Very, very good
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This book has a lot of advice and guideline to help the beginning novelist on his/her path to writing their first book. The most useful part was the plotting sections which helps to organise and plan your story. There are many examples to back up the points the writer is making as well as detailed walk-throughs on how to use his systems.
I do feel, though, that although the book covers many topics, the craft of actually writing should be followed up elsewhere. Simply because there is so much to it, and more helpful books to get you there.
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Useful for writers who already have ideas!
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I think you need the full idea of your characters and plot for this book to help, at least, you need to know where you're heading. The books helps you to organise your chapters, divide them, compare characters and action, but does not stimulate those initial ideas to get writing in the first place. I have found the book most useful in organising my plot, and referencing divisions. But I know two people who have written whole novels according to this book. If you need a Guide to maintain your motivation, this is ideal.
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Structure
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This book is giving me structure and foundation. There's a lot of structure on offer here, I recommend taking what you need and throwing the rest aside, but for the first use - as I am - I recommend following this plan to the letter! If you lack structure; buy it!
NOW! Ian
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Excellent advice & easy to follow but...
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A bit too structured for me. The sections on how to refine your story idea, be your own editor & prepare your manuscript for submission are excellent, as is the chapter on how to write action, summary and dialogue. But the bulk of the book sets out a rather rigid method for planning your whole novel before you start to write. I think his method would be really useful if you're writing a novel involving complex plotting - a murder mystery for instance, but if like me you are writing romance or something else that depends mainly on characterisation, you'll need to make some adjustments. For a 100,000 word manuscript for instance, he suggests you use 4/5 viewpoint characters, but most romances work because they concentrate on just 2, but go deep. If your writing problems are to do with structure & keeping things under control, you'll find his suggestions great, but if you follow them verbatim they might just kill your story
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The best writing book. EVER!
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I have read many writing books and most are a flop! This book gives a clear concise step-by-simple step way to build a Novel. I reccommend this to every writer of every Genre!
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