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How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method To Write Better Novels: Writing Skills
Want to write a novel?What’s holding you back?
Lack of confidence? Not sure where to start?
There has never been a better time to be a writer, provided you know how best to go about it.In this short but to-the-point introduction, publisher, editor and writer, Jim Driver reveals the secrets the experts use to write bestselling novels.
Taking inspiration from the classic Pulp Fiction writers of the golden era, Jim shows how to banish writers’ block forever and reveals the easiest ways you can create and plot commercial novels.
Don’t let your doubts hold you let Jim show you how you can take action and start writing your profitable novel today.
NEW 2019 EDITIONReviews of Previous Editions“Right to the point, no fluff or filler, just what I was looking for as a starter guide to writing. Will definitely read Jim's other books in the future.” Amazon Customer, Amazon.com
“I loved this book, I really did. I found it refreshing, full of no-nonsense honest advice that tells it like it is, a book in which the author likens the old pulp fiction books to modern Kindle short novels.” Poet’s Wife, Amazon.co.uk
It’s time to start your novel.Download your copy of How To Write A Novel The Easy Way today.
Lack of confidence? Not sure where to start?
There has never been a better time to be a writer, provided you know how best to go about it.In this short but to-the-point introduction, publisher, editor and writer, Jim Driver reveals the secrets the experts use to write bestselling novels.
Taking inspiration from the classic Pulp Fiction writers of the golden era, Jim shows how to banish writers’ block forever and reveals the easiest ways you can create and plot commercial novels.
Don’t let your doubts hold you let Jim show you how you can take action and start writing your profitable novel today.
NEW 2019 EDITIONReviews of Previous Editions“Right to the point, no fluff or filler, just what I was looking for as a starter guide to writing. Will definitely read Jim's other books in the future.” Amazon Customer, Amazon.com
“I loved this book, I really did. I found it refreshing, full of no-nonsense honest advice that tells it like it is, a book in which the author likens the old pulp fiction books to modern Kindle short novels.” Poet’s Wife, Amazon.co.uk
It’s time to start your novel.Download your copy of How To Write A Novel The Easy Way today.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2014
306 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 30, 2015
Way too basic (and with too little information about actual pulp fiction writers and their exact methods—no examples aplenty here). Might be useful to someone who's really a beginner, but even then, some of the advice here is too close to inciting people to rehash stories.
September 29, 2014
Great strategies
As my title says, great strategies and pointers for ironing out the writing process and getting your work to the masses. Lots of great advice, from how to come up with story ideas to forming an outline to editing your final draft. Granted, most of these strategies are addressed in other writer's guides, but the angle here, that of writing like the great pulp authors of the past, is the major selling point. Do it fast, do it well, but above all else, just do it and get it out there. I believe I'll take that to heart.
As my title says, great strategies and pointers for ironing out the writing process and getting your work to the masses. Lots of great advice, from how to come up with story ideas to forming an outline to editing your final draft. Granted, most of these strategies are addressed in other writer's guides, but the angle here, that of writing like the great pulp authors of the past, is the major selling point. Do it fast, do it well, but above all else, just do it and get it out there. I believe I'll take that to heart.
December 18, 2017
Is it really so easy to write a novel?
"The usual advice doled out to beginners is that they should write what they know. That was a good tip in the days before the Internet, Google Street View, and Wikipedia. Now it’s so easy to research places, dates, and people this advice no longer applies. I say you should write what you read."
Yes, Jim is right. This book is very helpful in drafting a novel. A practical approach adopted the author himself. This book includes lots of basics of novel writing and great tips, step by step.
"The usual advice doled out to beginners is that they should write what they know. That was a good tip in the days before the Internet, Google Street View, and Wikipedia. Now it’s so easy to research places, dates, and people this advice no longer applies. I say you should write what you read."
Yes, Jim is right. This book is very helpful in drafting a novel. A practical approach adopted the author himself. This book includes lots of basics of novel writing and great tips, step by step.
December 14, 2014
This book is one that all aspiring authors need to add to their library. Wonderful step-by-step writing tips for newbie and seasoned writers alike. Highly recommend!!
Adrienne Thompson
Author of the Bluesday Series
Adrienne Thompson
Author of the Bluesday Series
March 11, 2018
As many others have mentioned, this one was aimed more at novice writers who are just beginning. That's not necessarily a bad thing but more established writers probably won't benefit from this one as much.
Mind you, it was worth it just for the simple affirmation that we shouldn't think too much as writers and should just write!
Mind you, it was worth it just for the simple affirmation that we shouldn't think too much as writers and should just write!
October 30, 2016
Driver has been an editor, presided over a small publishing house, and he’s also a ghost writer.
Tragically this isn’t about writing pulp fiction. *sad face*
But it is good, succinct writing advice. He goes through, plot, structure, the three act setup etc. All in less than 15k words.
He points out that the beautifully crafted literary fiction is not, and never has been, the big seller in the book industry. So why try to be that author? Unless you have a burning ambition…
[These days Kindle Spy can tell you EXACTLY how much money the poorly written fiction is making, and it’s soul destroying.]
A lot of the things Driver talks about here, I have heard in other places, read in other books (most written after his) especially from people like Chris Fox or Nick Stephenson. It’s becoming standard advice for indie or self publishing authors.
And I get it, but I admit that for me trying to guess the market feels dishonest. That’s just me. I could not write a military sci-fi book because that’s what’s selling… mostly because that’s not a genre that interests me. I haven’t read it. It would be foolish in the extreme to write a genre you haven’t read. Believe me, I’ve seen articles from people who tried to do that and not unexpectedly, they crashed and burned.
But it is possible to veer your work into a sub-genre that you DO know.
You like romance? Write a saga romance. They’re big sellers. You know the ones; you follow the love lives of all of the one family, or all of the workers at one fire station, or all of the staff at a hotel. Or whatever.
You love mystery writing? Try writing a cosy mystery.
He says to plot it all out. And he votes for Scrivener as your writing software. (yay. Don’t we all?)
He also has a link to a free copy of his plotting book. Ooh. I’m off to get that now.
4 stars
Tragically this isn’t about writing pulp fiction. *sad face*
But it is good, succinct writing advice. He goes through, plot, structure, the three act setup etc. All in less than 15k words.
Forget about being a critic. You are a craftsman and you need to read your work as words and sentences on a page. Ask yourself these questions:
Does it make sense?
Is what I am trying to say clear and to the point?
Does it advance the story in some way?
If the answer to every one of these questions is yes, then what you’ve written is good enough. If not, you just need to edit. I’ll show you how to do that later. (Kindle Locations 81-85).
He points out that the beautifully crafted literary fiction is not, and never has been, the big seller in the book industry. So why try to be that author? Unless you have a burning ambition…
[These days Kindle Spy can tell you EXACTLY how much money the poorly written fiction is making, and it’s soul destroying.]
A lot of the things Driver talks about here, I have heard in other places, read in other books (most written after his) especially from people like Chris Fox or Nick Stephenson. It’s becoming standard advice for indie or self publishing authors.
And I get it, but I admit that for me trying to guess the market feels dishonest. That’s just me. I could not write a military sci-fi book because that’s what’s selling… mostly because that’s not a genre that interests me. I haven’t read it. It would be foolish in the extreme to write a genre you haven’t read. Believe me, I’ve seen articles from people who tried to do that and not unexpectedly, they crashed and burned.
But it is possible to veer your work into a sub-genre that you DO know.
You like romance? Write a saga romance. They’re big sellers. You know the ones; you follow the love lives of all of the one family, or all of the workers at one fire station, or all of the staff at a hotel. Or whatever.
You love mystery writing? Try writing a cosy mystery.
He says to plot it all out. And he votes for Scrivener as your writing software. (yay. Don’t we all?)
He also has a link to a free copy of his plotting book. Ooh. I’m off to get that now.
4 stars
November 24, 2014
The premise of this work seems to be that you don't need to be a great or even good writer to be published anymore, you just need to be prolific at it to make money. In an age where it's possible to self publish, the author basically encourages the reader to pick a time period, location, and characters and throw together whatever comes to mind as quickly as possible. To him, you should be able to write a draft in just one week. The more you produce, the more money you'll make, which is no doubt why he mentions his other titles throughout. And don't worry about pesky editors, just be your own. Anyone can be a published author, why not you?
If you've ever taken a High School English class, you'll already know the "tips" he gives which is nothing more than the Three Act story structure. He may term what you learned as the Rising Action the Inciting Incident, but it's the same. Instead of using actual written works to illustrate his points, he uses the movie "Meet The Parents."
If you're looking for something that's helpful, well thought out and based in actual literature, this book isn't it. You'd be better off guest attending a HS English class. It was clear from the start that the author was writing this just for profit. There is some credibility in the practice makes perfect idea but I dread the onslaught of trash this book and other's like it are encouraging in the process.
If you've ever taken a High School English class, you'll already know the "tips" he gives which is nothing more than the Three Act story structure. He may term what you learned as the Rising Action the Inciting Incident, but it's the same. Instead of using actual written works to illustrate his points, he uses the movie "Meet The Parents."
If you're looking for something that's helpful, well thought out and based in actual literature, this book isn't it. You'd be better off guest attending a HS English class. It was clear from the start that the author was writing this just for profit. There is some credibility in the practice makes perfect idea but I dread the onslaught of trash this book and other's like it are encouraging in the process.
February 26, 2017
It was rather short and basic, and pushed you towards his other books, but I got it for free so I can't complain too much.
December 30, 2017
Good intro to writing commercial fiction
I've read a lot of books on writing craft and really enjoyed the author's take on writing clear, well-known structured fiction that readers want to read.
There's a good introduction to structuring and outlining a novel, and some excellent advice on generating and developing ideas.
I've read a lot of books on writing craft and really enjoyed the author's take on writing clear, well-known structured fiction that readers want to read.
There's a good introduction to structuring and outlining a novel, and some excellent advice on generating and developing ideas.
March 25, 2018
Some good tips and a really fast read. I thought Driver's idea of doing research after you're done writing to be a caution for me to avoid going overboard on the research. It was in line w/Fox's "5k wph", but Fox's had more detail.
December 28, 2017
This book might be helpful for an author who's only just starting, but it contained nothing I didn't know already.
January 13, 2020
Writing to a pulp.
Good stuff here. Solid and sound. Good technics for speeding up the process. Good reminders. However,much of it is not new.
Good stuff here. Solid and sound. Good technics for speeding up the process. Good reminders. However,much of it is not new.
August 28, 2017
Simple and to the point; nothing exactly ground breaking, but alot of helpful tips nonetheless.
February 19, 2017
I have never read a book so simple and easy to follow. The author hits the nail on the head. I was so inspired after reading this book, that I wrote a shell of a story off the top of my head. When I realized I was a "panster", I looked for more books and found one on outlining. That was enough to say screw it, I'm buying the entire set of books.
I will dedicate my first book to Mr. Driver!
I will dedicate my first book to Mr. Driver!
January 22, 2015
I'll get back to this one later.
December 17, 2022
L'idée derrière ce titre (putassier) est intéressante bien que pas du tout originale : présenter la méthode d'écriture des auteurs pulp américains (et non pas celle de Quentin Tarantino pour son film Pulp Fiction) et l'adapter aux besoins des aspirants auteurs pour sauter le pas et écrire leurs romans.
C'est bien connu les auteurs de pulp devaient écrire à la chaine, vite, pas forcément bien, mais surtout, beaucoup puisqu'ils étaient payés au mot. Certains auteurs comme Upton Sinclair écrivaient jusqu'à 8.000 mots par jour... De quoi justement faire saliver tout écrivain en herbe. Jim Driver nous propose donc ici de décortiquer leurs méthodes de travail pour mieux se les approprier.
Voilà pour l'intention.
