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Shvoong Home>Books>The Complete Idiots Guide To Writing A Novel Summary

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The Complete Idiots Guide To Writing A Novel

Book Review by: starbuck    

Original Author: Monteleone, Tom
     Tom Monteleone is the author of more than a dozen popular novels, including "Eyes Of The Virgin," 
"The Reckoning,"  "The Blood Of The Lamb,"  "Night Of Broken Souls,"  "Between Floors,"  "The Ressurectionist,"  "NightTrain," and "Submarine."  He has also edited six science- fiction and horror anthologies such as the successful "Borderland" series.  His novels have been translated into fourteen different languages.
     In this easy to understand, humorously told book, you learn how to 1). Tell the difference between genre and mainstream books-both what they are and who reads them. 2).  Make sure your characters speak realistically.  3). Know how to research enough to keep your story credible.  4). Beware of sloppy trasitions between scenes and characters.  5).  Devise a plot that works without resorting to cliche''s.  6). Judge if taking a writing class is right for you.  7). Make time to write-every day.  8). Decide if you''re ready to make writing your full-time job.
     We''re not idiots of course. But writing a novel takes more than talent, imagination, and a good grasp of grammar and syntax.  We need th discipline to put in the time, not only to write, but to do the research, rewrite and revise-and the courage to keep at it when we face writer''s block.
     There are interviews with authors such as Janet Evanovich (The New York Times bestselling Stephanie Plum series), Peter Straub (Ghost Story and Black House, co-authored by Stephen King), Whitley Strieber (Wolfen and Communion), Richard Matheson (I Am Legend and The Incredible Shrinking Man), Stephen Hunter (The Day Before Midnight), and William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist) offering their insights and experience as professional authors. 
    If you are considering writing, this book is a must have!
Published: November 26, 2007
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