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How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling (How to Write a Damn Good Novel) | 
 enlarge | Author: James N. Frey
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Category: Book
List Price: £13.00
Buy New: £7.24
You Save: £5.76 (44%)
New (19) Used (3) from £7.24
Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 23330
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 192
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.8
ISBN: 0312010443
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.3
EAN: 9780312010447
ASIN: 0312010443
Publication Date: December 1987
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 A gem December 1, 2008
Red Uakari (London, Great Britain)
The unpromising title belies a very wise book.
I get the impression that James N. Frey has put absolutely everything that is necessary to a novice author into his book and nothing that isn't. It's a completely lean piece of work. What's remarkable then is that rather than reeling off lists of bullet-pointed instructions he's written a charming and witty page-turner. This is really the only book on novel writing that I've read that tells you not only how to write a novel but makes you want to immediately return to your moribund manuscript and pick up where you left off. My first novel has now been submitted...This is the only customer review I've ever written for any product but I really do feel Mr. Frey has got it bang on.
 Not bad, but not great July 19, 2007
CJ Savernake (UK)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I actually read "How to Write a Damn Good Novel II" (aka "How to Write Damn Good Fiction") first, and was so impressed with it that I ordered this guide as well. I was sadly disappointed, although it was interesting to see how his ideas have evolved from the first to the second book (he actually directly contradicts himself on a couple of occasions, although on at least one of those, he does indicate that he has changed his mind since he wrote the first guide).
This book may be useful for the writer who is a complete novice and lacking confidence, as it lays down some fairly direct guidelines that are likely to prevent the follower committing the worst of potential writing sins. However, it's pretty basic stuff, and the more you write, the better idea you'll get of when you can break the "rules" and still intrigue and entertain your readers. I think the most offputting thing about this guide is the number of times you catch yourself thinking of great novels that have enjoyed both critical and commercial success which appear to break the rules he has laid down. This may be why I preferred "How to Write a Damn Good Novel II", as it seems that he has recognised some of his mistakes in the second guide, and also gives illustrations as to how this or that effect was achieved in this or that well known novel.
May be worth a read for context, but I'd recommend skipping directing to his second guide.
A true work of genius on the art of writing. November 9, 2006
Z. Patt. (London, UK)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
This is a fantastic book - my copy has been scribbed in, underlined, circled and written all over. I find it such an invaluable tool to write. Frey conveys his experience perfectly and he writes in a very easy to understand style.
The best parts of this book are the character development, conflict, plot and dialogue sections. I learned many lessons from this book that have improved my writing immensely.
Perfect June 26, 2006
Mr. C. Down (UK)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
This book is short, sweet and to the point. I think someone else summed it up by noting, what he tells you seems so blooming obvious but you probably never realised it until you read this book.
His examples are enlightening and humourous, but all of his suggestions are easy to understand and really helpful. Definitely buy this if planning to write a novel.
Magnificent October 22, 2005
24 out of 31 found this review helpful
This book is great, it is very helpfull; full of techniques and the "do's and dont's" of 'dramatic novel writing'. This book not only educated me, but inspired me to crack on with my book, and i believe that it has made me a better writter (not to mention a more possitive one). I am somewhat of a novice writer, (I dont mind admiting it) this book has helped me to structure, plan and execute my stories to great effect. I would advise any writter (novice or not) to get this book, it has something for everyone.
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