, draws from experience of other writers. For example, Block relates a fine story about Justin Scott whose first novel was awful; his second, much better; his third was sold; and, finally, was able to make a nice sale several novels later.

The chapters that I found most important were: Chapter 3: "Read . . . Study . . . Analyze," where Block exhorts all writers to read and study the most recent selling books of the chosen genera; and, Chapter 13: "Rewriting," where Block talks about how different authors approach rewriting. Block also gives very practical advice on writing habits, development of style, character development, and outlining.

But perhaps the best aspect of this book is Block's encouragement. As your reading, he makes you feel that you can write a novel and that if you continue that you will sell one eventually.

A final note. Before I read Block's book, I had read several books on how to write SF&F, and I will never read another one again. Why? Because Block is able to teach you how to write in any genera because he encourages you not only to read, but to study your genera. This is very practical, and it is one of the pieces of advice that the late Isaac Asimov gave -- the other two being (1) to write as much SF&F as one can; and, (2) to develop a thick skin.

Rating:
Summary: Writing the Novel or Rewriting an Earlier Publication
Review: I recently ordered and received Lawrence Block's book, 'Writing the Novel From Plot to Print.' IF you are very serious about writing a novel, this small book provides some thoughtful, though verbose information on tips and tricks and should and shouldn't's.
In the same order package, I purchased 'Telling Lies for Fun and Profit -- A Manuel for Fiction Writers.' I was very dissapointed to find that the second book was an almost verbatim version of the 'Writing the Novel...' book.
Keeping that in mind, if/when you order either of the books, go for the cheapest used version you can get of either because Mr. Block tells the same anecdotes, the same thoughts, and information in both books--almost verbatim.
I just wish that on either of the books information, either in Amazon or Printer's Editorial/Description, it would have been noted that the first book was a rewrite of the second (or vice versa).
As to the value of the information that is provided in either book--it's OK, but nothing earthshattering that will help you write a blockbuster novel. The text itself reads easily, as if you were having a conversation with Mr. Block in the same room. Very friendly and easy to understand--nothing you would need a college degree to comprehend.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent companion for the first-time novelist
Review: Lawrence Block, unlike most of those who write writing books, really has been published, does this stuff for a living, and obviously loves the craft.

Also, unlike most of those who write writing books, he doesn't try to tell the reader how to write. He doesn't attempt to impress the would-be writer with elaborate "methods" or "systems" which are worth exactly nothing when a writer is first starting out. Methods and systems which work for one writer inevitably do not work for another. For instance, I do not outline. Some writers (and instructors of writing) would consider this a failing. I do not.

As Block says so eloquently in his book, "The novel is an organic thing."

It's nice to know that I'm not necessarily doing it wrong. In fact, Block lets us know there is no "wrong" way to write one's novel. That's refreshing.

He goes about the business of talking about writing in terms of the easiest way to get the job done and always with the caveat that we writers each come to that business with our own habits, quirks and methods and the trick is to find the best one for each of us. The writer can't depend upon anyone else to find that "first step" in "the journey of a thousand miles" for him or her. It's hard work, and since somebody's got to do it, it might as well be me . . . or you . . . or the neighbor lady down the street with the manuscript hidden in her closet.

A tremendously encouraging and insightful book. I suggest it highly.

Rating:
Summary: A page-turner
Review: Some overlap with the material in Larry Block's "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit," but I'm still not sorry I got both. He will have you in stitches.

Rating:
Summary: You Can write that novel !
Review: To be honest, I'm not sure if this is the book,, but I'm more sure than not. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys writing, and has wondered if he or she is qualified to write a novel. Most people CAN write a noval. They just lack someone tellng them they can. No-this is not a step by step book. But if you understand where the original ideas come from, there are plenty of books, classes, internet sources, etc. to help you along. After I read Block's book, I was angered that we the public have been duped so long into thinking that the fiction writer's craft is mysterious. It does take work, but it is doeable. The thing that amazes me, is that the public allows itsself to pay someone else to entertain it, when if it would just try some of the stuff we learned at school, and at college, we would ALL be amazed at how much better and fresher the fiction would be that's available. If this is the guy that told us how we got "psycho" this is the book.After I read the book, I was shocked at how easy the ideas can flow. I loaned it to someone. I'm buying another copy!