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David Morrell

The Successful Novelist: A Lifetime of Lessons about Writing and Publishing Paperback – January 1, 2008

by David Morrell (Author)

105 ratings

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Learn how to write a novel from a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author with more than fifty years of writing and publishing experience.

The Successful Novelist is one of the best books on writing fiction for aspiring and experienced writers alike. David Morrell, bestselling author of First Blood, The Brotherhood of the Rose, and The Fifth Profession, tackles everything from the craft of writing and dealing with writer's block to the psychology of being a fiction writer and how to market a book. By reading this book, you'll learn how to overcome common obstacles standing in your way of becoming a successful novelist and creating better fiction in the process. Plus, it's great reference guide if you're participating in NaNoWriMo!

Topics covered include:

Novel plotting
Story structure
Character development
How to write dialogue
Book research
Viewpoint/POV
Writing descriptions
Succeeding in publishing
And more!

Praise for The Successful Novelist:

"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, international bestselling author whose books have sold over 500 million copies

"This is the best guidebook to both writing and the business of writing that I've ever read."―Peter Straub, award-winning novelist and poet

"The Successful Novelist is the vehicle you want if you plan to drive your way to successful fiction."―Joe R. Lansdale, award-winning author of 45 novels

Print length

240 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Sourcebooks
Publication date

January 1, 2008
Dimensions

6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1402210558
ISBN-13

978-1402210556
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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

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks; 1st edition (January 1, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1402210558
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1402210556
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.9 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,651 in Authorship Reference
- #4,172 in Fiction Writing Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
105 ratings

About the author

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David Morrell

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David Morrell is the author of FIRST BLOOD, the award-winning novel in which Rambo was created. He holds a Ph. D. in American literature from Penn State and was a professor in the English department at the University of Iowa. His numerous New York Times bestsellers include the classic spy trilogy that begins with THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE, the basis for the only television mini-series to premier after a Super Bowl. The other books in the trilogy are THE FRATERNITY OF THE STONE and THE LEAGUE OF NIGHT AND FOG. An Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity nominee, Morrell is the recipient of three Bram Stoker awards and the prestigious Thriller Master award from the International Thriller Writers organization. His writing book, THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST, discusses what he has learned in his four decades as an author. His latest novel is the highly praised Victorian mystery/thriller, MURDER AS A FINE ART.

Customer reviews

5 star		71%
4 star		20%
3 star		6%
2 star		3%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Susan J.

Solid advice, but a bit dated

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

“No matter how many years I’ve been writing, I still need to remind myself that this is only my first draft and that it’s okay to make mistakes. I’ll make hundreds of corrections before I’m ready to submit the manuscript. For now, all that matters is surrendering to the idea and getting those initial words on the page.”

There’s lots to love in this book as Morrell gets down to the nuts and bolts of writing and publishing a novel. I really enjoyed some historical tidbits such as how Jacqueline Suzanne discovered tricks to increase sales by buying truckers donuts, and Morrell is quite the salesman himself. He uses examples from his books to make his points, and he made his work sound so fantastic, I couldn’t help but pick up a few of his books along with Dennis Palumbo’s WRITING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, which Morrell recommends in the chapter about dealing with writer’s block.

There are some sticking points, however, in that the book is pretty dated, particularly the later chapters which mention things like MySpace, typewriters, and carbon paper. Also, a few times Morrell presents opinion as fact, such as his feelings about writing in first person point of view. All in all, I enjoyed the book and look forward to digging into the books he inspired me to buy.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Gecko T

Something Unique - Different Tips Than I've Read Before

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2020

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I've read many books on writing over the years. I think that they all added something to my writing. What this book added was real stories, the painful truths, and tips that I've never read before. It's well worth your time to read this book if you want to become a better writer.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Simon

Enjoyable and educational.

Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2019

Verified Purchase

Probably one of the best books on the subject of writing I've ever read. While giving practical advice, Morrell also tells the story of writers and writing, and the amazing adventures of his colleagues and himself from blackout-striken bookstores to the madness of movie-making world. He also provides recommendations for those readers who want to learn more on this or that specific subject.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants to be a writer.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

D Book Lover

A Must for New Authors!

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2017

Verified Purchase

David Morrell is such a fabulous author but at his very core, he's a teacher and it shows in this wonderful book! Writers will learn all the important elements a book needs to draw their readers in. I have an Indie publishing company and get authors from all levels of writing experience. I recommend this book to all of my first-time authors to help them develop their stories and learn more about essential elements in story-telling. If you are, or want to be, a world-class author, this book is a first step in getting there.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Armand Rosamilia

Great Advice

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2021

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One of the best books out there about writing and publishing, with no-nonsense breakdowns of the author's career, the highs and lows and the practical advice he gives you. The author also has a long and storied career, too, so he knows what he's talking about.

Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2020

Verified Purchase

Excellent writing advice for me. Highly recommended for any/all writers or aspiring writers, and especially for people with an urge to write who don’t know where to start.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

C. Brown

Terrific guide for an aspiring author

Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020

Verified Purchase

David covers a lot of ground, proffers many thoughtful insights, and backs it all up with examples, including authors, novels, and lines of text, as well as his own fascinating experiences. And it’s a fast, tight read that I know I’ll be referencing for years to come. I only wish I’d read it sooner.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Brad Ashlock

But like King, here is the real deal who has ...

Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2015

Verified Purchase

There's a lot of books out there by solid writers, and, strangely to me, agents.

But like King, here is the real deal who has generously shared 50+ years of writing wisdom. This book is like a master class in becoming a novelist.

It's also hilarious: "What's your high concept?"
"Uh, it's called 'Moby Dick', it's about a one-legged captain chasing a white whale--"
Agent returns to his cocaine, "What?! That sounds stupid!" SNORT.

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Mr. Patrick D. Creamer

Informative and enjoyable

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2019

Verified Purchase

I've read several 'How to' fiction writing guides but this is my favourite. The advice is practical and is delivered in an engaging, direct way. I felt like the author was talking directly to me. The book is also inspirational as explains the many obstacles you'll face in trying to write fiction, yet the author gives so much enthusiastic encouragement you want to start writing straightaway.

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2017

Verified Purchase

An amazing tool for those writers wannabe.

Steve bailey

Highly recommended.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2015

Verified Purchase

This book is a really interesting memoir of Morrell's own creative life as well as illuminating about the mechanics of fiction writing. Highly recommended.

One person found this helpful

HuikalaSam

Different to all the other books on writing - get this one!

Reviewed in Australia on June 7, 2018

Verified Purchase

David Morrell's books were a big part of my childhood and adolescence. This book is highly recommended for both fans of Morrell's work and for aspiring/working novelists. Morrell provides honest and fascinating insights into his process as a writer, including painful aspects of his personal life story which have influenced his work. Awareness of Morrell's experience as an orphan made re-reading, for example, 'The Brotherhood of the Rose' a different, more nuanced experience. Novelists will benefit from his writing advice which is quite distinct from your average book about novel-writing - from his unique insight into his own psyche and how that bears upon the writing process, to drilling into point of view in a way you've probably never thought about, to considerations about commercial aspects of writing which other authors don't have the first-hand knowledge or experience to cover. This edition is updated to account for new technology and publishing platforms, in case you're wondering.

Sprocket

Generous Teacher of the Craft

Reviewed in Australia on September 9, 2014

Verified Purchase

EverythingI expected from this classy teacher of craft. He can do it and he can teach it.
All in al a little treasure - one of my top ten 'keepers'.
If you are thinking, 'Does this guy have anything to say to me to enable my craft?' then just buy it and read it - carefully!
It is almost devoid of American self-promotional 'fluff'. He just gets down to business right off and keeps on giving and giving. A truly generous teacher.

2 people found this helpful

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