How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling

James Frey's How to Write a D*** Good Novel is a classic for writers. It's been around a long time (since 1987) because it is straightforward, easy to ready and prioritizes what's important in writing a great novel. If you're new to writing, it tells you what the most important elements are and if you're experienced, it reminds you where the problem areas lay. The fact that he relays all the details with a sense of humor makes everything digestible--as opposed to pedantic lecturers who write not for the reader but to hear the sound of their own words.Chapters include the Who of writing, conflict, the story's Premise, how to tell a story, climax-resolution and end, POV, dialogue, and editing. Among the chapters are topics that aren't covered well in other books such as how to get to know your character (maybe via an interview), how to avoid stereotyping your character, keeping characters in the crucible, genres, when/how to begin the story before the beginning, resolving conflict, objective viewpoint (have you ever heard of that one?), foreshadowing, symbols, dynamic prose, writers groups, and where to after you've finished the book.The real plus of this book is it is readable, down-to-earth, speaks in language ordinary people understand and addresses problems we all face in our writing. When I get stuck in my story, I first identify what the problem might be, then I pull my writer's resources out and read what the experts tell me would solve it. Frey has more of those specific problems than most other books. Every writer's handbook will tell you about the dialogue but not many get into foreshadowing and flashbacks.There are a few items missing, though. For example, I went through a phase in my current novel where I didn't believe I had a good handle on what my theme was. Frey doesn't have anything on theme (I found some good information in Bob Mayer's Novel Writer's Toolkit). Or story arc, for that matter. Frey tells me to begin the story at the beginning and add lots of conflict, but sometimes I need more specifics than that.The other piece that's missing in his book is an index. I like a good index so I can quickly find a specific topic. In Frey's book, I have to scan the Table of Contents (which is pretty detailed) to find it.The last bit Frey doesn't cover is how to write with inspiration and creativity. I don't hold that against him, though, because I think we writers have to bring that with us to the novelist table.Overall, I recommend every writer include it in their library of How-to books and review it when you have a bit of free time. It will remind you of what's important in our trade.

I will not say this book will not help you, there is good info in it. I will say it won't help you write a damn good novel. I felt that Frey over emphasized on common knowledge of writing as if his readers have never read a book prior to his. The three stars reflects how painful a read it was. Frey goes on and on with small Petty examples on info most people learnt in high school creative writing. Small quotes, bulleted, lasting up to two full pages, on average. Useful up to the 3rd example but after the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th sometimes as high as 12 examples it becomes a complete waste of time and just a way to fill pages.The novels he uses for examples, they are classics yes, he actual inspired me to read Madame Bovary. But the novels he uses do not reflect the times and styles in which we live and we will write about. That makes a big difference. This book is marketed to the laymen, someone planning on writing a great American novel, not a classic based in the 1800's. This wasn't meant to be used in the classroom it was meant for and marketed as a format to help the laymen writer, write a novel, a damn good on in fact. In my opinion Frey could of written this much better.The book is more of a book than a text book, which I expected. I do use it to reference certain things but being the way it was written it is hard to locate information unless you have highlighted and noted the page number. I do not do this as I normally donate my used books to my library after I pass them around my family. I purchased the Marshall Plan for novel writing along with this book. I have not fully read it but the style seems more appropriate to the function it is intended for. From the four chapters I have read from it I found it much easier to stay focused and retain the information, instead of just wanting to push through it and get it over with. There is info offered that answers questions I had and teaches me new things instaed of focusing soley on the basics. It was a good thing I read this Frey first, if I would of read the Marshall plan, I probably would of never made it past the 2nd chapter in Freys book.Look for books like this in your local library or buy used as I did. I would go with the Marshall Plan over this book in a heart beat. I am amazed at the reviews Frey's book got. This book should be a 3 star book, no more. What ever book you decide to go with best of luck and never give up on writing. It is a painful processes on its own. Writing is like suffering from bipolar. You can be at the top of your game one day, putting out the best work you have written and the next everything sucks and you don't want to go near the computer.

This book was highly recommended by a few writers. At the beginning, I just didn't agree with the author. He tells you what you need to do to write a dam good novel. But if you don't write his way, that doesn't mean that you will not end up writing a masterpiece. What I didn't like is that he tells you precisely what you have to do. Each author is different. What works for some, doesn't work for others. He tells you to write one hundred pages development about each of your main characters before you start writing your novel. You don't have to do it if it will only create confusion. And if transformed into your writing, it could be felt by your readers. And it might be a waste time to do it in the first place.But I have loved a few things that I didn't think about in my writing. The author talked about physical characteristics that shape us of who we are. It may develop our personality that way and our expectations.Another thing that I loved is the personification. What a wonderful way to present our characters in the novels!The last one that stood out was symbol of life. Many new writers who rely heavy on symbolism are using it wrong. They can sound childish and be picked up as amateurs. The author explains well what symbolism mean and how it should be used.The writer strongly emphasized using conflicts upon conflicts throughout the book. He stressed it well enough that I'll never forget it.Overall, the book was good, but the last two or three chapters were most valuable for me. I loved the way how the author talked about dialogues at the end and pointed out things that will become useful in my writing.I didn't know that there was a part II; I will be looking towards that read as well.

The unpromising title belies a very wise book.I get the impression that James N. Frey has put absolutely everything that is necessary to a novice author into his book and nothing that isn't. It's a completely lean piece of work. What's remarkable then is that rather than reeling off lists of bullet-pointed instructions he's written a charming and witty page-turner. This is really the only book on novel writing that I've read that tells you not only how to write a novel but makes you want to immediately return to your moribund manuscript and pick up where you left off. My first novel has now been submitted...This is the only customer review I've ever written for any product but I really do feel Mr. Frey has got it bang on.

I actually read "How to Write a Damn Good Novel II" (aka "How to Write Damn Good Fiction") first, and was so impressed with it that I ordered this guide as well. I was sadly disappointed, although it was interesting to see how his ideas have evolved from the first to the second book (he actually directly contradicts himself on a couple of occasions, although on at least one of those, he does indicate that he has changed his mind since he wrote the first guide).This book may be useful for the writer who is a complete novice and lacking confidence, as it lays down some fairly direct guidelines that are likely to prevent the follower committing the worst of potential writing sins. However, it's pretty basic stuff, and the more you write, the better idea you'll get of when you can break the "rules" and still intrigue and entertain your readers. I think the most offputting thing about this guide is the number of times you catch yourself thinking of great novels that have enjoyed both critical and commercial success which appear to break the rules he has laid down. This may be why I preferred "How to Write a Damn Good Novel II", as it seems that he has recognised some of his mistakes in the second guide, and also gives illustrations as to how this or that effect was achieved in this or that well known novel.May be worth a read for context, but I'd recommend skipping directing to his second guide.

There is nothing wrong with the information in this book - what there is of it, but it is very basic. I am aware that the book was written some time ago and in my view it desperately needs updating. I would have sent it back had I read it in time, because I didn't read anything new or inspirational. There should have been much more information and tips. Not very impressed I'm afraid.

Bought this is a gift and had a quick look. Good ideas and easy format. Sadly the recipient has not started to write his book.

Good but probably not such an inspiration as the first book. Excellent, though!