Writing the Blockbuster Novel

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Summary: I sent Zuckerman's agency a query letter...
Review: ...for a novel I'm shopping around, and guess what he sent me in my SASE in return? An order form for this book! Kindly eat me, Mr. Zuckerman.

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Summary: Helpful addition to one's collection
Review: From reading the title one might gather that an appropriate subtitle might be "A Hack's Guide" or "Slanting for Success." Reading the book, however, dispels that illusion. I've often wondered why certain excellent books I've read never went to the top of a bestseller list, and now I know. Most of this book covers basic stuff you can find in lots of other books on writing, but the parts that deal specifically with what makes a blockbuster novel are the best parts. You don't even need to have read the books he uses as examples-- I, personally, have read only _The Godfather_, but it was this book that made me want to. And since Ken Follett lets Zuckerman use plenty of his first-draft material to see how a good book can be made better, this book provides invaluable insight into the process of writing a novel itself. You should get this one.

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Summary: Writing the Blockbuster Novel FOR DUMMIES!!!!!!!
Review: The only fault that I found with this book is that it should have been titled "Writing the Blockbuster Novel FOR DUMMIES". I have two BIBLES on how to create a novel-the other is Stein on Writing. Both of these books contain similar content but approach the topic of creation from a different point of view. A budding novelist should read both in order to grasp the key concepts required to create an interesting and sellable work.

Like many people, I find it easier to grasp new concepts when introduced with an example. Mr. Zuckerman introduces a writing concept and then reinforces it by demonstrating how it is achieved in different blockbuster titles. The majority of the references in this book are to Ken Follett's "The Man from St. Petersburg." This book must be read in order to gain the full impact of the examples. I found that if you rent the videos "Gone with the Wind" and "The Godfather" the points of reference to these works can be gleaned over popcorn and soda.

One of the most interesting chapters is dedicated to the outlining process. Mr. Zuckerman reprints several early outlines of "The Man from St. Petersburg." For anyone trying to build a work of fiction, it is comforting to see that even a successful writer such as Ken Follett doesn't get it right the first time.(Second, Thrid...) A must have!!!!!!!!!!