As a published author myself, I was interested to read another fellow author's opinion. I have read a number of How to Write/Publish/Advertise/Market your book guides. How to Write a Novel in 90 Days is another one on a long list.
The main idea here is that you have to be diligent and keep reading and writing. That you have to understand that once you write the words The End on the first draft of your book the task is not over. I agree with the concept that rewriting is a difficult discipline to master. Patience and a great deal of luck are also necessary.
While I agree with many things the author shares with the readers/ budding writers there are others I don't see as being a must. Shakespeare never visited Italy and it was no obstacle to write The Merchant of Venice. So I don't think you should write only from your personal experience. Imagination plays an important part and don't forget there are so many sources of information nowadays. But I absolutely agree with the concept of 'using hooks.' You should never end the chapter without a hook. You should keep the readers interest alive and make them want to keep reading.
Nowadays publishers advise you not to start your book with landscape/ weather descriptions. That's way many present day novels plunge readers in the middle of the action. It has become a sort of requirement, though some readers may find it confusing.
All in all, Conrad Jones's "How to Write a Novel in 90 Days" is an interesting guide and many may find it useful. It deserves Five Stars.
Sounds like a very helpful book. Once I start a project it generally takes me about 45 days to write a 90k novel, if I do nothing else. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI always keep an open mind and try to learn from the experience of others. As about the time to write a novel,I think it depends on many things.
DeleteI also gave this one 5 stars. I think it was really helpful. But, as you said, writing from your own experience is not a must. Of course, you need to do more research when you have to write about something you have no experience with, or a place you have never visited... but research can also be a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. As you say research is important, otherwise you can speak of a"high volcano" in an area known to have none. You can then become the target of criticism from readers.
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