Get That Novel Started! (And Keep It Going 'til You Finish) (Hardcover)

~ Donna Levin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A long-time waitress sold her first novel for six figures. A retiree sold his first mystery in his sixties. An unemployed cab driver wrote five drafts before selling his novel. This book is your first step toward writing your novel. Donna Levin clears up many misconceptions about writing and offers proven techniques for developing an idea from start to finish. An inspiring book for all the would-be novelists out there.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; First Printing edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898795176
• ISBN-13: 978-0898795172
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #973,493 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start reading this book and you WILL get your novel written!, April 25, 2001

By	Mary C "NurseMare" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

I have had a story brewing in my mind for a long time. Also, from the time I was very young I knew I wanted to write. I didn't have enough confidence to do so ... until now.

Donna Levin approaches the subject with humor, but also is very practical with her approach. One thing I like about her approach as well is that she maintains an upbeat attitude throughout the book. The other cool thing is that she includes anecdotes about other famous writers and their insecurities and ultimate success.

I read 1/3 of the book and promptly jumped up and started writing my book. Now I have three chapters written. I never dreamt I would ever get even that far! This book filled me with inspiration and hope. If you want to write as well, you should buy this book!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book and you will get your novel underway., August 31, 2008

By	Sheree Wood "Fan 'O Books" (Tampa, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been working on a novel for about a year now, and in that time have read about 15 books on the subject of novel writing. This book is one of the top 3 best books of have read on the subject, thus far.

Levin is an inspiring writer with a great sense of humor and the ability to address all of the unspoken fears of the first-time novelist, especially lack of confidence. Because I had already started my novel, I wasn't sure if this book would be as helpful for me as some of the others I have read on writing, but I was completely wrong. Levin helped me turn a major corner with my novel by suggesting a shift in point-of-view when you are feeling stymied with a character (which I was), and she helped me see the benefit of writing almost every day for a shorter amount of time, rather than trying to write for 5 or 6 hours just twice a week, as I was doing before.

Levin's book will help you figure out what you want to write, how you want to write it, and how to get it on the page. And, for down-the-road, she will help you overcome the paralysis that afflicts so many writers as they round the corner of their first draft and find themselves bored and restless with their work.

If you need encouragement, inspiration and sound advice from someone who knows what she is talking about, buy this book now!

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me to get started for the first time ever., September 15, 1999

By A Customer

I am amazed at the way Levin's book helps to get started. I've started and found the process fun and fulfilling. I never thought I could do it. But I am. Thanks Donna.