Fiction Writing Tips: James Scott Bell
Writers are given a wealth of opportunities to cultivate a successful writing life, break out, and find an audience for their work. Yet so many writers, from beginners to veterans, find their careers stuck in neutral.
The solution is simple: Just write. Write yourself past fears, doubts, and setbacks, and use your desire for writing excellence to deeply immerse yourself in the craft.
In Just Write, best-selling author and veteran writing coach James Scott Bell shows you how to develop unforgettable stories while leading a rewarding writing life. You’ll learn how to master the nuances of fiction, discover what readers really want, and persevere through the challenges of getting started, conquering writer’s block, and dealing with rejection. Look inside to discover how to:
BRAINSTORM NEW CONCEPTS for your fiction and develop a believable premise.
CREATE MEMORABLE CHARACTERS that keep your readers coming back for more.
STUDY CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY NOVELS to improve your writing.
EFFECTIVELY MARKET YOURSELF as a writer.
MANAGE YOUR TIME to maintain peak efficiency.
Fulfilling writing careers are developed through hard work, an investment in practice, and complete dedication to the process. Don’t succumb to excuses or procrastination. Dive into your career with gusto and enthusiasm. Fall in love with writing every day. Just write.
I’m a fan of JSB’s instructional books, so I was excited to pick up this one. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew it would be good.
I was right.
If you’ve read any of his other books on writing, the first half of the book might be a bit of a repeat. Still, as I read it, it reminded me of some things I’d forgotten, and I went back to manuscript with a breakthrough idea for my previously stuck story.
Never underestimate the power of reminding yourself about things you already know.
What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was the second half of the book. “Creating a Rewarding Writing Life” really doesn’t do it justice. This book should be called Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and the Truth About (and encouragement for) Indie Publishing. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this book to any author considering self publishing. I would INSIST that frustrated indie authors read it. JSB is honest about what it means to self publish and he gives great advice for authors.
Another great book. I’ll definitely re-read this one.
(Note: most of his examples are older and for thriller/suspense. They might not translate perfectly for other genres, but the idea still works.)
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