How to Grow a Novel : The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make And How To Overcome Them

Rating:
Summary: From a different publishing era...unfortunately
Review: "How to Grow a Novel" by Sol Stein is a curious anomaly in writing books. It's a jumble of information that consists of old publishing war stories, advice to book buyers, writing tips, and a large bit of self-promotion (not for new writers, but Sol Stein himself.) A publisher, editor and book doctor, Stein has plenty of insights and comes off as a grandfatherly mentor . Despite this admirable curriculum vitae, a reader's assessment of the value of all this is truly up in the air.

Written in an almost biographical fashion, this guide is best when Stein cuts to the chase of what works and what doesn't. His advice on tightening wording and the logical flow of action are very helpful. The section on realistic dialogue is perfect. The discussion of how to best position the "engine" that will drive your novel is also well done. There are several helpful bits here; best of all, the cream of his advice is summarized in one chapter.

But this book is troublesome on many accounts. Stein is an old-timer, and as much as he despises today's formulaic fiction, that unfortunately is what is selling--whether he (or a prospective bestselling author) likes it or not. It is one thing to write well, but quite another to aspire to the literary heights of Fitzgerald, Faulkner, and Hemingway and then suffer for it. He also has a penchant to refer to his client's works. The issue with this is that most of us have not read those works and they are significantly older, written in a manner not in keeping (again) with what is selling. Lastly, the iconoclastic Stein believes that quality trumps everything, including potential sales. He gives plenty of examples of how he turned low-selling, but exceptional, works into bestsellers. But today's editors are not being given that luxury to nurse books along and spend a fortune to promote them. All this only creates hope where little exists in today's market.

So "How to Grow a Novel" is a mixed bag. Because of its layout it is hard to use as a reference--lots of cherrypicking is required. The advice is sometimes spot-on, sometimes archaic. The reminiscing is nice in a biography, but ho-hum here. And with the constant references to Stein's older writing book, "Stein on Writing," it's probably just a better idea to read that one and pass on the merely fair "How to Grow a Novel."

Rating:
Summary: An indispensable addition to your library
Review: I'm not a big fan of "How to Write" books.

I remain convinced that the best way to learn how to write is to read good fiction; and there's always the time-tested method of practice, practice, practice. You need no guide, and no coach, to scrutinize your favorite novels and ask yourself, "What makes this novel so great?"

Sol Stein's, HOW TO GROW A NOVEL is best touted as a book on how to make your fiction marketable. As the subtitle suggests, Stein points out many of the flaws that many newcomers to fiction often overlook. They are the very same flaws that weaken your fiction and place doubt in the publisher's mind.

The publishing business has become like most other American businesses: bottom-line oriented. If you're novel isn't sellable, it's unlikely that you'll get published. We Americans are impatient; we want our story delivered to us in a syringe, not in a poem.

Stein's book will help you to focus more on your story and less on your writing. As he repeatedly notes, the writing should be invisible to the reader. The reader is after the story, the engine that makes our hearts races and our minds dream. Stein's book will help you to look at your manuscript with an editor's eye; all of those seemingly excusable mistakes will pop out at you and make you blush, embarrassed that you were once thinking of sending that manuscript to an agent.

So, if it's publication in the mainstream fiction market you're after, then I would consider this book indispensable. Much of it is, however, common sense. It's stuff we all know but don't realize we know.

The only reason I've given this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because there's nothing new here. This book offers nothing that his previous book, "Stein on Writing," offered (despite what other reviews say); but I think the same information has been presented in better packaging. I greatly prefer HOW TO GROW A NOVEL to STEIN ON WRITING; although I'm glad to own both.

The other problem with HOW TO GROW A NOVEL is that it so strictly develops margins for the writer that I'd hate to see new writers be afraid to try something new. Most rules are breakable: it's being crafty enough to get away with it that's tough.

All in all, if you need to learn how to write properly, pick up a copy of Strunk & White's THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE. But if you write for publication and you need the help of an excellent editor and some down-to-earth advice on making readers love what you write, pick up a copy of HOW TO GROW A NOVEL and get to work!

Rating:
Summary: No Serious Writer Should Be Without This Guide
Review: Writers of all experience levels know you have to constantly hone your craft. "How to Grow a Novel" takes an in-depth look at every aspect of writing. From the common problems that plague writers to what a reader really wants out of a book, this guide to writing is one of the best on the market.

Chapters cover:
• Conflict
• Characters
• Plots
• Dialogue
• Point of View
• Crafting Your Words
• Revision
• Nonfiction Emigrants

Each chapter tackles important fundamentals writers often struggle with. Stein uses real-life examples from popular novels to illustrate his point, making it even easier to apply his suggestions to your own writing.

Whether you're a published author or just beginning your writing venture, Stein's experience can definitely help. He talks candidly about what works and what doesn't. "How to Grow a Novel" also spells out the key ingredients your novel should contain as well as how to incorporate them into your own writing.