Review: Why didn't I think of that?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 22, 2012
That's what I thought as I read the pages of this book.  Nicholas Black, the author, has put into words what every writer needs to do whether or not he or she plans to write a novel in thirty days.  I found much valuable information here, but what I liked best was the hook.  Mr. Black states over and over the process that will make every writer better at the craft - read and study your favorite writers.Chapter 13 is especially useful - an outline of the book that explains the steps needed to begin writing.  I think that if you are new to writing this could be very beneficial, but all writers need a refresher now and then.  I would have liked to see Chapter 13 as Chapter 1, only because it gives the reader a map of the book.I enjoyed the fact that the author included excerpts to help you understand his theory, not only using his own material but that of others.  His understanding of the craft of writing is good and his theory sound.I felt that I had to wade through a little too much information to get to the meat of the book.  I like the friendly conversational tone of the book and it reminded me a little of "On Writing" by Stephen King, the best book on writing, in my estimation.  However, there were some editorial errors that were glaring, since this is a book on how to write.No matter the errors, this book has something for every writer.  While I think most people would and should take more than thirty days to write a good novel, it can be done and has been proved.  The trick is in getting editing, formatting, and publishing right.  The author made sure to include that at the end.Thanks, Mr. Black for your informative, helpful book.  The takeaway for me was not only making sure I continue to study my favorite authors (something I was already doing), but setting a time aside every day to write!