Review: Begin with the basics
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 15, 2013
With the advent of digital publishing, it seems like just about everyone nowadays is trying to write the next bestselling novel. Consequently, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of books on how to write a novel or nonfiction book. I've read a number of these, and Ray Johnson's "How to Write a Novel" is one of the better ones, at least in terms of its thoroughness and clearly stated approach to writing. The book describes four basic steps to writing a novel, and covers four principles of writing that affect the structure and content of a novel. A lot of helpful examples are given, many of them from bestselling books. One chapter is about writing realistic dialogue, one of the most difficult tasks confronting any would-be author. It's a short chapter, but it's got some very useful ideas, with examples of what to avoid.The book covers some of the "nuts and bolts" matters that new authors need to know, including the proper ways to use Microsoft Word. The book is geared toward digital publishing, notably with Amazon's KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), but the process is similar for most other e-book publishers. There are also helpful chapters on creating effective book titles and cover art. The author generally recommends acquiring cover art from experienced artists, and he shows how to do this without spending a fortune.Overall, the book has a wealth of valuable information for budding authors seeking to write their first novel. The book would be a nice addition to any new author's resource library.A review copy of the book was provided by the author.