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

by Sol Stein

Overview

Each year thousands of fiction writers, from beginners to bestselling author, benefit from Sol Stein's sold-out workshops, featured appearances at writers' conferences, software for writers, on-line columns, and his popular first book for writers, Stein on Writing. Stein practices what he teaches: He is the author of nine novels, including the million-copy bestseller The Magician, as well as editor of such major writers as James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, Elia Kazan, Budd Schulberg, W. H. Auden, and Jacques Barzun, and the teacher and editor of several current bestselling authors. What sets Stein apart is his practical approach. He provides specific techniques that speed writers to successful publication.

How to Grow a Novel is not just a book, but an invaluable workshop in print. It includes details and examples from Stein's editorial work with a #1 bestselling novelist as well as talented newcomers. Stein takes the reader backstage in the development of memorable characters and fascinating plots. The chapter on dialogue overflows with solutions for short-story writers, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights. Stein shows what readers are looking for— and what they avoid— in the experience of reading fiction. The book offers guidelines— and warnings— of special value for nonfiction writers who want to move into fiction. Stein points to the little, often overlooked things that damage the writer's authority without the writer knowing it. And this book, like no other writing book, takes the reader behind the scenes of the publishing business as it affects writers of every level of experience, revealing the hard truths that are kept behind shut doors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312267490
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	03/20/2002
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	902,952
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.58(d)

About the Author

Sol Stein is the author of several novels, including the million-copy bestseller The Magician. As an editor, his authors included James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, and many others. Stein has lectured widely on creative writing, and was given the Distinguished Instructor Award by the University of California at Irvine in 1993. His columns appear regularly on America Online and elsewhere.

Table of Contents

	Preface: For the Reader Who Is Also a Writer	xi
	The Responsibilities of the Writer
1.	The Reader Is Looking for an Experience	3
2.	Is Conflict a Necessity?	19
3.	Capturing the Reader	29
4.	Success Lies in Seeing the Details	54
5.	Characters Who Are Characters	66
6.	Backstage: Where Writers Get Their Plots	77
7.	Our Native Language Is Not Dialogue	90
8.	Getting Intimate with the Reader: Advanced Point of View	108
9.	Do You Promise to Tell the Truth, So Help You?	123
10.	Where Writers Go Wrong	127
11.	How to Pilot Words Precisely	139
12.	You Have All the Time You Need	148
13.	Revision as Opportunity--and Danger	150
14.	Some Fundamentals for Emigrants from Nonfiction	162
15.	A Few Guidelines for Living Forever	172
	The Responsibilities of the Publisher
16.	The Prospect Before Us	179
17.	Putting Out to the World	187
18.	Midlist, and Other Fictions of Publishing	193
	Envoi
19.	Welcome to the 21st Century	205
	Practical Matters
20.	Appendix One: The Little Things That Damage the Writer's Authority	215
21.	Appendix Two: Where Writers Get Help	224
	Glossary	237

Editorial Reviews

[Stein] shares what he has learned from his extensive experience in the fields of writing and publishing. This book stands apart from the wide field of instructional writing books by putting the writer's focus on the reader. Highly recommnded.” —Library Journal

“Stein is a fascinating guide and teacher. This should be required reading [for] 90 percent of published authors . . . Wonderful.” —The Daily Mail (London)

From the Publisher

"Come sit. We need to talk." With this simple invitation, novelist, editor, and writing instructor Stein invites the reader to listen as he shares what he has learned from his extensive experience in the fields of writing and publishing. This book, his second (following Stein on Writing), stands apart from the wide field of instructional writing books by putting the writer's focus on the reader. Stein states bluntly right from the beginning that "liars say they write only for themselves" and that a "lack of courtesy" toward the reader is one of the chief faults of unsuccessful writing. While this is perhaps a controversial notion, prospective writers will nonetheless be well rewarded by reading this collection of tips, methods, and numerous anecdotes. In this delightful instruction session, Stein proves once again that he is still a vibrant and talented force in the writing and publishing professions. Highly recommended for libraries supporting fiction writers or fiction writing instruction.--Angela M. Weiler, SUNY Libs., Morrisville Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal