Numerous books have been written about the craft of writing, but these books are specifically about novel writing, which is somewhat different from the art of fiction writing in general. Still, these three novel writing guides each present a very different approach.
The Fiction Writer's Toolkit
The Fiction Writer's Toolkit (ereads.com, 2004, ISBN 978-0759214361) by Bob Mayer is a thorough beginner's guide to writing a novel and getting it published. It goes through everything starting from the preliminary work: what to write about, planning and taking notes, novel writing equipment and how to do research. The writing isn't stellar, but does the job.
The Fiction Writer's Toolkit covers all aspects of novel writing, such as perspective, setting, dialogue, pacing and subplots. However, the book focuses much more on plot than characterization, probably because Bob Mayer writes genre novels. Thus the book would not be as useful for someone writing literary fiction.
The rest of the book includes information about finding a publisher and making a living writing novels. As this is not just a writing guide but a "toolkit", the book also includes several appendices, such as a sample chapter outline and even a sample cover letter.
How to Write a Damn Good Novel II
How to Write a Damn Good Novel II: Advanced Techniques For Dramatic Storytelling (St. Martin's Press, 1994, ISBN 978-0312104788) by James N. Frey is not a basic writing guide, but meant for people who already know how to write fiction. Frey, whose excellence in writing non-fiction as well as fiction shines through, explains how good fiction at its best can put the reader in a kind of hypnosis.
The goal of a damn good novel is achieved by building memorable - or even better, unforgettable – characters, which readers can identify with and feel both sympathy and empathy for. It does not mean they have to be admirable, quite the opposite. A very important way of doing this is inner conflict.
The book also addresses other subjects such as narrative voice and premise. Frey also explains the "contract" between the author and the reader. While readers want to be surprised, they still want to know what they are getting. Interestingly, there is also a chapter on the writer lifestyle and writing process, and what can go wrong there.
Unlike Mayer who uses his own novels as examples, Frey draws from many of the classics of world literature, from The Crime and Punishment to Stephen King, even the Bible, dissecting their premises, conflicts and characters. Everything is clearly explained and makes so much sense that it soon begins to feel obvious.
No Plot? No Problem!
It is unusual to read a novel writing guide by a writer who hasn't had a novel published. Chris Baty, however, can boast founding the National Novel Writing Month and writing a novel manuscript during November for ten years in running. No Plot? No Problem! (Chronicle Books, 2004, ISBN 978-0811845052) is witty, chatty and full of oneliners, sometimes even annoyingly so.
No Plot? No Problem! is primarily about how a person with a busy life can finish writing the first draft of a novel manuscript in a month, whether participating in NaNoWriMo or not. Baty believes that writing amidst a busy life actually works out better than, say, taking a vacation to write a book.
One of the most important messages is: write first, edit afterwards. A lot of the rest conflicts with traditional writing guides. For example, Baty warns against over planning and suggests only using a week for planning out the book. He says not to worry if one doesn't even have a plot in mind, because the characters will take care of the action.
There are many different writing exercises to help against getting stuck, but a lot of the book seems like unrelated "fluff", such as discussion of best things to snack on while writing or how to celebrate finishing one's first novel manuscript. The focus is on finishing, not necessarily on getting published, though there are a few tips on seeking publication, as well.
Which One to Choose
All of these novel writing guidebooks have a very different focus. The Fiction Writer's Toolkit may be the best one for beginners and genre novelists, but those struggling to finish (or even get started) with their first manuscript, should go for No Plot? No Problem!. Others should probably go with How to Write a Damn Good Novel II, especially if they want to strengthen their characterization.
And of course, reading all of the three books would not be a bad idea. Becoming a published novelist is a long road, not something that can be cut short with the help of one guidebook.
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