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

~ (Author) "What in the world does writing fiction have to do with courtesy?..." (more)
Key Phrases: transient fiction, scene outline, independent editors, New York, America America, Detective Laren (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Sol Stein likens the reader of fiction to a baseball fan. The "tension, suspense, anxiety, and pleasure" a spectator experiences are "all the things readers hope for when they turn to a novel." In How to Grow a Novel, Stein coaches fiction writers in providing exactly those things for readers. First off, says Stein, you must write what you read; don't try to pull off a romance novel if you are a student of serious literature, or a literary masterpiece if you thrive on thrillers. With that in mind, Stein gears his book toward both "those who are trying to write a good book and those who are trying to write a good read." Most of How to Grow a Novel delineates what Stein considers to be a writer's obligations to his readers. A writer, he says, should be "amusing, entertaining, interesting," should create characters with character, and should maintain interest primarily by "never tak[ing] the reader where the reader wants to go." Stein illustrates his points with examples from his own experiences as a novelist and as a fiction editor.

The final section of the book is devoted to the responsibilities of the publisher. Any but the most stalwart writer can't help but be disheartened by the book business. It has often been said that a publisher determines a book's fate--barring a miracle--long before it is even released, by the funds allocated to publicize it. Stein takes this one step further, positing that a book's positioning is determined "when the agent submits it for consideration.... There are reportedly nearly a thousand literary agents in North American alone, but fewer than a dozen have clout."

Still, take heart, and try to enjoy the process. "Writing is the second most exciting activity a higher power invented for human beings," says Stein. "And when you get to your eighties, it's the first most exciting activity." --Jane Steinberg --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

"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 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312267495
• ISBN-13: 978-0312267490
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #383,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stein on Writing Redux, August 3, 2001

By	James T. Heeney (Montclair, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them (Hardcover)

I was eager to devour this book, having obtained a wealth of information from Stein's first guide for starting writers, Stein on Writing. "How to Grow A Novel," is true to its claim: it analyzes the mistakes that are most commonly made by authors, notably with regard to point of view, structure, characterization, dialogue, and description. It is certainly a valuable resource, however, to my disappointment, it seems as though throughout, Stein revisits ground already covered in his earlier work, and towards the end of this one even refers readers back to the other for answers to certain problems. In addition, I feel that Stein says nothing essentially new here; at most he seems to update the prior work by using quotes from some recently published novels as examples of good writing. Stein can help you with this book. With its predecessor, he can help you even more.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for writers, January 12, 2000

By	An aspiring writer (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them (Hardcover)

After reading Stein's invaluable STEIN ON WRITING, I thought I'd never need another book on writing. But HOW TO GROW A NOVEL is an outstanding companion volume for fiction writers of any level. He doesn't just inspire but offers practical guidelines, craft points, and solutions. And the chapters on what really goes on in publishing are refreshing in their candor.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars a mixed bag, August 30, 2004

By	bookloversfriend (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Bottom line: better get Stein's other book.
This one is long on personal stories and short on advice. Do we really need to hear all about Stein's experience with Jimmy Hoffa just to learn that a book written in voice is more lively than one written in impersonal prose? Anyone who has reached the level that they are considering reading this book probably knows that already. In any case, what is needed is HOW to write in a voice, not the vanilla advice to do so.
Of course, if you have plenty of money and plenty of time, there are probably a few tidbits in this book that may be new to you. And if you are a beginner, you'll of course benefit from hearing the ABCs expounded by this confident pro.