I started with this book The copy I have is the one I bought for the novel writing class I took in 1983. Block had a burning desire to write and some of his ancedotes are entertaining. The book is good for someone starting out to write a novel. I've purchase many books on writing since that class. I read Stephen King's book on writing, and Block's book is better. It would nice if it could be updated. I used a typewriter when I took my 1983 class. I'd recommend this book for someone who wants to write a novel. Rewriting, Baby, is what most writers spend most of their time doing!
Nice introduction
I first read this book a decade or two ago. It is an old book. As others have noted, it could use an update in terms of word processing, etc. However, the fact is that I still own the book and look at it more often than just about any other book I've read on writing. There are some great books on writing out there--for instance, I found Orson Scott Card's "Characters and Viewpoint" and Gary Provost's "Make Your Words Work" to be extremely illuminating--but "Writing the Novel" probably provides the best foundation and introduction to writing I've seen. Why? It does more than teaches "technique," which is not always a good thing. Beyond technique, it also teaches you how to think like a writer. It hints at the nuts-and-bolts of a writer's life. It even models what makes for a good attitude (successful) toward the business and the client, which is the reader. More than anything, for those who love quality writing, you will just enjoy reading it. You can certainly move beyond "Writing the Novel" (don't forget to actually write, though!) but you may find yourself coming back to it again and again for understanding of the craft.
Writing the Novel or Rewriting an Earlier Publication I recently ordered and received Lawrence Block's book, 'Writing the Novel From Plot to Print.' IF you are very serious about writing a novel, this small book provides some thoughtful, though verbose information on tips and tricks and should and shouldn't's. In the same order package, I purchased 'Telling Lies for Fun and Profit -- A Manuel for Fiction Writers.' I was very dissapointed to find that the second book was an almost verbatim version of the 'Writing the Novel...' book. Keeping that in mind, if/when you order either of the books, go for the cheapest used version you can get of either because Mr. Block tells the same anecdotes, the same thoughts, and information in both books--almost verbatim. I just wish that on either of the books information, either in Amazon or Printer's Editorial/Description, it would have been noted that the first book was a rewrite of the second (or vice versa). As to the value of the information that is provided in either book--it's OK, but nothing earthshattering that will help you write a blockbuster novel. The text itself reads easily, as if you were having a conversation with Mr. Block in the same room. Very friendly and easy to understand--nothing you would need a college degree to comprehend.
A page-turner Some overlap with the material in Larry Block's "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit," but I'm still not sorry I got both. He will have you in stitches.
You Can write that novel ! To be honest, I'm not sure if this is the book,, but I'm more sure than not. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys writing, and has wondered if he or she is qualified to write a novel. Most people CAN write a noval. They just lack someone tellng them they can. No-this is not a step by step book. But if you understand where the original ideas come from, there are plenty of books, classes, internet sources, etc. to help you along. After I read Block's book, I was angered that we the public have been duped so long into thinking that the fiction writer's craft is mysterious. It does take work, but it is doeable. The thing that amazes me, is that the public allows itsself to pay someone else to entertain it, when if it would just try some of the stuff we learned at school, and at college, we would ALL be amazed at how much better and fresher the fiction would be that's available. If this is the guy that told us how we got "psycho" this is the book.After I read the book, I was shocked at how easy the ideas can flow. I loaned it to someone. I'm buying another copy!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
