How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Steb-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling by James N. Frey, Jaya Dayal (Designed by)
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(Hardcover - REV)
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press
- Pub. Date: December 1987
- ISBN-13: 9780312010447
- Sales Rank: 5,716
- 192pp
- Series: How to Write a Damn Good Novel Series
- Edition Description: REV
- Edition Number: 1
Synopsis
Written in a clear, crisp, accessible style, this book is perfect for beginners as well as professional writers who need a crash course in the down-to-earth basics of storytelling. Talent and inspiration can't be taught, but Frey does provide scores of helpful suggestions and sensible rules and principles.
An international bestseller, How to Write a Damn Good Novel will enable all writers to face that intimidating first page, keep them on track when they falter, and help them recognize, analyze, and correct the problems in their own work.
Biography
James N. Frey is the author of the internationally bestselling How to Write a Damn Good Novel and How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II, as well as nine novels. He has taught and lectured on creative writing at several different schools and conferences throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Customer Reviews
How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Steb-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytellingby Anonymous
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November 23, 2000: Along with Renni Brown's Self Editing for Fiction Writers and Bird by Bird, this has become one of my favorite books on writing. I just read it and am amazed at how good it was. I expected another ho-humish how-to with the same old Writers Digest advice but got instead exciting insights, analysis of fine literature, and professional tips on how to improve my novel. I especially liked the way the author kept referring to several master works (A Christmas Carol, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, Madam Bovary, Lolita, and The Godfather) to illustrate his points about how to have a premise, internal and exter conflict, and a satisfying climax. I loved the tips for avoiding melodrama and producing dramatic literature instead, as well as the original suggestions for improving dialogue, tips I have not encountered in a other books. I am a journalist seven-eigths done with my first novel and think this book would be great for both beginners and those who have been working on their craft for years. Frey has something unique to say and says it so well that it is a treat to read. His gift of self-expression and insights into writing make the qualities of fine fiction understandable and something one can learn to reproduce. The book has a scholarly foundation (with helpful references and research) and original premises but is very funny and entertaining, too.
How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Steb-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytellingby Anonymous
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August 28, 2000: Since the publication of my bestselling suspense novel, Wake Up Dead, I field a continuous stream of questions from would-be writers on advice for getting published. My answer is always the same: buy Frey's book, How To Write A Damn Good Novel. I bought it. I read it. I followed his instructions. I earned publication in a national fiction contest. It is the best-written, most concise, witty, and thorough book-writing tutorial out there--and I've read them all. What was the first thing I did before starting my second novel? I reread Frey's book! Thank you, James.
- Write Great Fiction : Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Plot That Grips Readers from Start to FinishJames Scott Bell
- On Writing : A Memoir of the CraftStephen King
- Write Great Fiction : Characters, Emotion and ViewpointNancy Kress
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition : How to Edit Yourself Into PrintRenni Browne, Dave King, Dave King
- Writing Fiction : The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing SchoolAlexander Steele, Gotham Writers' Workshop
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