Pour l'exécution par contre, ça coince.
Comme une grande majorité des livres de Method Writing, ce livre-ci se repose grandement sur son titre à rallonge mais au fond ne tient pas ses promesses. Car s'il est bien question d'auteurs de Pulp Fiction, Jim Driver ne prend pas la peine de faire un focus sur ces dits auteurs, ni sur leurs méthodes, se contentant de survoler ce que tout le monde sait déjà : un homme+une machine à écrire et rien d'autre. Merci bien. Et pour ce qui est de la planification de l'intrigue ? Ne vous cassez pas la tête, Jim Driver vous propose cette bonne vieille méthode de Joseph Campbell, le parcours du héros en 3 actes. Soit, la base de la base. Bon.
Là où ça devient franchement désagréable c'est quand l'auteur nous renvoie à ses autres e-books pour approfondir certains points (dialogues, plan...) accentuant l'impression qu'il nous prend réellement pour des pigeons.
C'est bien connu les auteurs de pulp devaient écrire à la chaine, vite, pas forcément bien, mais surtout, beaucoup puisqu'ils étaient payés au mot. Certains auteurs comme Upton Sinclair écrivaient jusqu'à 8.000 mots par jour... De quoi justement faire saliver tout écrivain en herbe. Jim Driver nous propose donc ici de décortiquer leurs méthodes de travail pour mieux se les approprier.
Voilà pour l'intention.
Pour l'exécution par contre, ça coince.
Comme une grande majorité des livres de Method Writing, ce livre-ci se repose grandement sur son titre à rallonge mais au fond ne tient pas ses promesses. Car s'il est bien question d'auteurs de Pulp Fiction, Jim Driver ne prend pas la peine de faire un focus sur ces dits auteurs, ni sur leurs méthodes, se contentant de survoler ce que tout le monde sait déjà : un homme+une machine à écrire et rien d'autre. Merci bien. Et pour ce qui est de la planification de l'intrigue ? Ne vous cassez pas la tête, Jim Driver vous propose cette bonne vieille méthode de Joseph Campbell, le parcours du héros en 3 actes. Soit, la base de la base. Bon.
Là où ça devient franchement désagréable c'est quand l'auteur nous renvoie à ses autres e-books pour approfondir certains points (dialogues, plan...) accentuant l'impression qu'il nous prend réellement pour des pigeons.
January 4, 2023
Although there is some useful information on basic story structure and the history of pulp fiction (that being, quickly written, easily accessible, cheap, short novels), the author loses me on three points.
1. "Note: Although this book is primarily aimed at writers who want to self-publish online, most of what I say also applies to anyone who yearns to be picked up by a traditional publisher."
19% in, Preparing To Write, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
2. "Have you ever written an email or a school essay? Assuming you have, you're already a writer."
4% in, First Things First, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
3. "Writers who don't give up and who get published either don't realise they're terrible or else they don't care."
8% in, The Curse of the Writer, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
I don't pretend to be an expert, but I don't believe traditional publishers are interested in pulp.
I don't think anyone who can write an email is a writer.
I don't accept the suggestion that all writers are bad, they just have to keep at it and ignore their inner critic to get better.
And I don't know why I'm taking these insults from someone whose back catalogue I can't look up because he ghost writes and uses pen names.
A couple of minor errors, 'at' instead of 'as' and 'progress' in place of 'process' but by that point, I was halfway out the door anyway.
1. "Note: Although this book is primarily aimed at writers who want to self-publish online, most of what I say also applies to anyone who yearns to be picked up by a traditional publisher."
19% in, Preparing To Write, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
2. "Have you ever written an email or a school essay? Assuming you have, you're already a writer."
4% in, First Things First, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
3. "Writers who don't give up and who get published either don't realise they're terrible or else they don't care."
8% in, The Curse of the Writer, How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method... To Write Better Novels by Jim Driver
I don't pretend to be an expert, but I don't believe traditional publishers are interested in pulp.
I don't think anyone who can write an email is a writer.
I don't accept the suggestion that all writers are bad, they just have to keep at it and ignore their inner critic to get better.
And I don't know why I'm taking these insults from someone whose back catalogue I can't look up because he ghost writes and uses pen names.
A couple of minor errors, 'at' instead of 'as' and 'progress' in place of 'process' but by that point, I was halfway out the door anyway.
January 5, 2025
Jim's focus is that writers need to be writing. Writing clearly, concisely, and moving their story forward. I bought this ebook in 2020 and skimmed it then, and like many other went off and tried to survive. I re-read it today, having set up as an indie publisher who has a pipeline to complete and get out into the world.
There are some hidden gems in the pages - like how to analyse work from other writers. Plus of course, versioning your drafts (NB: I date and timestamp my versions for good measure.)
For those who really want to focus on the pulp fiction- I recommend using the one in this book or coming up with your own.
FYI: For a completely different genre, I set up my own system to use, both as a writer and editor of short stories. Checking in with Jim has made me realise I got most of the process correct and I can fine tune it going forward.
There are some hidden gems in the pages - like how to analyse work from other writers. Plus of course, versioning your drafts (NB: I date and timestamp my versions for good measure.)
For those who really want to focus on the pulp fiction- I recommend using the one in this book or coming up with your own.
FYI: For a completely different genre, I set up my own system to use, both as a writer and editor of short stories. Checking in with Jim has made me realise I got most of the process correct and I can fine tune it going forward.
November 14, 2017
Because I know that a lot of the readers of these reviews are authors themselves, and because, as a writer, I happen to have a large collection of books on writing, I’ve decided to review some of them as a service to my readers. One of my favorite how-to books, and one that has been in my library for some time, is How to Write a Novel the Easy Way by Jim Driver with Jack Davies.
A brief book by an author, editor, and publisher in the UK, this book discusses the pulp fiction method of writing, harking back to the 50s and 60s, the heyday of pulp fiction, when authors cranked out book after book, not exactly literary fiction, but well-crafted stories for the broadest possible audience. The authors describe easy-to-apply methods for writing stories that will entertain readers, which, at the end of the day is what we writers really want to do.
From character development to outlining and writing your book, you will find this a handy reference for your own shelves. They take the mystery out of mystery writing, and put the romance in your bodice-rippers. I purchased this book from Amazon so long ago, it’s no longer listed in my purchases. While I spend most of my time writing, or reading books for review, these days, I hadn’t picked it up in a long time, but when I did, I wasn’t surprised to find that there were still things I could learn from it.
A brief book by an author, editor, and publisher in the UK, this book discusses the pulp fiction method of writing, harking back to the 50s and 60s, the heyday of pulp fiction, when authors cranked out book after book, not exactly literary fiction, but well-crafted stories for the broadest possible audience. The authors describe easy-to-apply methods for writing stories that will entertain readers, which, at the end of the day is what we writers really want to do.
From character development to outlining and writing your book, you will find this a handy reference for your own shelves. They take the mystery out of mystery writing, and put the romance in your bodice-rippers. I purchased this book from Amazon so long ago, it’s no longer listed in my purchases. While I spend most of my time writing, or reading books for review, these days, I hadn’t picked it up in a long time, but when I did, I wasn’t surprised to find that there were still things I could learn from it.
March 21, 2018
I don't know how this title would sound but this was exactly what I experienced while reading Jim Driver's "How to Write a Novel". Thanks to Kindle and Jim Driver, I got a free download. I was considering serious steps to alter my writing. I am about to complete my first novel. Writing the book revealed many of my personal flaws as a writer. Areas that I promised myself to improve are plotting, outline, maintaining a routine of writing, etc. Jim was effortless and effective in helping me with practical tips as to how to give focus to these areas. What I learned with this book would have taken me another year or more had I not read it at this point in time. Jim doesn't indulge in the theory of writing. He strips his lessons bare to their bones with practicality. His methodology is tried and proven. This little book deserves the shelf with Stephen King's On Writing, and other literary giants because the truths discussed here are relevant universally and is applicable to take the life of a writer/readers to a higher level.
