Writing the Breakout Novel

by Donald Maass

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Explains the elements that all breakout novels share & shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that will stand out within the crowded marketplace. A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category -- such as literary fiction, mystery, romance, or thriller -- and hits the bestseller lists. Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding in a crowded marketplace. They'll learn to: -- create a powerful and sweeping sense of time and place -- develop larger-than-life characters -- sustain a high degree of narrative tension from start to finish -- weave sub-plots into the main action -- explore universal themes that will interest a large audience of readers Then, using several of his clients' experiences -- including best-selling novelist Anne Perry -- as case studies, Maass provides real-life, insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest, creating or enhancing a novelist's career.… (more)

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In this book, a literary agent gives his perspective on what an author needs to do, in their writing, to break out of the mid-list and into the best-seller lists. What's interesting is that there may not really be anything new here. It seems as though I have heard much of this advice before. But Mr. Maass presents it in such a compelling and straightforward fashion that it seems new. And it seems right. His thoughts should help me, and any author with their current work. I know I will have to return to this book more than once when I'm ready to take things to the next phase. Recommended. (

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zot79 | Aug 20, 2023 |

Lots of writing information delivered in an interesting way. (

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DebCushman | Aug 25, 2022 |

Good, broad-strokes combination of stuff that's all a bit "been there, read that". Definitely a good resource for people who are just approaching the idea of writing publishable works. (

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James_Patrick_Joyce | Oct 24, 2020 |

God, this book was irritating. Every time I read a "this is how you write" book by a non-writer I swear I'll never do it again. Then I end up doing it again because someone will swear "oh this one is different." Nope. Not different. Exactly the same, actually. 260 pages of selling (in this case he's selling the phrase "breakout novel") and about 1 or 2 useful ideas. Nothing new, mind you, just useful to be reminded of them. I suppose actually reading a good novel could have reminded me of those ideas too. In fact, you know what? The time I spent reading this really annoying guy would have been much better spent reading a good novel.

Don't buy this book. If you really want to learn something about story crafting and you really, really think you can gain something more than you would from just reading and writing and sharing your work, at least read a "this is how you write" book written by a writer who's work you respect. (

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Adrian_Astur_Alvarez | Dec 3, 2019 |

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Adrian_Astur_Alvarez | Dec 3, 2019 |

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Explains the elements that all breakout novels share & shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that will stand out within the crowded marketplace. A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category -- such as literary fiction, mystery, romance, or thriller -- and hits the bestseller lists. Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding in a crowded marketplace. They'll learn to: -- create a powerful and sweeping sense of time and place -- develop larger-than-life characters -- sustain a high degree of narrative tension from start to finish -- weave sub-plots into the main action -- explore universal themes that will interest a large audience of readers Then, using several of his clients' experiences -- including best-selling novelist Anne Perry -- as case studies, Maass provides real-life, insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest, creating or enhancing a novelist's career.

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