A How to book for writers on putting together a novel while taking into consideration some very important concepts such as:
voice
characters--and how to develop them so that they come alive
plotting- with checklists on how to accomplish it
how to establish time and place
Establishing your theme and its importance.

All throughout the book he has worksheets, checklists and examples from actual movies and storie.
This is a must read!

Aspiring authors, ghostwriters, teachers, successful novelists who need a refresher... anyone who wants to add great skills to their writing repetoir.

Some of the areas covered in the book were things I never considered. My copy of this book is a little dog-eared from repeated use. I have even tabbed the sections for easy reference.
In his brilliance Donald thought to go over these areas in this book:

Why Write the Breakout Novel
Premise
Stakes
Time and Place
Characters
Plot
Contemporary Plot Techniques
Multiple Viewpoints, Subplots, Pace, Voice, and Endings
Advanced Plot Structures
Theme
Breaking Out

Whats not to like?
The guy is a genius.

Find out what other books he had out. I had heard about a workbook to go with the book. I hear it is better than the book. I'm anxious to work through the exercises.

This book has helped me complete writing projects which sat on my shelf for years. One of those neglected projects is now being published thanks to the advice of this multi-talented man.

Donald Maas is an accomplished writer, publisher and overall very understanding indivdual. He doesn't preach. He also tells it like it is. Mr. Maass writes that the breakout premise must have four elements: plausibility, inherent conflict, originality and gut emotional appeal. Some authors might not want to go the effort mentioned.
He does something a lot of other writing coach type authors never do: he tells authors they must look at the quality of their work and be willing to realize if it is good or crappy.

Donald Maas understands the writing process and the writer. Having written several sucessful books he understands the processes involved in

If you want magic answers then this isn't the book for you.

Writing the Breakout Novel is one of many *how to* books I have on my shelf. What makes this one different is that Donald Maas gives you the tools, the techniques and the responsibility to sit in the drivers seat of your very own masterpiece as you begin to craft your novel.
All the work is up to you.

The best way to compliment this book is to catch one of his guest lectures. *grin*

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Created Feb 24, 2007 at 2:19am • Submit your own review...