A must must read for all who are new to writing and also for those who are well experienced to see where they need to go next.
A must must read for all who are new to writing and also for those who are well experienced to see where they need to go next.
February 5, 2018
The author goes over the basics of writing, basic plot structure, basic self-editing procedure, and basic idea generation.
The basics of writing include different methods of outlining and finding the time to sit down and write without interuptions. Basic plot structure is the three act method that most writers know about, but he gives a few tips and details on how to make it easy to follow. Basic self-editing is read it aloud to yourself, and when in doubt, ship it off to a editor (but research your editor). Basic idea generation is playing the what-if game with your favorite books, plus checking the Amazon bestsellers list (something we all do from time to time, eh?)
Anyway, it's a basic step-by-step how to book that does rather well. If you're looking to get started, want a refresher course, or just plain need an idea, check this ebook out, it's free!
The basics of writing include different methods of outlining and finding the time to sit down and write without interuptions. Basic plot structure is the three act method that most writers know about, but he gives a few tips and details on how to make it easy to follow. Basic self-editing is read it aloud to yourself, and when in doubt, ship it off to a editor (but research your editor). Basic idea generation is playing the what-if game with your favorite books, plus checking the Amazon bestsellers list (something we all do from time to time, eh?)
Anyway, it's a basic step-by-step how to book that does rather well. If you're looking to get started, want a refresher course, or just plain need an idea, check this ebook out, it's free!
January 31, 2021
Inspirational information for the fledgling wrier
One of the best tips on writing comes from Ernest Hemingway in The Moveable Feast which goes: Know the complexity of a situation and state it simply. This book is filled with wonderful tips for those wanting to be writers but it is probably going to be a lot harder than suggested, especially when attempting to find a new plot, story, and characters that readers have not encountered in other works of fiction or in other media. The mediocre will find an audience but the truly great will last into future generations. But as Stephen King remarked in his memoir On Writing: To be writer you need to be a reader. This is an unavoidable truism. Despite this work emphasising the pulp fiction approach, reading works of great literature must be a requirement.
One of the best tips on writing comes from Ernest Hemingway in The Moveable Feast which goes: Know the complexity of a situation and state it simply. This book is filled with wonderful tips for those wanting to be writers but it is probably going to be a lot harder than suggested, especially when attempting to find a new plot, story, and characters that readers have not encountered in other works of fiction or in other media. The mediocre will find an audience but the truly great will last into future generations. But as Stephen King remarked in his memoir On Writing: To be writer you need to be a reader. This is an unavoidable truism. Despite this work emphasising the pulp fiction approach, reading works of great literature must be a requirement.
April 28, 2023
This is more about writing technique, developing your writer voice and then going with your noir induced hard boiled gut.
The author has the voice of a pulp master - but the book is a little misleading because there are few references to the pulp masters of yesteryears. They may get name dropped occasionally, but this isn't a pulp writer reference guide - its a how to book.
That being said... It’s an excellent easy fast read. Lots of good info. Works for both discovery/instinct writers and outliners.
The best piece was the bit on over writing… which I have done. Actually helped me to pull out an old novel and say it was good enough to publish.
It’s a good book for knocking your perfectionism out of the way and actually becoming a published author. And honestly - who doesn't at least occasionally want to slug their inner critic?
The author has the voice of a pulp master - but the book is a little misleading because there are few references to the pulp masters of yesteryears. They may get name dropped occasionally, but this isn't a pulp writer reference guide - its a how to book.
That being said... It’s an excellent easy fast read. Lots of good info. Works for both discovery/instinct writers and outliners.
The best piece was the bit on over writing… which I have done. Actually helped me to pull out an old novel and say it was good enough to publish.
It’s a good book for knocking your perfectionism out of the way and actually becoming a published author. And honestly - who doesn't at least occasionally want to slug their inner critic?
May 31, 2020
Modern-day pulp writing, the successful way.
