How to Write a Damn Good Novel (1987) (edit title/settings)

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Liked It Rated 4 stars “I can't think how many years I have had this book and only read up to the first chapter. I have several writerly books that tell you how to do it. This is just one, and the credentials of the author are not as great as some others on the craft. That being said (written) does this book...” see full review » see other reviews »

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  • Rated 4 stars

  “I can't think how many years I have had this book and only read up to the first chapter. I have several writerly books that tell you how to do it. This is just one, and the credentials of the author are not as great as some others on the craft.
  
  That being said (written) does this book add to my path in becoming a better writer and working on my craft? Frey does give some solid guidelines that should not be ignored but he as so many want to do is tell a writer the formula that has been working for them and that their path is the way.
  
  Read three books on the craft by three authors and you will find three paths. And should you meticulously follow the path of the best selling amongst them, you will not find your way to emulating that success necessarily.
  
  So take in context that Frey can add to the journey. Work on character, work on premise. Work on what else Frey has provided. He fails in that he describes some useful tools, such as his stepsheet, but does not give a visual representation of one, where he easily could. Or when working on characters, a list of examples to get one started when you wish to 'interview' your character would have added to the work.
  
  It is a slim piece, at 170 pages and then he followed this up with a second book, and then some genre specific work as well. It leads me to believe that he knew he had more to write, but cut it. A couple evenings reading and what he shares is added to the melting pot.
  
  For those who are honing their craft it is a good addition. Not the be all and end all of what you need. You do need more than Frey has, but it would be a good first book, or third, or tenth book to add to your own lesson plan on becoming a better writer.”

  DWWilkin wrote this review Tuesday, August 9, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 5 stars

  “Want to write a damn good novel?
  
  "How to Write a Damn Good Novel" discusses the techniques and secrets behind writing a novel, from character development to plot structuring, from writing good dialogue to choosing -- what Frey calls the most important aspect of writing a damn good novel -- a premise.
  
  This is a damn good nonfiction novel and a real page turner. If you're new to writing fiction, this novel is a must. Enjoyable to read and a source of indispensable information any beginner will love!
  
  James N. Frey is a damn good instructor; a damn good writer; and, a charming fellow. ”

  John wrote this review Sunday, February 27, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 4 stars

  “if you want the best advice to write a novel this is the book”

  Sakura Morimoto....[the road to success is always under construction] wrote this review Friday, October 22, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 5 stars

  “How to Write a Damn Good Novel is a damn good book. Since the late 1990s, I attempted to write a novel but to no prevail. I had a great idea but I had no idea how to write a novel. In December 2008, I bought How to Write a Damn Good Novel and read the first page to the last page trying to soak up every word. I studied the book like a textbook. Months later, I bought Mr. Frey's follow-on book How to Write a Damn Good Novel II. I also studied this book like a textbook. My manuscript titled The Empty Lot Next Door is now making its rounds at the publishers so only time will tell if it is successful. However, Mr. Frey's inspiration and instruction made me finally stop thinking about writing and finally start writing. Thank you Mr. Frey!
  
  Arthur M. Mills, Jr.
  Author: The Empty Lot Next Door ”

  Arthur M. Mills, Jr. wrote this review Monday, May 31, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 3 stars

  “Having put aside my NaNoWriMo attempt for this year, to mulch down a little before rewriting, I have browsed a few of these kind of books.
  
  I enjoyed this - a short, brisk and bracing text of encouragement.
  
  So now I have to work out the premise of my book... hmmm”

  Toby P wrote this review Monday, February 8, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No