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Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print (Paperback)

by Lawrence Block (Author) "If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for..." (more)
Key Phrases: Bernie Rhodenbarr, Burglars Can't Be Choosers, New York (more...)

4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Product Details

Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (July 1985)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0898792088
ISBN-13: 978-0898792089
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #363,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for the feeling to pass. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Bernie Rhodenbarr, Burglars Can't Be Choosers, New York, Trefillian House, The Burglar Who Liked, Brian Garfield, Deadly Honeymoon, Quote Kipling, John Updike, Mickey Spillane, Rudyard Kipling, Times Square

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Citations (learn more)

This book cites 52 books:

Not Comin' Home to You by Paul Kavanagh in Front Matter, and page 157
Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie on page 68, and page 193
Lord Peter: A collection of all the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L Sayers on page 193
What If? by Asma Pumpi Moore on page 190
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss on page 32

See all 52 books this book cites

10 books cite this book:

Seven Steps on the Writer's Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment by Nancy Pickard in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
Write to Publish: Essentials for the Modern Fiction & Memoir Market by Christopher Klim in Back Matter
Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins in Back Matter
Writing and Selling Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Plays, and Local History by Marcia Muth in Back Matter
A Writer's Workbook: Daily Exercises for the Writing Life by Caroline Sharp in Back Matter

See all 10 books citing this book

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	59% buy the item featured on this page: Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print 4.4 out of 5 stars (10)
	22% buy Telling Lies for Fun & Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers 4.4 out of 5 stars (19) $11.70
	9% buy Spider, Spin Me a Web: A Handbook for Fiction Writers 4.0 out of 5 stars (4) $13.16
	6% buy Writing the Breakout Novel 4.3 out of 5 stars (59) $11.55

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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews

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4 star:		(1)
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4.4 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Writing the Novel or Rewriting an Earlier Publication, June 24, 2003

By	iqhope (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I recently ordered and received Lawrence Block's book, 'Writing the Novel From Plot to Print.' IF you are very serious about writing a novel, this small book provides some thoughtful, though verbose information on tips and tricks and should and shouldn't's.
In the same order package, I purchased 'Telling Lies for Fun and Profit -- A Manuel for Fiction Writers.' I was very dissapointed to find that the second book was an almost verbatim version of the 'Writing the Novel...' book.
Keeping that in mind, if/when you order either of the books, go for the cheapest used version you can get of either because Mr. Block tells the same anecdotes, the same thoughts, and information in both books--almost verbatim.
I just wish that on either of the books information, either in Amazon or Printer's Editorial/Description, it would have been noted that the first book was a rewrite of the second (or vice versa).
As to the value of the information that is provided in either book--it's OK, but nothing earthshattering that will help you write a blockbuster novel. The text itself reads easily, as if you were having a conversation with Mr. Block in the same room. Very friendly and easy to understand--nothing you would need a college degree to comprehend.

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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent companion for the first-time novelist, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

I've been turning to Lawrence Block's books on writing for more years now than I can remember, and I can't recommend them highly enough. However, _Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print_ is more specifically aimed at writers who are attempting (or comtemplating) their first novels than are his other books, and writers who have already faced the start-up questions--like what kind of book is the one for them to write--may find his other books more helpful. Those already familiar with his wonderful _Telling Lies for Fun and Profit_ (my favorite) will also find that _Writing the Novel_ borrows heavily from it, with some chapters almost identical. Nevertheless, if you want a compact, conversational, encouraging, and down-to-earth companion to walk you through your first attempt at writing a novel, this book is excellent: Block even provides support for the post-novel blues you may experience when you've accomplished your goal. If, however, you've already tackled your first novel and still want the benefit of his humorous, sensible know-how, you should seek out the longer, more detail-oriented _Telling Lies_, or _Spider, Spin Me a Web_ (which focusses more on related issues about the writer's life). All are wonderful, but your own needs and experience will dictate which you will find more useful.

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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Advice, May 15, 2000

By	oh_pete (Cambridge. MA USA) - See all my reviews

As a young writer preparing to write a first novel I was wary of books such as Lawrence Block's WRITING THE NOVEL, but I'm thankful for the impulse that made me buy it. Block writes with a crisp and straightforward conversational tone. He's neither chummy nor condescending, and I find his advice on outlining particularly useful; he always wanted to write, was someone who started by wanted to see his name in print but who also was dedicated to the craft. Block appreciates that what works for him may not work for everybody, and he offers various examples of productive working styles, but he stresses that in all cases the successful writer is dedicated to the PROCESS of writing and understands the importance of writing steadily.

Block considers himself a craftsman. Those with high artistic pretensions would be well served to read this book for a dose of reality. The reality is that you should enjoy the work of writing, accepting the fact that "getting published" may not happen, while realizing that writing a novel is an amazing learning experience that you will always prize having done. One thing the book could use is an update for the computer word processing age. Otherwise, highly recommended.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Really not worth the paper and ink
If you're a very new writer and need some motivation then this cotton candy fluff might be of some use to you. I'm not understanding the rave reviews for this snoozer. Read more

Published 8 months ago by Courtney Vail

5.0 out of 5 stars I started with this book
The copy I have is the one I bought for the novel writing class I took in 1983. Block had a burning desire to write and some of his ancedotes are entertaining. Read more

Published on March 23, 2007 by Mary J. Mccauley

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction

I first read this book a decade or two ago. It is an old book. As others have noted, it could use an update in terms of word processing, etc. Read more

Published on July 6, 2005 by Writing runs in the family

5.0 out of 5 stars A page-turner
Some overlap with the material in Larry Block's "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit," but I'm still not sorry I got both. He will have you in stitches.

Published on March 23, 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars You Can write that novel !
To be honest, I'm not sure if this is the book,, but I'm more sure than not. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys writing, and has wondered if he or she is qualified to... Read more

Published on June 24, 2000 by slinda

5.0 out of 5 stars If writing is your burning desire, read this book.
Lawrence Block, unlike most of those who write writing books, really has been published, does this stuff for a living, and obviously loves the craft. Read more

Published on April 23, 1998 by ritamike@slip.net

5.0 out of 5 stars A real straight-shooter
This is not a "How-To" book but a "How-About" book.
It is not about absolutes, but about options. Read more

Published on June 18, 1997

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