Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-On Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed

by Donald Maass

Book Overview

Make Your Novel Stand Out from the Crowd Noted literary agent and author Donald Maass has done it again His previous book, Writing the Breakout Novel , offered novelists of all skill levels and genres... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158297263X
• ISBN13: 9781582972633
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 1.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 10.7"

Customer Reviews

I use this more than the actual book

I have both workbook and book. I use this when I'm plotting or replotting a book. I find the exercises make me think hard about my stories and bring out my creativity. I'd definitely recommend it.

Good Hands On Exercises

This book is most beneficial to writers who have already completed the first drafts of their manuscripts. The exercises made me review some of my characters' attributes and turn offs as well as making sure my secondary plots tied into my main plot. Mr. Maass' suggestions caused me to re-think my villians a little bit and show a side to them that could be somewhat empathetic. Also, adding tension on every page for me was tough, but I found creative ways to do it. I do believe my completed novel is better now after making suggested changes. I stuck to my own gut on some of the things he suggested I change, but overall I did use a lot of his advice. This is a good purchase but you must do the written exercises not just skim over them.

It's like having a bestselling author right next to you

How much would it help your writing to have a bestselling author grab your hand and guide you as you work? CRAZY STATEMENT WARNING: This handbook is EVEN BETTER than the actuall book itself! (I have that one, too. It's good, but not THIS GOOD). I know that sounds impossible, but when you go through it, you'll see. The techniques, questions, and instruction just don't get any better. If I knew of a book more valuable than this one to aspiring writers, I would be reviewing it right now. But I'm not. This book is a MUST have by any serious author.

An Eyeopener for Advanced Students of Fiction Technique

What does an aspiring novelist do when they've read just about all the how-to books out there? This has become my own dilemma, since I've read over 30 of the best fiction writing books (often twice) and am still looking for new insights and pearls of wisdom. It's not a bad idea to read the basics of fiction writing multiple times, since repetition is the surest way to permanently absorb and remember all the many details one must know to succeed in the novel writing market. This is why I heartily recommend Maass' new workbook IF YOU HAVE MASTERED THE BASICS AND ARE READY TO TACKLE THE ADVANCED ASPECTS OF NOVEL TECHNIQUE. Reading his previous book, "Writing the Breakout Novel" is imperative, and having read it twice is even better preparation. By expounding on his previous book's instructions and providing over 500 individual tasks to aid in improving and refining what you've already written, Maass has written a workbook that should make a big difference to anyone willing to spend the time and energy required to write a truly great story. This book is not for beginners, and it's not for sissies, but if you are thoroughly committed to succeeding and have already written a substantial part of your manuscript, it can give you the help you need to put you over the top. Bookstores are full of mediocre novels that somehow got published. Donald Maass has set a new standard for excellence. If you're serious, get "Writing the Breakout Novel" and "The Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook," and go for it!

Chuck the rest of my collection if I can keep this book

After attending one of Maass' BN workshops and diligently typing down all the questions he posed us, I preordered this book immediately.This was everything I hoped it would be and more, even with the "heads-up" I'd gotten from the workshop. I've gone through the first section since receiving my copy and it's already made me rethink my heroes and all the impacts to the plot.This is a definite keeper and I'll likely have to get another two copies for when I wear this one's spine to nothing.If I could pass out more stars, this book would get fifteen.