Bob's book, The Novel Writers Toolkit, is a must for all writers. We use it as a teaching tool at the Maui Writers Retreat and Conference. Bob is an excellent teacher and knows his writing craft. He is also very dedicated to his students. We are fortunate to have a teacher at the Retreat who really cares about other writers and is willing to share his knowledge. He's also a very likeable fellow! Check out his book, I think you'll love it! Shannon Tullius
Write It Your Self
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
The Novel Writer's Toolkit: A Guide to Writing Novels and Getting Published Bob Mayer's "The Novel Writer's Toolkit: A Guide to Writing Novels andGetting Published" is a really great book. This book should be on everyaspiring writer's book shelf. I have been an aspiring writer for the pastsixteen years and I'm really learning from this. Bob Mayer doesn't sugar-coat the business aspects of writing. The other great thing isthat this is an easy-to-read, step-by-step book. Mayer also has awonderful theraputic approach to writing and says that anyone can learnhow to write. It's not some sort of mystical talent people have the day they are born. Mayer also gives charts and grids on how to make your story better. Mayer doesn't babble on about pointless aspects of writing, like a lot of self-help writing novels do. Mayer really knows his trade and gives great advice. He talks about why and how aspiring writers fail. He also makes you really think about yourself and your needs as an author, wheather or not you're really cut out for the business side of writing. Mayer gives great details about every aspect that should be in a book, from characters to plot points and other things you wouldn't even think about. The other good point that Mayer makes is how many authors give up because of a lack of patience and frustration. He makes it clear that writing a novel more than likely won't take a day, or just a few months. Most people won't write a novel and complete it except after several years or so. Just think of J.K Rowling. Even she doesn't complete a novel in a year, much less three or five. One of the main points that Mayer makes is to never give up. Try to write every day even if you don't keep what you are writing. This book can be used at any one's level and it's not like another plain college text book. I truly believe that this book can benefit anyone out there who really wants to take their writing into the next level.
The Best!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Originally, I checked this book out from the library. I liked it so much I am now buying it to keep on hand. The first few chapters not only inspire but "show" the reader how to stay focused. I especially like the realistic explanation on submitting a manuscript - this should be required reading for anyone who wants to be published. There is alot of information packed into this little book, yet it doesn't read like a college text.
One of the Best
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Bob Mayer's "The Novel Writer's Toolkit" is probably one of the best novel writing books I've read. Other books I've read have tried to focus too heavily on the technical aspects of writing and not so much on the steps and concepts. What makes this book so easy to read is that everything is broken down into individual "tools" that, when read in order, will walk you through the entire novel writing process from beginning to end.This book also fufills an excellent role as a reference guide. Since everything is broken down into "tool" sections, it's easy to flip through the book to find what you want to know. Multiple appendices in the rear section of the book will help you outline your story, break down chapters, and assist you in writing cover letters. The index is also fairly useful and extensive.I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn the process behind writing a novel or wanting to improve their current skills. Mr. Mayer does a superb job.
Excellent!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This book defines every problem every fiction writer has ever had and addresses remedies. Bob Mayer knows his stuff. This book is personable, easy to read, and ought to be on every writer's bookshelf.
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