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How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them
 
 
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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...)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)

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Frequently Bought Together

How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them + Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies + Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print
Price For All Three: $32.98

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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.

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)

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Customer Reviews

31 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (31 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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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
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.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for writers, January 12, 2000
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.
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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars a mixed bag, August 30, 2004
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars There's Many Better Books Than This
The best thing about this book is it comes across as breezy, as sitting down with an experienced pro on his backyard patio for advice. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Maine Character

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Writing Resource
After looking at books on the library shelf, I decided this book best suited my needs, along with Stein's other book, Stein On Writing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Gracie H. Vandiver

5.0 out of 5 stars the best book for writers
I got this book after I finished writing my first novel and I wish I knew about it before. It is one of the most helpful books on writing I have ever read. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Nina Rezhets

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Grow a Novel
Not the usual writing instruction addressing micro-techinques like restraint of adjective use or how to use dialog tags, Stein takes on the macro-techniques of structure, purpose... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Daniel Bell

4.0 out of 5 stars Experience Speaks
Reading Sol Stein's "How To Grow A Novel" after a long day at the keyboard
is like sitting down with a reknown novelist/teacher who also happens to be your best friend and... Read more
Published 10 months ago by J. E. Gibbons

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book but sometimes it feels a bit self promoting...
I have never read Stein on Writing though I intend to after reading this. This book inspired me in a way few other books on writing have. Read more
Published on August 29, 2007 by curtangel

1.0 out of 5 stars Rip-off sequel to an excellent book
Stein's previous book, "On Writing", is excellent, full of insights and practical advice. I often refer to it. Read more
Published on August 13, 2007 by Antonio Goncalves

5.0 out of 5 stars I constantly refer back to this book
I found the book to be insightful and helpful. It covers a good deal of areas that most beginning writers seem to forget or not realize. Read more
Published on July 10, 2007 by James A. Forrest

1.0 out of 5 stars Stein is a Snob Spouting Silly Ideas
AVOID THIS SNOB GARBAGE. Deserves NEGATIVE stars. Will NOT help you get published. Will NOT help you write well. Stein is an old man with old knowledge and old beliefs. Read more
Published on July 6, 2007 by Zalmorion

2.0 out of 5 stars From a different publishing era...unfortunately
"How to Grow a Novel" by Sol Stein is a curious anomaly in writing books. It's a jumble of information that consists of old publishing war stories, advice to book buyers, writing... Read more
Published on April 15, 2004 by Daniel L Edelen

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