In addition to being the author of nine novels, I have written what is now regarded as the most comprehensive text/reference book for creative writing. The Novelist’s Deskbook includes everything any writer needs to take her story from a vague idea to a finished manuscript. Using the innovative Normandy system, this book presents a step-by-step process for developing and refining a story idea.
If you are like most writers, you know there are dozens of books that purport to tell you how to write a novel, and they all tell you the same things. They describe one-size-fits-all methods of story construction, and apply the same steps, writing principles and story structure to every kind of story. But stories are different. For instance, plot-driven stories and character-driven stories have distinctly different requirements. Likewise, different kinds of stories apply common tools in their own special ways. For instance, the best romance stories and the best action thrillers are written very differently. They use the same tools, but they use them differently.
It is not enough to know about the different kinds of stories and writing tools. You must know when to use them and how to use them. This book is will show you how to create and write your story.
Using the innovative Normandy system, this book presents a step-by-step process for developing and refining a story idea. Authors are guided through every step from creating an initial story outline through analysis and refinements of story conflicts and stakes and an expansion of the Core Story with the addition of substories, secondary stories and backstories. This book shows writers how to construct meaningful character biographies and use them to create three-dimensional characters and plot character arcs. Readers will also learn how to write dialogue that will bring characters to life and scene descriptions that will make readers feel they are part of the story. In this book, readers will discover how to choose the right point of view, how to master the principles of show-don’t-tell, how to manage tension and write chapter hooks and all the other tools that will lift your story to new heights.
Alan is so confident that that you will find “The Novelist’s Deskbook to be the best investment in your writing career that he backs it up with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied, just email him a copy of your proof of