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13+ Works 435 Members 13 Reviews

About the Author

Includes the name: Sandra Scofield

Works by Sandra Scofield

Beyond Deserving (1991) 54 copies
A Chance to See Egypt (1996) 41 copies
Plain Seeing: A Novel (1997) 30 copies
Gringa (1995) 20 copies
Opal on Dry Ground (1994) 18 copies
Walking Dunes (1992) 17 copies
Occasions of Sin: A Memoir (2004) 15 copies
More Than Allies (1993) 8 copies
Writing from Premise (1996) 1 copy

Associated Works

A Line of Cutting Women (1998) — Contributor — 14 copies

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Gender
female
Nationality
USA

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I feel like the book could have been restructured in a way that it becomes a really good diagnostic tool, but most of the book was analysis and excerpts from books the author enjoys or has written.

However, there were some good nuggets in here, and I think a really good template/checklist at the end for trying to figure out why scenes you may have written feel 'muddy' or aren't working right. That's the stuff beginners like me really need
 
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nimishg | 6 other reviews | Apr 12, 2023 |
My editor suggested I read this book to form an "about" statement and discover my "ideal reader" which would have made sense before I turned in my final draft. Completing these exercises might be helpful but time consuming with a 4 week deadline. #amediting
 
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AngelaLam | 1 other review | Feb 8, 2022 |
 
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jamestomasino | 6 other reviews | Sep 11, 2021 |
Award-winning novelist, Sandra Scofield (her novel, Beyond Deserving was a finalist for the National Book Award) has been working with aspiring novelists for over two decades.

As an aspiring writer myself, I know that completing a first draft, while not easy, is not all that difficult if you have some discipline. But the really daunting challenge is what to do next. How do we make this rough manuscript into a real novel, something we can be proud of? Something that others might want to read?

There is no magical formula, but Scofield’s guide provides a map for how we can proceed. She writes clearly and humbly and doesn’t try to overpromise. Most writers know that the odds against being published are huge.

I’ve used Scofield’s guide and it has helped me to write a much better novel. And just as important as the guidance she provides for the revision process, is the honest perspective she shares on the writing life.

Here is what Scofield had to say about her own career:

“I’ve never had a book with large sales. All my books, however received warm critical praise including a nomination for the National Book Award…I’m proud of my books. I’ve known writers who, to me, are famous, but who feel they didn’t get the acclaim they deserved. Some died still lamenting their careers. I can only say: Get over it. Write what you love; love writing it; hope for a readership; appreciate every reader. So a million people don’t buy your book? Would it be such a terrible thing to say that only ten thousand, or four thousand, or hell, four hundred people read your book? Think about that. Every reader’s time is precious. I love all my readers.”

I highly recommend this guide for anyone who has a first draft or is just considering writing a novel. It is an incredible resource.
… (more)
 
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LenJoy | 1 other review | Mar 14, 2021 |

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Works
13
Also by
2
Members
435
Popularity
#56,232
Rating
½ 3.5
Reviews
13
ISBNs
35
Languages
1

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