This compact book is an accelerated course consisting of precise steps, designed to lead you on the road to success as a writer of novels that will sell. The author skillfully blends some history into his lessons as he introduces you to a formula that has been used by many famous authors. Reading this book is almost like sitting listening to a master casually chatting to you over a drink or two. But each of the many anecdotes contains gems of wisdom which may be used to create a working blueprint that will allow you to write and produce works that will sell, time after time.
Basically, all that an aspiring writer needs to know is contained in this instructive yet entertaining book.
This compact book is an accelerated course consisting of precise steps, designed to lead you on the road to success as a writer of novels that will sell. The author skillfully blends some history into his lessons as he introduces you to a formula that has been used by many famous authors. Reading this book is almost like sitting listening to a master casually chatting to you over a drink or two. But each of the many anecdotes contains gems of wisdom which may be used to create a working blueprint that will allow you to write and produce works that will sell, time after time.
Basically, all that an aspiring writer needs to know is contained in this instructive yet entertaining book.
May 19, 2017
Nuggets of wisdom
The author does his best to cover a lot of information in a few pages. The result is hit and miss. There are some real nuggets of wisdom in here but there is much that the author had to gloss over. Several of the subject could have been books on their own, but are given a few scant pages here. That said, the crew at literary rebel is always happy to see proselytizing for outlines and a return to pulp. All in all it should give the budding writer a starting point upon which to build.
The author does his best to cover a lot of information in a few pages. The result is hit and miss. There are some real nuggets of wisdom in here but there is much that the author had to gloss over. Several of the subject could have been books on their own, but are given a few scant pages here. That said, the crew at literary rebel is always happy to see proselytizing for outlines and a return to pulp. All in all it should give the budding writer a starting point upon which to build.
January 13, 2022
Solid introduction to writing, but a light read on the matter.
If you are interested in getting your feet wet in the world writing, and get an introductory view into of what being an author (writing commercial fiction) is all about, than this is a good quick read fir you.
If you want to write anything else (science fiction/fantasy novel, screenplay, or epic saga), then you will still find this a nice short read, but not much help.
Definitely a writers 101, but you can’t fault it for what it is.
If you are interested in getting your feet wet in the world writing, and get an introductory view into of what being an author (writing commercial fiction) is all about, than this is a good quick read fir you.
If you want to write anything else (science fiction/fantasy novel, screenplay, or epic saga), then you will still find this a nice short read, but not much help.
Definitely a writers 101, but you can’t fault it for what it is.
September 13, 2017
This was short, but interesting because it got right to the point, showed examples of everything it talked about, and went back to the basics of writing in a method that's new to me (that used by pulp fiction writers). And rather than just going into a broad theory, there were actually a few genre-specific examples to demonstrate how it could be done, and could then be changed to work for someone writing in other genres.
August 4, 2017
This is one of those books that takes the mystery out of the writing process. You know. The secret fear that you can't do it. This book shows you that you can.
None of us can write a perfect book. Pulp fiction was known for just being fun stories that were churned out by the dozens, or hundreds. Most Readers will take fun over perfect any day. This book shows you how to make it a fun book.
None of us can write a perfect book. Pulp fiction was known for just being fun stories that were churned out by the dozens, or hundreds. Most Readers will take fun over perfect any day. This book shows you how to make it a fun book.
August 3, 2018
Quick read for all. Great for the novice writer. Lots of helpful information, even for a seasoned writer you will find many reminders of what you should be doing. It's worth the time to skim through this book for the tidbit reminders. I was engaged, disappointed it was so short definitely craved more information. Easy read.
December 25, 2018
To the point
I say it was to the point, but there were a few personal stories. However, it's a good book to learn to produce quickly. My biggest gripe was that I was Hopi g there would be a concrete definition of a pull novel, which there wasn't. However, worth. read if you want to produce quick fiction.
I say it was to the point, but there were a few personal stories. However, it's a good book to learn to produce quickly. My biggest gripe was that I was Hopi g there would be a concrete definition of a pull novel, which there wasn't. However, worth. read if you want to produce quick fiction.
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