The Successful Novelist: A Lifetime of Lessons about Writing and Publishing [Paperback]

David Morrell (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 1, 2008

"Like listening to a beloved brother. I found the acute observations and his narrative philosophy more valuable for the new writer than the contents of any 100 other texts."-Dean Koontz

"The Successful Novelist is the vehicle you want if you plan to drive your way to successful fiction."-Joe R. Lansdale

David Morrell, bestselling author of First Blood, The Brotherhood of the Rose and The Fifth Profession, distills more than fifty years of writing and publishing experience into this single masterwork of advice and instruction.

Morrell covers:

-Plot
-Character
-Research
-Structure
-Viewpoint
-Description
-Dialogue
-Succeeding in publishing
-And much more

The Successful Novelist reveals the truth about writing, providing the perspective authors need to write successful fiction that sells.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Morrell is the bestselling author of First Blood, The Brotherhood of the Rose and The Fifth Profession. He holds a Ph.D. in American Literature from the Pennsylvania State University and was a professor of English at the University of Iowa. He is now a full-time writer living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks; 1 edition (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402210558
• ISBN-13: 978-1402210556
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Be CAREFUL! March 3, 2008

By Stephen J. Prosapio

Format:Paperback

This is a great book on the craft of writing. I believe it is, however, a previously published book under the title "Lessons of a Lifetime of Writing" by David Morrell. For those who have read that book, this is a duplication.

For those who have not already read this book, do yourself a favor and buy it. The reviews under the previous title are excellent and informative.

http://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Lifetime-Writing-Novelist-Looks/dp/1582971439/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204579021&sr=1-1

David is a unique person to share his experience. A former college professor, he knows how to teach. As a brilliant novelist, he knows how to tell stories that entertain. This book accomplishes both of those goals.

I've read many books on writing and, in my opinion, this one ranks up there with Stephen King's "On Writing and the books by Noah Lukeman. This book will certainly compliment any writer's collection of informative books. More than that, the stories that David shares are extremely interesting and entertaining. As I read them, I could vividly imagine myself going through them with my works and one day, aided by David's sage advice, I'm sure I shall.

If you've not already purchased this book under the previous title. Buy it now!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Writing Book...by a Successful Novelist! February 26, 2008

By I Hear Vine Voices VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

An instructional writing book...by an actual successful novelist. While David Morrell may be best-known for writing "First Blood" and the subsequent Rambo novelizations, "The Successful Novelist" puts him on the map as a world-class professor of writing as he turns the edict "Those who can't do, teach" on its head. He used to teach in the University of Iowa English Department that was located below the Iowa Writer's Workshop offices. However, his instruction here is contrary to that of most college creative writing workshops, in that he adresses writers of all genres (not just "literary" writers). For that reason, this book will be of particular interest to thriller, science fiction, horror, and other genre writers looking for instruction outside of the university structure.

"The Successful Novelist" is an update edition of Morrell's first writing book, Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft with an added chapter on marketing. If you enjoy "The Successful Novelist," you should also check out Stephen King's On Writing and Strunk and White's The Elements of Style to round out your writing "home study" course.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A kind warning September 8, 2008

By Eric Morlet

Format:Paperback

I purchased the "Successful Novelist". In short: a great book. I also purchased another book from the same author David Morrell. This book is "Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" and guess what: it is exactly the same book as "Successful Novelist", but for the title.
Amazon has decided to provide a full refund including the shipment costs. Thank you Amazon.