I
read and review lots of books (287 reviews blogged in 2012). More
self published books are being offered for review each year. While
some self published books are surprisingly well written, the majority
are not. I wanted to understand why.
James
Bell has given me the answers. He writes, “...99.9 percent of
self-published authors need to learn how to self-edit better.” (11)
I agree!
Writing
good fiction is hard work. Bell's book is a wealth of information on
writing a novel and then revising and self-editing it. He takes us
through developing compelling characters, creating scenes that move
the story, establishing the plot and structure, point of view,
improving fiction through dialogue, and much more. He emphasizes
rewriting. “If you want your book to be the best it can be, it's
going to take work. And you won't get it right the first time.”
(198)
I
especially liked his idea of the spreadsheet for scene development.
That idea alone made the book worthwhile for me. And I agree
wholeheartedly with his advice against flashbacks. If used, they must
be with great care.
Bell
has included several exercises at the end of each chapter, making
this a great choice for fiction writing groups. He also includes The
Ultimate Revision Checklist, a systematic approach to revising your
work.
My
advice to all you self publishing writers of fiction – get this
book. Perhaps you have a great idea, a potential plot that sizzles,
and a possibility of compelling characters. Now, take that draft to
the next level. By using the material in Bell's book, you can make
that mediocre work one that will receive five stars from reviewers
like me.
But
remember,I've read Bell's book. I know what dialogue is supposed to
do. I know how scenes are supposed to be created. I know what makes a
compelling character. Do you?
James
Scott Bell is a best-selling novelist. He lives and writes in Los
Angeles. You can find out more about him at www.jamesscottbell.com.
Writer's
Digest Books, 281 pages.
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