Book review of “Writing the Breakout Novel” by Donald Maass. For the most part, this book is just more of the same. Maass doesn’t offer anything insightful, new, or especially helpful, but what sets this book apart from other writing reference books is its inclusion of subplot. When I needed to flesh out the subplot in my novel, I scoured the shelves at my local bookstores in search of a light in the darkness. Many books defined subplot, but this was the only one that gave tips on using subplots (how many, how they should relate to plot) that were helpful. If you are looking to expand your novel’s world beyond your main character, give the plotting chapters a read, otherwise you might find the advice Maass gives a little stale. Here is the blurb for Maass’ book: Writing the Breakout Novel by Don Maass ((c) Don Maass 2001, Writer's Digest Books, ISBN 0-89879-995-3) offers strategies for both first-time writers and mid-career novelists to take their prose to the next level and write the breakout novel.
Useful links:
http://www.writing4success.com/index.htm has a newsletter that includes tip sheets for writers (of fiction and nonfiction), informative articles, and numerous links.
www.writing.shawguides.com lists writers conferences by date or state.
www.everywriter.com useful information for writers.
If you are beyond basic writing advice, I recommend Deepening Fiction: A Practical Guide ofr Intermediate to Advanced Fiction Writers by Stone and Nyren. Great book used in one of my MFA in fiction workshops. Well organized with lessons that will take your writing to the next level. http://www.amazon.com/Deepening-Fiction-Practical-Intermediate-Advanced/dp/032119537X
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